Aston Villa v Wolves Post-Match Thread

[Beard82]

Did someone on here at half time really say we have a thin squad?!

The subs made the difference as you'd expect them to. Maatsen, Bailey and Duran would all start for teams directly below us imo.

Now let's see some of these guys get a prem start in the near future as they're earning the right from the bench most weeks.

Yeah I said that - and although I was clearly the first person that has over reacted on a match thread - I do have some concern. Being able change things up from the bench is clearly an improvement - but all out competitors can do that and it’s how the game is now played.  the point I was trying to make is we’re asking about 17 players to perform at ucl most weeks - and it is a big ask.

We might have two great left backs - but we have 1 decent winger and he wasn’t playing because he was coming back from injury.  Mean while we have McGinn in an ineffective position because of this.  We also don’t have a right back of the required level and Carlos isn’t of the standard we need.  A couple of injuries or loss of form away from potentially struggling.  It’s amazing that we’re now in a position where we can play badly go behind and still win - there are a lot tougher tests to come.

The squad is clearly the best we could assemble given the circumstances - but over the summer Monchi talked of having two starting 11 without a drop off in quality and although we have that in a couple of key positions were aren’t in others.

Where do you think SJM should play to be more effective? Instead of Tielemans, Onana, Ramsey, Rogers?

I think the point is we shouldnt neccessarily be playing all of them every week as we risk getting to the end of the season and being knackered like we did last year.

I agree with that. Just wondering where SJM is more effective than right-midfield. To me, he’s cover for a number of positions when people are injured/rotated. Which is a sign of a pretty strong squad.

I think in some positions we do have good depth - but CB, RB and RW I think need more cover.  We have some brillaint players and an absolutely world class manager.  But I do think some areas of the squad are thinner than we would like.   Carlos isnt good enough, but had to play - and ended up gifting them a goal. 

[Brazilian Villain]

For the 2nd week running another great comeback from the boys,

We've won our last two PL games after trailing at half-time, the same number of times we've done it in the last 99 top-flight games (D11, L86) when we were behind at the interval.

[Beard82]

For the 2nd week running another great comeback from the boys,

We've won our last two PL games after trailing at half-time, the same number of times we've done it in the last 99 top-flight games (D11, L86) when we were behind at the interval.

Thats an amazing stat

[The Edge]

I fucking love this team

Focus, determination, graft, collectiveness, togetherness and a shit load of tactical nous and pure footballing ability.

All conducted by a grand master of the art.

I am not sure when, but under ti's genius and with our trajectory, we will win the Premier league

Aye t'is only a matter of time 😃

[aj2k77]

I really, really, really, really , really wants this group of players and manager to win a trophy.

[jon collett]

Wonder if our starting XI might evolve

At the moment it’s hard to argue Duran, Barkley and Maatsen shouldn’t be starting.

And probably Bailey too if he can get fit again.

With a change of right back too that’s probably five changes on yesterday

[Toronto Villa]

When Unai arrived at the club he spoke a lot about mentality and how it was important to have players that had the strength to compete at the top level. To not be afraid of the challenge, to embrace and enjoy it. With that comes the ability to overcome adversity. We have had to earn all of that. We have had to go through humiliating defeats to the likes of Stevenage to arrive where we are today. We now have a club that can compete at the top of the table because we are just tougher everywhere. That all came from the manager and it now lives in the players in games and between games.

[Nii Lamptey]

What I love most is that Unai sees it the same as us. Literally called the 1st half for what it was..... Shit! 

The other main difference is that unlike pretty much ALL of our previous managers, he has the ability and tactical nous to effect change and turn the result around during a match, rather than just stating the bloody obvious in post match interviews as to what 'could have been'.

We really have hit the jackpot with this fella, and I'm starting to think.... could we?? 👀

[VillaTim]

Wonder if our starting XI might evolve

At the moment it’s hard to argue Duran, Barkley and Maatsen shouldn’t be starting.

It's equally hard to argue Watkins, Onana or Digne should be dropped.
Just get used to having a quality squad finally, playing under an elite manager

[Legion]

I fucking love this team

Focus, determination, graft, collectiveness, togetherness and a shit load of tactical nous and pure footballing ability.

All conducted by a grand master of the art.

I am not sure when, but under ti's genius and with our trajectory, we will win the Premier league

I feel it’s a top drawer defender away.  We’re that good. 

Mings?

[Witton Warrior]

Just watching the 2nd goal again , the finish from Konsa deserves more credit. Also goal 3, the pass from Maatsen to Rogers is perfect as is Rogers ball across, you seem them overhit so often

Absolutely.  That finish for a cb was breath taking

It took some guts with Carlos steaming in as well!

[Hookeysmith]

I fucking love this team

Focus, determination, graft, collectiveness, togetherness and a shit load of tactical nous and pure footballing ability.

All conducted by a grand master of the art.

I am not sure when, but under ti's genius and with our trajectory, we will win the Premier league

I feel it’s a top drawer defender away.  We’re that good. 

Agreed and it was evident SUE  thought so as well hence our links with Guitruder (sp)
Maybe Jan will provide this?

[jon collett]

Wonder if our starting XI might evolve

At the moment it’s hard to argue Duran, Barkley and Maatsen shouldn’t be starting.

It's equally hard to argue Watkins, Onana or Digne should be dropped.
Just get used to having a quality squad finally, playing under an elite manager

Not sure that’s true unfortunately!

The evidence is mounting.

[VillaTim]

Wonder if our starting XI might evolve

At the moment it’s hard to argue Duran, Barkley and Maatsen shouldn’t be starting.

It's equally hard to argue Watkins, Onana or Digne should be dropped.
Just get used to having a quality squad finally, playing under an elite manager

Not sure that’s true unfortunately!

The evidence is mounting.

what evidence ? Watkins has 3 in 2 , Onana and Digne have been brilliant this season so far

[Bad English]

I was watching with a mate from Toulouse. I had bigged up Emery's Villa, was pontificating on our set pieces, and being fairly refreshed up at the time, I recall telling him that Catweazle's name was Craig Shakespeare rather than Austin MacPhee.

So we watched the first half, my mate obviously thought I was a right div (yes, I hear you screaming to confirm), and I said, I'm not too worried I think we'll win 3-1 anyway.

Quod erat demonstrandum.