Aston Villa v Fulham Post-Match Thread

[Dante Lavelli]

The strength of the bench is impressive.  Ramsey and Onana both played well.

One minor grumble is trying to crowbar both Rogers and Asensio into the same team.  They like to occupy similar spaces and neither offers much threat out wide. 

[aj2k77]

We are third in the big chances missed stat with 73. For context Newcastle have missed 58. I don't know what they use to constitute a big chance missed though.

[Dave]

I don't know what they use to constitute a big chance missed though.

Not what you might think it is:

Big Chance Missed
A big chance opportunity when the player does not get a shot away, typically given for big chance attempts where the player completely misses the ball (air shot) but can also be given when the player has a big chance opportunity and decides not to shoot, resulting in no attempt occurring in that attack.

So Ollie's air shot just after half-time counts as one, but Malen launching the ball into the Holte upper from ten yards doesn't.

[LeeB]

Honestly Dave, for me it was a refreshing change from seeing the ball hit the bloody keepers legs again.

[eye digress]

Honestly Dave, for me it was a refreshing change from seeing the ball hit the bloody keepers legs again.

Great post, made me laugh.

Ian, I mostly share your view, but blurting it all out live on telly was naive and (in my view) harmful.

[Mister E]

Ollie’s just an honest lad, nothing wrong with what he said. He just wants to play and he believes in himself.
We’ve had too many years with players like Richard’s, Lescott, the fat twat who’s name escapes me who couldn’t get past his gate. More too who didn’t care.
Ollie cares massively and last week after the semi-final, not that there was many fans left, but he was one of the only players to walk right around the edge of the pitch and clap and apologise to us.

Well said, and - about  the game last week - Watkins was let down by the team selection: he had very little ball and very few around him when he did get it.
Having seen the summary from ysesterday's game, he probably should have got something on the Cash pass but was unsighted by the defender (still should have gambled better!).

[PeterWithe]

It’s not too much to imagine Barkley’s instructions to have been ‘just keep the ball’, I think I counted one successful pass. A quite remarkable cameo from him.

[LeeB]

It’s not too much to imagine Barkley’s instructions to have been ‘just keep the ball’, I think I counted one successful pass. A quite remarkable cameo from him.

I once played the 2nd half in a game for Stan Petrov's over 35's Sunday team, I hadn't played for about 18 months and was out of my depth without that.

Barkley reminded me of my 'performance' yesterday.

[Brend'Watkins]

I was surprised by Barkley’s inclusion as he looked totally off it. My mate said I should give him a chance to get into the game. I’m of the opinion that a player who comes on as a sub at this level should be completely ready to perform at the level required.

[cdbearsfan]

Yeah, unless you're four-nil up you can't really be carrying passengers. Do we have reserve matches any more that he could play in?

[LeeB]

In defence of Ross, his renaissance last season was of the back of playing every week and he was never getting that here baring a significant spell out for Tielemans.

I think some players are better than others at picking up the pace of the game from the bench, and he's struggled with it.

[cdbearsfan]

Also in fairness, he was looking a pretty useful impact sub before he got injured. Even as someone who was less than delighted when we signed him.

[brontebilly]

Id cut Barkley a bit of slack for yesterday. Last sub on. I doubt he was properly warmed up and couldn't get to the pace it. Not that he was ever the most mobile but he looks nowhere near fit since returning from injury.

[Mellin]

Agreed with all. Barkley was a good option earlier in the season. He's played about 30 mins after a long injury. Likely to struggle.

[eye digress]

It’s not too much to imagine Barkley’s instructions to have been ‘just keep the ball’, I think I counted one successful pass. A quite remarkable cameo from him.

I once played the 2nd half in a game for Stan Petrov's over 35's Sunday team, I hadn't played for about 18 months and was out of my depth without that.

Barkley reminded me of my 'performance' yesterday.

Looked to me like he was carrying a good bit of “timber” as well.