Liverpool vs Aston Villa Post-Match Thread

[tony scott]

We were not allowed to settle, bringing on Bailey should have added another dimension to our game, but only the increased the pressure on our shaky defence.    With hindsight Im sure Dendonker should have been a better choice,but maybe there are issues on that bench we’re unaware of.

[Meanwood Villa]

Agree that Duran's cameo was shite but I thought Zaniolo looked skilful, some nice touches but other players didn't seem on his wavelength.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

My biggest worry is how slow our back line looks without Mings, playing a high line last season his pace got us out of trouble many times, Torres unfortunately looked slow and fragile, other clubs will have taken notice, I would have replaced him early doors.
Diaby again a bright spot with very little support but Watkins was well held. Duran, oh dear, has he got a brain, his two efforts from impossible positions was nothing short of embarrassing.

Watkins has an amazing talent of marking himself out of the game. Both he and Duran showed a rare talent of playing 'Statues'. The lack of movement, especially when we have players like Torres than can thread a ball through, ignoring the midfield, is currently wasted right now.

I heard an interview the other day with Van Horseface where he said 'Ferguson asked whether Beckham, Butt, Scholes or whoever play the same ball through to him'. Obviously he replied 'no'. To which Ferguson replied, 'so learn to understand when they have the ball what type of run or position you need to make'.

Watkins and Duran are waiting for the perfect ball. What is it, 1 goal in 11 now for Watkins? I accept he'll never be a technical player but at least try moving and be an intelligent player. Worse than him have made a great career out of it.

[Risso]

Bringing on Bailey just repeated the mistake that was made against Newcastle. ie playing Bailey.

[astonvilla82]

Bringing on Bailey just repeated the mistake that was made against Newcastle. ie playing Bailey.

Yes I was disappointed when he came on

[rougegorge]

Bringing on Bailey just repeated the mistake that was made against Newcastle. ie playing Bailey.

Yes I was disappointed when he came on

I just somehow assumed that Unai knew what he was doing, as to say I was disappointed would have been an understatement.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Bringing on Bailey just repeated the mistake that was made against Newcastle. ie playing Bailey.

Yes I was disappointed when he came on

I just somehow assumed that Unai knew what he was doing, as to say I was disappointed would have been an understatement.

Unai, despite the results and performances last season is only human. I think it's something we're going to need to start understanding. As we say down here, 'Great work we can do but miracles take longer'.

[Percy McCarthy]

Who gets dropped to fit Ramsey back into midfield? 

Bailey / Carlos

I forgot that we had 3/5 defenders starting today. It's not as difficult a question as I thought it was.

Not difficult at all. He just goes back in the position he played last season and McGinn hoes back to the right. Nothing to do with the number of defenders.

[SoccerHQ]

Agree that Duran's cameo was shite but I thought Zaniolo looked skilful, some nice touches but other players didn't seem on his wavelength.

It was a shame Nico couldn't play either game v Hibs to get him up to speed quicker.

Feels like the sort I'd start v Palace just to freshen up the team and sort of maverick you need to break down what will be a rigid and low block opponent.

[VillaTim]

 :'(

Bringing on Bailey just repeated the mistake that was made against Newcastle. ie playing Bailey.

Didn't appreciate the way he stormed down the tunnel like a hormonal diva . Emery surely clocked it. We don't need bad apples and his talent is limited . Waste of a squad space .

[Cropley10]

Our midfield was terrible today, Duggie must have had his least number of touches wearing a Villa shirt!. We will not beat the top sides unless we are clinical with our chances---- they were and it could have been worse!   Bailey is just far too lightweight for the Premier League, teams have got his measure and muscle him out of games.  I think Unai will rue the day we never got in another top striker this window! As for Duran   well at least Heskey could hold the ball up!

[adrenachrome]

Klopp found a way to shut down SJM. He is integral to our play in transition. 

Unai will learn from this.

[ROBBO]

When we went behind and needed someone with a bit of fight about him he brings on Bailey, why? surely Dendonker would have given us a bit more strength. Puzzling.

[Villafirst]

The loss of Diego Carlos was a major factor as it weakened the defence massively. I don't understand the logic of bringing on Bailey. The absence of Mings will be felt throughout the season, plus Moreno and JJ - hopefully they'll be back later this month. Even the Buendia option is a loss. It' has to be noted that we held the scousers to a 1-1 draw at Anfield less than 5 months ago - we were nowhere near that level, plus Liverpool were chasing a top 4 finish. We could easily have won that game but for a late equaliser.

[RamboandBruno]

The loss of Diego Carlos was a major factor as it weakened the defence massively. I don't understand the logic of bringing on Bailey. The absence of Mings will be felt throughout the season, plus Moreno and JJ - hopefully they'll be back later this month. Even the Buendia option is a loss. It' has to be noted that we held the scousers to a 1-1 draw at Anfield less than 5 months ago - we were nowhere near that level, plus Liverpool were chasing a top 4 finish. We could easily have won that game but for a late equaliser.

I was at that game in May and its what I found most frustrating/concerning about yesterday, in terms of the difference in performance. Mings is the obvious difference, but if its as simple as that, then Im not sure how the league season will pan out.