Aston Villa 1-1 Leeds Post match grumble

[PaulWinch again]

Injuries aside, Everton, Brentford, Brighton and Leeds at home, player for player I don't think anyone sane would say that we haven't had the stronger 11 and we've got 2 goals in those games.

Weak mentality from the players

Agree, we should not be feeling inferior to those teams despite our injuries.

I think it’s confidence combined with muddled thinking. We’re not getting the team selection right - or at optimal, at least  - and then we’re starting games trying not to make mistakes rather than imposing our game.

All of our (frequent) excellent periods under Unai have been when we’ve played with purpose and intent - even if that is just trying to control the game. At the moment we’re tentative and ponderous. We have to break through that.

[ChicagoLion]

Injuries aside, Everton, Brentford, Brighton and Leeds at home, player for player I don't think anyone sane would say that we haven't had the stronger 11 and we've got 2 goals in those games.

Weak mentality from the players

Agree, we should not be feeling inferior to those teams despite our injuries.

I think it’s confidence combined with muddled thinking. We’re not getting the team selection right - or at optimal, at least  - and then we’re starting games trying not to make mistakes rather than imposing our game.

All of our (frequent) excellent periods under Unai have been when we’ve played with purpose and intent - even if that is just trying to control the game. At the moment we’re tentative and ponderous. We have to break through that.

I agree , it starts with poor selections and tactics that do not suit the players he is picking.
You have to win the midfield and we are failing to do that with and without the ball.

[Legion]

A point. At home. To a poor Leeds team.

What's your point?

The fact that we only got a point at home to a poor Leeds team. Even without arguably our best three midfielders and an ineffective Watkins as opposed to Abraham as our starting striker.

[pauliewalnuts]

Watkins needs to be replaced at the end of the season.

He's not doing it any more.

[tony scott]

We are now playing like a team low on confidence, why are our wide players consistently checking back? we have issues with injuries but surely management have found a system to cope with this and push forward.

[tomd2103]

Watkins needs to be replaced at the end of the season.

He's not doing it any more.

It's been a really long spell of poor form now.  Unless there is a big change, it might be best for both to.part ways in the summer.  He's been great during his time with us, but he's looked lost for some time now.

[tomd2103]

Injuries aside, Everton, Brentford, Brighton and Leeds at home, player for player I don't think anyone sane would say that we haven't had the stronger 11 and we've got 2 goals in those games.

Weak mentality from the players

We've had the inability to keep clean sheets for some time and it's really bitten us these last few games.  Going 1-0 down when we're not playing well just increases the pressure on us.

[Legion]

An alternative viewpoint: Playing poorly. Still not losing.

[PaulWinch again]

Yup, but need to start playing better and winning reasonably consistently.

[tomd2103]

Just seen the goals again.  Their free kick was further out than I initially thought at the game and didn't go right in the corner.  Emi must have not been fully concentrating.

[Legion]

He was looking to his left, expecting a cross.

[Small Rodent]

Unless you are way ahead on points, it does become a war of attrition.

[FatSam]

Earlier in the season it felt like Malen was the wildcard who could shake things up by running at the opposition with the ball, and being decisive around goal. Whilst it’s great to have the rotation for Watkins that Abraham brings, I thought it was better to have that variety.

[eamonn]

Injuries aside, Everton, Brentford, Brighton and Leeds at home, player for player I don't think anyone sane would say that we haven't had the stronger 11 and we've got 2 goals in those games.

Weak mentality from the players

We've had the inability to keep clean sheets for some time and it's really bitten us these last few games.  Going 1-0 down when we're not playing well just increases the pressure on us.

We've kept a clean sheet at Newcastle and at home to Brighton in the last month. We haven't conceded more than once in a game since the defeat at Arsenal. Our GA column is absolutely fine. It's the other end of the pitch where we're struggling massively.

[ROBBO]

It's not just us, all the top side ares struggling against lesser opposition, Chelsea - Arsenal this week. It's difficult to play against a low defence and the more you press it leaves gaps for them to counter attack. If you were to pick players on form Lendelof would be first pick, I can't remember one game where he has been poor and this is the time to pick fighters not the Baileys of this world. I will give Watkins credit for the effort second half, although completely out of form at least he kept at it. I would play Lindelof in midfield, Sancho on the wing and give Tammy and Watkins a half to see if it produces results.