Barcodes-1 Aston Villa -1 Post Match Thread

[LukeJames]

Didnt realise we hadn't won up there since Bowyer and Dyer decided they didn't like each other, co-incidentally the last game I went to up there.

[Brend'Watkins]

We are way off form, Jack missing is the main issue but other players performances have dipped for what ever reason. McGinn who was quite good overall didn’t do the right things when needed often enough. We need two quality midfielders and an additional quality striker to add to the squad if we are to push on. Konsa is a top defender and should get a call up for England.

[Meanwood Villa]

Having a nightmare with this. You get my point I will shut up

Yes fair points. Suppose we shouldn't really turn our noses up at likes of Ings when we're so short of goals right now.

[RamboandBruno]

Haven’t read the whole thread, so apologies if repeating anything. Obviously very disappointing performance and despite the horrible way it happened a draw was probably fair. a few observation.
This is not all about Jack, this form started when he was in the side, Brighton away was probably even worse than last night, we probably got a bit lucky against a Southampton side on the slide and Burnley away in the 2nd half has been well discussed.
We have a pattern of play involving two wide men and overlapping full backs, but no real alternative when either the opposition counter these tactics effectively or some of the players are out of form, low on confidence, e.g. el Ghazi, Trez and Traore. Actually for once smith tried something slightly different last night when he brought Trez off with el Ghazi being the only recognisable wide man.

It’s been poor viewing for the last 5 or 6 weeks, but I bet if you look back at any side who has finished between 8-10 in the premier over numerous years, they would of had runs of performances and results like this. It’s a bit shite at the moment after the highs of earlier in the season, but I had us optimistically penned for about 12th this season, so whilst not happy with how things are going, I’m still really optimistic about the future. Put everything in context, my 10 year old has seen us relegated, finish lower half championship, lose a play off final with Bruce conservatism and then escape relegation by the skin of our teeth last year. He was really fed up last night and moaning about what it’s like being a mid table side!!

Finally going forwards for the rest of this season. Smiths made a mistake playing Ramsey against Sheffield and Newcastle. Sanson gives us more. This won’t be popular on here, but after a dodgy first five mins, I thought Barkley did ok, whilst I wouldn’t buy him, if he can start performing for the last few games, with Grealish back, it might make all the difference.
Depending on Traores fitness, I’d consider playing him wide right cutting in.

[olaftab]

Having a nightmare with this. You get my point I will shut up

and I am so pleased you are not in charge of our transfer policy.

[olaftab]

I agree we are crying out for full on wingers who get the ball and their first thought is to destroy his marker. It's an area where I think they will be looking to improve on in the summer.

Yes but I think the problem is that these days they are all told to cut in rather head for the line or goal. This slows down everything and defender can face the ball coming in  instead of facing the goal. I am sure this tactic is tried because it worked to a point but there is nothing like totally destroying a defence than full on runs from forwards.

[mr underhill]

That injury seems to have robbed SJM of the super bit, sadly, in the same way it did for Kodjia.

[N'ZMAV]

This recent run suggests we’ve been so reliant on just a handful on consistent performers with the hope a few of of the other players has a decent game. Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett, Grealish and Watkins are the ones who usually perform week in week out. Which, suggests to me the others need to be upgraded and they then turn into the subs.

[Baldy]

This recent run suggests we’ve been so reliant on just a handful on consistent performers with the hope a few of of the other players has a decent game. Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett, Grealish and Watkins are the ones who usually perform week in week out. Which, suggests to me the others need to be upgraded and they then turn into the subs.

This 100%. Apart from the seven mentioned, the others have got until the end of the season to prove their worth.

We have spent between 200m and 250m and have churned out rubbish for the last two months. Totally unacceptable.

We clearly have excellent 'defensive' coaches. Do we even have an 'attacking' coach? 

[Dr_Fegg]

I agree we are crying out for full on wingers who get the ball and their first thought is to destroy his marker. It's an area where I think they will be looking to improve on in the summer.

Yes but I think the problem is that these days they are all told to cut in rather head for the line or goal. This slows down everything and defender can face the ball coming in  instead of facing the goal. I am sure this tactic is tried because it worked to a point but there is nothing like totally destroying a defence than full on runs from forwards.

I was just going to post something similar.

I noticed on several occasions McGinn and Traore almost bumping into each other with their desire to get it back onto their left foot and when both "wingers" (they arent really but best word i can find) cut in it makes the defences job a doddle.

The full back know whats coming so arent looking to defend wide and the centre halfs know itll just get congested and easier.

As a "radical" idea why not play Tarore on the left and make him use his left to be more destructive. I think he might run at them a little more if its always on his best side. If nothing else defenders will have 2 things to worry about.

Although ive no idea who to play down the RH side....

and some of the goals weve scored this year is when weve got to the byline and cut it back into the middle

[ChicagoLion]

Said the same last week, if the wingers turn inside the defenders just funnel them into more traffic.

[Dr_Fegg]

Overall I thought Sanson looked a better choice than Ramsey who didnt get into the game but my main ire was directed at Barkley again.

A 10 minute cameo of utter shite. Gave it away in dangerous areas (again, just like the last game when he "passed" it to Mings) then stood around having a hissy fit instead of chasing back.

Oxygen theif.

Should never feature for Villa again, just a waste of a squad number.

I wonder if Luiz and McGinn would be better further forward and have Nakamba in as the defensive midfielder?

 

[Whiney MacWhineface]

Didn't realise Barkley had signed for Newcastle, though admittedly he was pretty poor for them too.

[andyh]

We are way off form, Jack missing is the main issue but other players performances have dipped for what ever reason. McGinn who was quite good overall didn’t do the right things when needed often enough. We need two quality midfielders and an additional quality striker to add to the squad if we are to push on. Konsa is a top defender and should get a call up for England.

I think you have answered your own question.
Jack is an exceptional talent.
When he plays he makes ordinary players play better. When he doesn’t play, ordinary players play like ordinary players.

[martyn ellis]

Throughout my football-supporting life I have often wondered what makes players brilliant for a period and then suddenly lose form, often to never regain it. Quite apart from injury or the influence of the players around them, if those factors remain the same, surely it must be psychological. Why has Anwar slipped from El Goalsie to El Ghastly? Likewise, why does a team that is able to retain the ball, hold on to the ball, pick a bass with the ball, be in the right space to receive the ball, suddenly, seemingly overnight, lose those abilities as a group? beats me.