I’m in two minds what to think about this game.
I thought we were shocking in the first half, so much so that I find it somewhat concerning that I don’t think we’ve played well for a good few games now.
We got better in the second half, but not by much and there was me thinking that it couldn’t be much worse too.
But then, I suppose we always knew that this match was going to be a tough old grind because Duncan Ferguson had his team well fired up and willing to dish out the rough and dirty stuff.
I can think of many, many games where opposition such as that would have had us folding almost immediately, with a resulting defeat.
To have come through this game with a win is very impressive and exactly what we need to help us get points in the rest of this season.
So while I can’t say I was impressed with our performance, so other people’s views on individual performances perplexes me.
I note that the Evening Mail has Tyrone Mings as man of the match. I can understand why some might think he was good, because he did help a stalwart defence when we were facing an aerial assault in the middle to later section of the second half, but I feel that overlooks the amount of times he just kicked the ball out of play totally needlessly.
I detest players who can’t do the simple stuff like pass the ball and while I can forgive the odd once or maybe twice he must have failed at this simple task five times and it really annoys me.
Perhaps I’m just complaining about stuff that doesn’t matter, but I don’t think so. When you’re part of a team that we’ve often complained about for sloppy passing and giving the ball away, it really needs to stop and Mings, as captain ought to be setting an example.
It really, really bugs me.
Anyway, my point is there were players who were in my opinion were much better.
Buendia is an obvious example. He was involved in pretty much everything and as I said last week, he’s really starting to prove his worth. Even his heading is quality for such a small player and he is great to watch.
Matty Cash got the motm award on the channel I was watching and I don’t begrudge him that. He’s been generally very good for weeks now, although it’s interesting to note that I’ve seen fans commenting on other sites that they really don’t rate him. Whatever, I like him. Yes, his crossing isn’t always the best and he never goes round a player, but I feel he adds to our game.
Coutinho on the other hand was very quiet. I guessed Gerrard might start him because he wants him to get his fitness up, but I feel he should have been subbed for Chukuemeka earlier.
Lkewise, I’d have bought Hause on for Buendia earlier too, mainly because he’s the obvious choice when we’re facing that onslaught.
Still, Gerrard’s the manager and it’s difficult to argue with his choices when we got the required result.
So the defence proved pretty solid overall and I don’t remember Everton having any particularly good chances.
The midfield did pretty well too eventually and didn’t allow itself to get roughed up too much by an Everton side where it’s a shame to see them playing such a dirty game. On paper, they’re much better than that.
That said, we didn’t create much either and I found myself thinking that if we hadn’t taken that lead, I’d be thinking that we scratched out a draw in a pretty poor game of football.
It’s funny how a goal makes all the difference.
So it’s a win, when it could so easily have gone against us and you can’t ask for any more than that.
I’d much prefer us to actually turn out a decent performance over two halves for a change, but I’ll happily keep taking wins any way we can get them. That’s all that matters, after all.
So now we have a two week break, which seems ridiculous when so many games have been postponed, but hey ho.
At least it’s given the papers a story because now it seems that John McGinn has gone on holiday to Dubai with Harry McGuire and Marcus Rashford. This obviously means that McGinn is going to Man U.
Except none of the pictures show McGinn with any other players at all and it’s just a coincidence.
McGinn won’t be going anywhere.
And then, after the break we have some very winnable games coming up.
Leeds at home is probably the toughest, but then it’s Newcastle away, Watford at home, Brighton away and Southampton at home. There’s fifteen points to be had there and you’d have to hope we can take the majority of them.
I’ll gloss over the fact that the following five games are tough as hell because I’m trying to get the positive vibes going.
Yes, it was a very satisfying result.
UTV!
Comments
94 responses to “Everton 0-1 Villa; Not pretty, but very gritty.”
Personally I see Traore as more of an impact sub under this new regime, when things aren’t working and we have no choice but to try something different, that’s when I think Traore comes in. No doubt he has ability just not the work ethics for Gerrard. Same with Bailey too imo. Although I think he has it in him to learn that part of the game he just needs to toughen up a lot. Don’t know if anyone has been keeping tabs on Wesley? but he got 85 mins for Internacional yesterday and scored his first goal for about 2 years albeit a penalty but he’s 1 goal in 1 game so I really hope he kicks on now. Not everyone’s cup of tea but even if he doesn’t have a future at Villa I want him to do well after that horror injury. I’d love for him to score loads get fit and come back as his size and strength can offer us something different at times.
Traore – on his day he can be a match winner – on his day!
I’m with Adam on the impact sub theme but I also agree with Badger, longer term Gerrard will look for an upgrade because Traore is too inconsistent which seems to have been a constant problem throughout his career.
Looks like Spurs have muscled in on the Bentancur deal and are rumoured to be ‘preparing a bid’ for Luiz. £50m Mr. Levy and he’s yours.
I don’t think Spurs need Bentancur. Hojberg is a far better DM than Luiz. Maybe sell them Doug and they back off Bentancur? We definitely need an upgrade in that position.
It would be a real shame to sell Dougie. We gave him his big chance and it would be nice to see him sign a deal and show a bit of loyalty. He’s only 23, so even if we sell for 50 million, I’d put a sell-on clause in the deal – there’s loads more to come from this guy. As for 30 million quoted? I wouldn’t even consider it for a second. Why does he want to leave when he can learn from a master of his position like Stevie? If Stevie can convince him that we’ll be challenging for top 4 (or better!) next season, why would he want to leave?
Traore very skilled player going forwards, but doesn’t track back and ball watching in a game. Badgers right he doesn’t die for the club and Gerrard see that.
The only way luiz is leaving this window is if lange has lined up a significant upgrade.
My remark (about Luiz) was very much tongue in cheek.
We’re light in midfield as it is so, as you say, selling Luiz without an upgrade wouldn’t be a smart move.
Having said that if someone came in with a £50m offer I don’t think Villa would turn it down.
‘Bent Anchor’ signing for Spurs.
So London and Europe still has bigger pulling power than Stevie G and Villa – probably no surprise.
We still have a mountain to climb.
To be fair, Conte isn’t a bad manager is he; looks nailed-on to get Spurs into the top 4. Top top manager in my opinion.
The Midlands has alway been hard place to pull the player’s, money, and the night life freaks.
Just a thought
Say luis does not want to sign a new deal and spurs / arsenal offering £30m plus.
Maybe Bissouma (1st choice ?)
deal becomes more affordable.
I was thinking our transfer dealings probably done with the late change of direction by Bentancur.
However, the Mail has reported that Villa pulled out earlier withiytever making a formal bid for two reasons – 1. He’s not a natural holding midfielder – the position they really want to fill and 2. Villa considered the fee to be inflated because of the sell on clause to Bocca Juniors. That does ring true given the way Villa have recently conducted their transfer business.
That also suggests there may be other possibilities in the pipeline.
We’ve not really been that active on deadline day of late (other than last minute ‘silly’ signings). Maybe this year will be different?
We can only hope Hitch, I feel we have a surprise to come yet, our club means business believe me …
Trezeguet to Basaksehir on loan? I’m still not convinced we have much depth to our squad. A few injuries and we will be calling on the youngsters. Not that it is a bad thing because we have lots of talented kids that could save the club millions.
Like you, I think we lack depth in the sqaud. That’s why I don’t expect any of the rumours about people leaving tomorrow (Luiz, Targett, etc.,) to have much substance.
In fact, I’ll also be very surprised if we bring anyone else in, either.
Come the summer, though, that could be really busy…
I could see Trez going out on loan and we might be tempted to sell Targett if the offer was big enough – like £25m!
We really do need a defensive mid though Ardent and I’ve no doubt we’re trying to sign one – can we do it – I have my doubts in this window but then Villa have shown an ability to produce proverbial rabbits from the hat!
How will things change in the summer with Nakamba back and Luiz into his last 12 months? Will we exercise our option on Coutinho – as you say Ardent, the summer is going to be very interesting.
Bentancour. It looks like me Spuds had to pay over the odds as everyone was turning them down! Serves Levy right for being such a tight ar$e over the years. Seems SG had his valuation and that was that. The Barcodes are apparently sniffing around Matt Target. I’d only let him got if the money was good otherwise he’s definitely one to keep for me.
If Targett goes then I’m assuming Gerrard thinks Hause can cover LB/CB and Chambers RB/CB. Trez is definitely going imo and seems to be confirmed. Luiz no chance, not in Jan anyway unless it was a big offer. The bissouma news is interesting, he would be perfect for us imo and would really help us push on.
According to the Mail, Villa enquired, but never made an offer for Bentancur.
In other news Trezeguet’s loan move to Turkish club Istanbul Başakşehir has been confirmed by their president.
Strange choice, imo
Oh and Davis scored in a 2-1 loss to Cardiff.
That’s two on two – always knew he was a prolific striker 🙂
Seems Targett is going to the barcodes on loan.
Seems we’re still good at one step forward and then a step back to the same left back position as before Digne signed – sigh!
If you believe Digne is better than Targett then the team has improved.
Targett will not sit on the bench. Supposedly still trying to get Aaron Hickey as back up.
I forgot about Ashley Young too who in my opinion is on a par with Targett so that’s backup for LB plus Hause and Mings if desperate can play there so I’d say its been an improvement signing Digne. Personally all I want to see today is “Bissouma having a medical at Villa” that would really be the icing on the cake for this window and the one position I feel we desperately need now.
Any Truth !! Eden Hazard anyone. ?
Don’t think so Bill but never say never.
According to Sky we’re only concentrating on three outgoings – loaned for Targett (barcodes), Steer (Luton) and Trez (an Istanbul side I can’t spell 🙂 )
Put off by the asking price for Bissouma plus the amount of adding and agents fees – the pariahs of football.
Amazed we haven’t addressed the defensive midfield problem.
Maybe “The Management” don’t actually believe there is a defensive midfield problem – at least not one that needed to be adressed in January?
I think the ‘number 6’ position as it’s now called is a challenge for a number of sides.
I wonder if the finances around the Bissouma deal are a convenient excuse for delaying any decision given the uncertainty around the allegations made against him.
We can’t spend £50m on a player only to find that he’s then convicted of a serious crime. Seems a pragmatic approach to me even Villa can’t come out and say so.
Agree absolutely.
According to Sky there will be no more incomings which is disappointing if true. Am I right in saying there have been more outgoings than incomings if loans are included. While I think that we shouldn’t be held to ransom and with the fact we look like finishing mid table, maybe it’s better to have a serious look in the summer when SG has had more time. The only concern is we are threadbare in a few positions if injuries / Covid occur.
Steer to Luton and Kessler-Hayden to MK Dons.
Pleased for Steer but a little disappointed that Hayden’s gone out on loan.
Chukweumeka has a big half season ahead of him and Villa need to persuade him to sign a new contract.
I think if we had signed coutinho and digne today we’d all be jumping for joy saying best window ever. We got our business done early. We are building. Wait til the summer.
Olsen better than steer
Chambers better than tuenzebe
Digne better than targett
Coutinho better than el ghazi and trezeguet.
Thats just this window.
We are getting stronger and will continue in the summer.
Absolutely spot on, Steve. Aston Villa has had the best January window of all the PL clubs. Fact. Your breakdown above is proof enough.
The DM position is not desperate. For 3 midfield positions, we have: SJM, Dougie, JJ, Sanson, Chuky, Buendia, and Ashley Young has shown to be more than capable there. Spurs stole a march on ‘bent anchor’ and there was no way the club could gamble on Bissouma, as already stated. The outgoings are also shrewd and inevitable, given the in-comings.
The board deserve congratulations for an excellent window.