I was about to write a post, but I’m glad to say “Big fat Ron” has given his verdict, which makes a nice change from my waffle.
Cheers, fella!
What to do with a problem like the Villa?
Well, the dust has settled on my first live match since November 2019 and I wonder if it’ll be another three years before my next one.
Last week, my comments were based on statistics on a screen, without having seen the match; this week all my comments are based on what I witnessed from a perfect position half way up the Doug Ellis stand, bang on the half way line.
Out of curiosity and as I write, I’ve checked the stats, and they suggest we were by far the better team. Mr Lineker suggests “I don’t think Villa should be too down on themselves.” So how do you explain a 4-0 reverse?
I’ve just watched the analysis on MOTD, and it’s very simple, as we all saw. Firstly, Ian Wright rightly states their goalkeeper “was magnificent”, echoed by the summary on 5 Live as I drove away from VP, suggesting Lloris was equal MOTM with Son. But as Wright also rightly says, “you have to take your chances.” Talk about stating the obvious.
Now, some of us may not ‘like’ “the bin-dipper.”
However, I would suggest the he is on the same page as most of us and us as him, which is why he must be given a proper summer transfer window and a full season, minimum.
Here is my analysis of what I saw, beyond the blindingly obvious ‘analysis’ from the professionals in the BBC studio:
I’ll start with Ollie Watkins. Whenever I see him giving an interview I think, what a lovely guy. However, he was woeful today and when he runs, it appears as though he’s had lead implanted in his backside. So if “the bin-dipper” has decided to listen to offers, I have no problem at all with that. His finishing is simply not good enough. I’d also add that he’s not on the same wavelength as Coutinho and appears to be trying too hard because he knows it. I recall him admitting in a recent interview, you just have to run and let Coutinho do what he does. Players of equal ability to Phil wouldn’t think that. Consequently, Phil eventually lost interest when he realised all the chances he was putting on a plate weren’t going to be despatched by the strikers.
Second, Danny Ings. Same as Ollie, I’m afraid. And I don’t think the sleepless nights that Gerrard mentions in his programme notes would have helped – shocking finishing. He, like Son, should have had a hat-trick. Interestingly, I recall commenting that Watkins becoming a father last year might have contributed to his loss of form. So again, if “the bin-dipper” wants to bin Ings, I have no qualms with that either.
I would suggest that if we want Coutinho, he might not want to come, unless Gerrard can promise better players around him. I would also add, however, that he needs to be playing higher up the pitch as he was rarely in a shooting positon around the ‘D’ and even came into his own half to collect the ball on occasions. This has to change.
That’s the forwards dealt with. Now for the defence, for which there is no case.
Recent reports that “the bin-dipper” wants to bin Konsa were today given credence. He was poor and was at fault for the first goal. The header was so bad, any self-respecting centre-half would have been embarrassed. Is it loss of form, or is he really good enough?
Today we also heard that Mings is looking more than vulnerable. But haven’t we been criticising his play for over a year now? In which case, hasn’t Gerrard seen what we see? Bin. Again.
So that’s both our main strikers and centre backs in the bin. Almost £100 million. But Gerrard is not to blame for this.
Now for the centre of the ‘spine’ of the team. Luiz, McGinn, and Ramsey. That’s the strongest midfield available to Gerrard so I was pleased to see them on the teamsheet.
Moments before Ramsey’s superb burst into the box which drew Lloris’ best save, I commented to the chap next to me that someone needed to take responsibility and have a shot. JJ duly obliged. Generally, he put himself about and we know he’s only going to get better.
McGinn was his usual industrious self with the occasional misplaced pass and the one long range shot on target. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, he needs to shoot a lot more than he does. That doesn’t need a great deal of brilliant coaching. It goes like this: “John, when you get within range, shoot.” Not hard, is it?
Luiz, I’m not sure. He doesn’t shoot these days, even though we know he’s as good as McGinn in that department. So again, I would suggest the following advice in the teamtalk: “Dougie, when you get within range, shoot.” Again, not difficult.
That leaves the fullbacks.
Cash worked the keeper a couple of times.
Digne didn’t put one single decent ball into the box, did he?
A comment on Bailey: all left foot, he finds himself on the ‘D’ on his left foot in a shooting position, so what does he do? Tries that stupid shuffle he always does onto his right foot, stumbles and loses the ball. Again, coaching tip: “Leon, when you get within range on your left foot, f****** shoot!” Unless of course you’re worried about your hamstring crumbling if you do. Bin? I think so.
Now the manager. All of the above is none of “the bin-dipper’s” fault. And if he’s decided to bin Konsa, Mings, Watkins, Ings, Bailey and a few more, I can only applaud his ruthlessness, which is exactly what his players lack. He knows it. He’s said it. Many times. His players know it. In contrast, Conte’s “inheritance”, to quote Mourinho, is world class players who are totally ruthless.
Badger I have to dig you out – when I suggested we make a cheeky bid for Son before Conte arrived, you categorically said you wouldn’t want him at VP; is that still the case?
Nonetheless, the boisterous cockneys a few meters to my right serenading the Italian with “Antonio, Antonio…” was sickening, especially when compared with the Holte’s silence. Not a single rendition of “Stevie G’s claret and blue army.” Shame. This was compounded by renditions of “your support is f****** shit” and “you’re shit and you know you are.” Not the most original lyrics, but none of which I could argue with.
All in all, is was all too predictable, evidenced by many of the winnings with the bookies amongst us today. We knew we’d lose heavily; we knew they’d score early; I knew they’d score early in the second half; I even predicted a hat-trick, albeit from Kane rather than his buddy.
The only negative I can say against Gerrard today is that at 2-0, I said to the chap next to me, who was probably sick of me bellowing expletives through the match, that the manager had to make substitutions because if they got a third it would be too late. They scored a third. At which point I said “if he makes the substitutions now he looks stupid.” Then the subs came on. I can only suggest that at 2-0, he didn’t believe we could come back.
So, what to do about a problem like the Villa?
I think many of us realised today that “the bin-dipper” would be well within his rights to bin the fruits of Suso’s, Lange’s and Smith’s labour, which are now rotten, and build his own “ruthless” team.
Dare I say that this lot are too nice, like the manager who was sacked because of them. I hope our owners and CEO are preparing for a busy summer. And I hope they’re got some big bins. We’re going to need them.
Comments
88 responses to “How to deal with a problem like the Villa”
No argument BFR, nice read where you sit was the same place as I had but two rows down from the back rows.camera’s too my left. Not got anymore as they was my lads comp.seats 4 . Yes first half even 1 down gave me pride but to finish 4 down got me at the whisky and now a sore head.plus pissed off and hope Villa will sort soon.again good post BFR.
BFR – more than fair and no issues with your bin list to which you can add Traore, Trezeguet and El Ghazi but Gerrard doesn’t get away without criticism and if he doesn’t actually start doing what he’s threatened then he could be looking into the bin he’s accused of dipping into.
He said he’d make changes – he hasn’t. Is he really saying we only have 11 players capable of wearing a Villa shirt?
Konsa has been poor for some time; Gerrard acquired Chambers why hasn’t he been given a few starts alongside Mings. He didn’t let the team down previously.
Why does he persist in playing Watkins and Ings together – it doesn’t work and keep repeating the same thing expecting a different result – we’ll we all know what that means!
Why can’t he find a way of playing Coutinho and Buendia together – probably our best and most gifted players – after all didn’t he say re Watkins and Ings I want my best players on the pitch playing together. At least start Buendia in away games where Coutinho isn’t offering a lot.
If they’re good enough they’re old enough – are some of our young players good enough like Tim Iroegbunam
And, your comment re substitutions – that’s not the first time Gerrard’s substitutions have been poorly timed and poor.
I want Gerrard to succeed but just because he was a great player etc. and he can’t hide behind his reputation for ever – see comments about Lampard for instance!
Mini moan over 🙂
Hitch, I’ve had another look at your thoughts.
“Is he really saying we only have 11 players capable of wearing a Villa shirt?”
I think that’s exactly what he’s saying.
And I think it’s only what us fans have said for ages. Our backup is rubbish.
Elsewhere, I’ve seen fans asking why Carney can’t get a game, where the truth is he’s looked rubbish when he’s come on as a sub, on more than a few occasions.
That’s just one example.
People are beginning to ask for Davis to come back. Yet he was terrible at scoring, is the reality.
I think Konsa getting a start, when I agree, Chambers hasn’t been bad, is just another example of players being given a chance to prove themselves one way or the other.
I keep referring to players signing their own death warrants.
It makes perfect sense to me.
I wouldn’t be very happy to see Konsa go, as overall, he’s been great for us.
But during Gerrard’s reign he’s been poor, so I can see why he might want him gone.
My problem is, a lot of players have looked poor under Gerrard; even McGinn, for example.
Coincidence or are they genuinely poor players?
This is exactly what concerns me.
Players we previously rated highly, now look absolute rubbish.
Although you’re coming at it from a different angle, I think you’re reinforcing my point that Gerrard is not without blame although he seems to have set his stall out to hold the players 100% at fault?
Konsa and Watkins are Dean Smith products and it’s noteworthy that their form has dipped since he left.
Ron Saunders was a brilliant man manager that got the absolute best out of his players – not only that but they played their hearts out for him, the club and each other.
On Saturday we played brilliantly for 45 minutes but you just knew the second half would be different. Conte made tactical changes at half time which isolated Coutinho and pulled Villa’s shape all over the place. Gerrard doesn’t appear to be able to respond tactically – second half against Leeds for instance?
And are our repetitive slow starts and failure to play consistently over 90 minutes indicative of Gerrard being unable to motivate or communicate effectively with the players in some way?
Gerrard talks a great game but I remain to be convinced – maybe I’m being unfair and in a minority of one here?
Hitch, I have to admit that thought crossed my mind when I saw how much Conte is adored and worshipped at Spurs. The jury is out on Gerrard’s man-management skills. I’d like to think he has them but the fact that he and the players know many of them won’t be there come August is proving to be a problem.
Conte’s “if I’m the problem I’ll go” heart on sleeve routine a few weeks ago was an absolute masterstroke. He knew he wasn’t the problem and his players were and basically threatened to walk away unless they bucked up, but in a humble “it’s my fault” way. People love that shite, and it worked a treat.
Cheers for your thoughts, BFR.
I’ve just broken the post up a bit to make it easier to read 🙂
Did I really say that about Son?
If so I really don’t know why, as he’s been my favourite Prem player for at least a couple of years. I wonder if it was because I thought we’d ruin him?
Whatever, I’d love to see him at the Villa and would be happy to shatter, let alone break our transfer record for him.
As for your thoughts, it’s hard to disagree with much.
I actually thought we were superb in the first half and it was as good as anything we’ve seen under Gerrard.
Giving away that early goal was unforgiveable though and I think the manager will struggle to see past that.
Konsa has never played that bad for us, so he might not have written his own death warrant just yet, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Gerrard’s mind has been made up.
Mings on the other hand only reinforced my opinion of him and he’d definitely be gone, given that he’s laughably an England defender who will attract a stupid fee.
Cash stays, Digne meh, but he’ll stay too.
Does Luiz want out? If so, he’ll go, again because of the fee he can bring in.
Ramsey is in dire need of a rest, imo. The fact that we can’t give him one says a lot about the quality we lack in the middle.
It really wouldn’t surprise me if McGinn leaves, again because of the fat fee. I think it would be a mistake, but can see that big money in might mean even bigger and better signings.
Strikers is an interesting one.
Ings just proved what I think of him. A total waste of money.
There’s a story that we want to offer Brighton a deal, where we swap Danny for Bissouma. Knowing us, if Bissouma is rated at £50 mill, it’ll be £45 mill and Ings then.
Watkins has been poor and although I really like him, I can take him or leave him. His staying depends on who comes in, I reckon.
I’d like to see a Lukaku type, who can worry defenders via proper physical competition as that’s what we sorely lack. Get one and I see room for Watkins as a foil.
The important part here though, is that Archer comes in as the third option. I think him playing off a bullying type is a mouthwatering prospect.
In short, apart from the few I’ve mentioned (and Martinez), I don’t think anyone is safe and if the money is right, they’ll be gone.
The worrying part is Lange and co bought those players in. Will it be the same team making the decisions this time? And if so, won’t we maybe making the same sort of mistakes?
Whatever, it seems we need to be doing much better due dilligence, as some of our signings have been at least suspect.
And then, in the second half, I don’t want to talk about it.
More than welcome, Badger!
Interesting points BFR and it was a shame we lost on your first game back for a while. It’s becoming annoying that we concede the first goal far too early in games which immediately puts us on the back foot. For 30 minutes we were excellent apart from the finishing but there was always that feeling if Spurs attacked we would be in trouble. Are we in need of a new defensive coach or new defensive minded players? And while I’m on the subject of coaches, why are there so many and why is MacPhee still there? What does he contribute? I don’t get excited about corners or free kicks these days. I also find it strange that we can go from winning 4-0 against Southampton to a 4 game losing streak.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. We need leaders in the summer and preferably players who are used to winning.
This season is over now so we should give as many opportunities to the younger players to see how they shape up. We won’t learn anything from the current deadwood Gerrard continues to pick.
In fairness Holte, have you forgotten that lovely free, where Coutinho chipped up a beaut on Ings’ plate, where if he scored, just as he bloody should easily have, we’d have clapped about it?
I suspect that was McPhee’s work.
I think it’s a bit unfair blaming him when the issue is one of our players not being able to execute (as Gerrard also said).
I had a bad feeling when I saw the Spurs – Newcastle result last week. Win some, lose some. Never mind. Although I really wanted to see a Villa goal!
I think that was more Coutinho than MacPhee although we will have to agree to disagree I suppose. Still doesn’t justify all those corners etc which have no end product. How tall is Mings again?
6′ 5″ I think.
He’s utter junk there too 🙂
But again, I struggle to see how that’s McPhee’s fault?
I’ll hold my hands up I don’t find king BD’s the most endearing of characters but there again was Sir Ron?
Based solely on yesterdays first half performance there was little more he could have done.
The way the team was set up/tactics all good, we made enough chances but you can’t legislate for that finishing (or lack of).
Defensively we’re frail and again SG can’t be held responsible for the quality of Central defenders he’s inherited.
Watkins – seeing SG’s reaction when he put that header over I can’t see him being there next season or Ings for that matter.
Obviously going to be big changes come the summer and come next season we’ll see if SG is the real deal?
“king BD’s”
Who’s this?
Bin Dipper 😁
Lol, ok.
BFR, all the footy talk aside, how did you find the experience?
Will you be going back soon?
Badger, to be honest I enjoyed it and the first half was good entertainment from the Villa – just incredibly frustrating. The poor chap next to me must have had a headache by the time he left after the third. I said to him we have to score before half time else they’ll regroup and we’ll be in trouble. Not to mention the poor kiddies in the Doug Ellis who had to suffer me bellowing throughout. I bet the parents were thinking ‘who’s this f****** nutter, not seen him before.”
I’m thinking of trying for a ticket for the Norwich match, if I can get one from the leftover scraps – there were literally 5 seats left in the whole stadium when I got the ticket for yesterday – got lucky, or unlucky, depending on your outlook. A very small chips and curry for a fiver added insult to the £55 ticket injury I suffered. I could’ve wiped my arse with 12 fivers and got more use out of my cash, which reminds me the curry looked like baby shit. Next time I’ll have a ‘mystery meat’ burger from one of the vans instead… 🙂
Ha ha, you made me laugh there. 🙂
Yes, it’s an absolute rip off all round, but if you’re anything like me, you come away with a nice warm feeling in that you’ve been home for a while.
Stockholm syndrome springs to mind.
And the result is somewhat secondary, although obviously a win caps things off.
When it warms up, I’ve no doubt I’ll take more games in.
The Mirror report that bids will be considered for Morgan Sanson and Leon Bailey with Ings as a make weight for a potential deal for Bissouma?
The purge begins?
BFR and Badger
Great article. I agree that there will be a big turnover of players. I also think the amounts Villa have to spend will dwarf any spending spree before. I previously posted some figures one players to sell.
Fringe players:
Targett £14m, El Ghazi £7m, Trezeguet £7m, Davis £2.5m, Wesley £4m
Total: £39m
Squad: Not worked out
Bailey £26m, Traore £17m and Sanson £12m
Total: £55m
From yesterday:
McGinn £25, Luiz £29m, Ings £18m, Watkins £29m, Mings £27.
Approx £128m
Total: £222m plus NSWE additional investment.
On the one hand this could be really exciting, at the same time I am worried. The last time we tried replacing the majority of the team we were relegated. Currently I am am not convinced Lange is identifying the right players. Or is Purslow the problem. What do you both think?
Sid, I think some of your valuations are optimistic considering a number of players will be nearing the end of their contracts.
Wesley for instance is on loan for another 12 months so to the end of his contract – so whatever we got in loan fees is it.
BBC saying up to eight players will be allowed to leave in the summer!
We bought Buendia, Baileyand Ings allegedly to replace Grealish – that’s worked out well!
How is Lange’s record any better than Suso’s?
The common denominator here is Purslow!
Hi Hitch
I totally agree about Purslow.
He boasted about Sanson being at a cut price deal. He also said Ings, Bailey and Buendia replaced Grealish. In a previous post I inferred he is like a James Bind badie, always telling us how great he is.
Hi Sid,
Purslow – another bloke that talks a great game.
Which Bond baddie did you have in mind – Goldfinger?
Have you boys been taking loads of speed while typing? That’s enough copy to fill 3 pages of the Daily Mail, and better written too!
Sadly all of what’s been said is spot on.
Thanks for the insights. Nothing to add to the debate of merit…
I knew I should have put money on the Citeh Pool game. I KNEW it was gonna be 2-2.
Anyway, if we win more than one more game this season I’ll be shocked. I’ve said it before, Aston Villa FC are too bloody gentlemanly to succeed in today’s game. That’s where the nouse of Ashley Young comes in. Like it or not, nice guys come last.
UTV. SOTC. RMB.
LOL Bum Bum, once I get started…I had more to say tbh but was too knackered. Exactly about nice guys – see Norwich’s league position. We need someone who ‘bites’…
I watched 4 matches this week-end. Live at a Sunday league Vets game and Sutton v Orient: on TV – Villa v Spurs and City v Liverpool.
A common feature of the first two was that the winners had been well beaten in the reverse fixture, but learned their lesson about the opponent’s danger-man and adapted their tactics to nullify him. I was at White Hart Lane this season and Son proved he was faster running with the ball than any Villa defender trying to catch him. Did Villa avoid playing a high defensive line to nullify Son yesterday? No. So it begs the question if grass roots and League Two management learn from their mistakes why can’t Villa?
The City – Liverpool game was a chance to compare players at the top with Villa’s squad. Despite the money we have spent the difference in technique, especially controlling a pass and shooting on target, is wide between most of our team and the top of the tree.
The word “ruthless” is fast becoming a cliche on this site and when talking about Villa generally. But Cameron Archer looks proper ruthless. He must be given his chance. Harry Kane was a nobody a few years ago. Poch put him in the team and he wouldn’t stop scoring. The rest is history.
I’ve also commented many times on the importance of testicle size, a metaphor for ruthlessness, really. Keinan Davis squaring up to the noses after scoring showed that this lad also has something about him. Could he and Cam be a dream partnership? Keinan bullying defences and holding the ball up and Archer smashing the ball in the net for fun? It’s a beautiful dream…
Hmm, that’s a nice dream.
Unfortunately Davis can’t finish his cup of tea at the top level.
Big bully for a young nippy striker like Archer though? Yeah baby, maybe.
I think Davis will be given a couple of games.
And if he shows nothing, he’ll be gone. On loan and then sold to a Champ club, which I think is his level.
Depending on how long his contract has to run. I can’t be arsed to look, as I don’t rate him, I’m afraid.
Agree on Davis, but wonder if he could be a perfect foil for a ‘proper’ striker like Archer. Keinan must be worth 5 million now, surely?
Maybe.
I’d take it too.
I don’t think he’s top level and reminds me very much of Carlton Cole
He was better than Marlon Haywood!!!!
Or Harewood, Bum Bum. Or Hair-brain as my uncle dubbed him after conceding the penalty in the 4-4 thriller at White Hart Lane, after we were 4-1 up. Marlon Hairbrain. Saying that, his finish at Reading was delightful – Bergkamp-esque dare I say! Shame I can’t find a video.
https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/10047874/sky-sports-vault-tottenham-4-4-aston-villa (see 2:30)
Marlon also bagged a hat-trick against us for West Ham:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7A1yzCjjPi4
That’s the guy! He looked like a cartoon character! Seemed a good egg even if he didn’t fit at Villa.
Looks like if the stadium is being expanded then our owners are in for the long haul!
What about getting pukki from Norwich seems to be a good consistent scorer and with Phil behind him he could be a 20 goal a season player
Should have bought Toney before Brentford got him we seem to be buying players with potential why had we not got him .
I don’t think Gerard is the manager for us .
And this rebuild of the team again is just starting again with having to gel players in again. Not happy at all
Funnily enough Roy, I was looking at Pukki’s record this season and it’s better than Ings and Watkins.
In a desperately struggling team too.
I’m not particularly happy either, but we have to go with it and see what happens.
One thing I can bet Gerrard will do.
He’ll get some bruisers in.
Which is going to make it interesting, because we’re going to be saying “who is he?”
It’s whether it will work is the question for me.
I saw some nice meaty tackles yesterday and although we’re not very skilled in doing them (it’s brutal and goes against everything I want to see at the Villa), it did at least give Spurs something to think about.
This is what other teams do and we need to do more of the same, as much as it grieves me to say that.
Absolutely. Those tackles really got the crowd going and were great to see, which must motivate the players when they hear the crowd roaring and getting off their feet. We really did give them something to think about in the first half.
We had 19 shots, 8 on target yesterday.
When West Ham stuck 4 past us at VP, they had a similar 21 shots, and THE SAME, 8 on target.
Make of that what you will. Can’t score. Poor strikers. Can’t keep a clean-sheet. Poor defence. Equals no chance of winning a game of football, no matter how ‘well’ you played.
ings should definitely have scored two – striker at that level but Lloris was at his brilliant best as well.
Just looking at our fixtures and one that stands out is our last game – Man C.
The outcome of title race could be in SG’s hands.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/darwin-nunez-transfer-aston-villa-23659780
Make the deal Christian.
Looks decent, but he seems to get injured a lot.
He’s had 3 knee surgeries too.
Also, they haven’t had him for long, why do they want to sell, especially at a supposedly reduced price?
You might gather I now think that if there’s a crock to be had, we’re the one’s to sign him 🙂
We’d be head of the queue Badger (-:
I believe he’s very physical, a bit Andy Gray-esque hence the injuries.
That would explain it, I suppose.
I just get the whiff of “get rid of him quick, while he has a high value”.
I see Platini and Blatter are on trial for a whole string of offences that can be summarised as bribery & corruption – now there’s a surprise!
Remembering that said Platini was the architect of FFP – don’t think there’s anymore to be said on the matter.
Most comments here seem to take the view that virtually none of the players are good enough and need to be replaced. My issue is with the system not the players – it is no coincidence that the Gerrard set up of high full backs has ruined the form of Konsa, Luiz and McGinn as well as shifting out Targett unfairly.
Playing high full backs leaves the defence exposed to quick counter attacks. Neither centre back has adequate cover, equally when the attacks come down the wings our full backs are out numbered.
Then in the middle McGinn and Ramsey drop too deep covering for the absent full backs – this negates their impact in midfield and ability to get forward to influence the game – especially McGinn: compare his Villa form to Scotland where he can play his best role. Pulling McGinn and Ramsey out to the full back areas leaves Luiz isolated and overrun in midfield – does he sit and protect the centre halves or push into the midfield to close down 2 players and get by passed?
Why are we so inconsistent? Well the weaker teams can be beaten with this system if we are controlling the game. However, any of the big teams have got the quality to pick us off and find huge gaps all through the defence. The Spurs performance showed this as we had the upper hand in the first half, but once they had sussed out our tactics they had the ability to switch plans to combat our system – we had no alternative plan.
How to solve the problem..? I personally think the players we have are good enough for a 6/7th place next season – but the system must change. If you want high full backs play 3 centre backs . (3-4-2-1) or got to a flat back 4 and play 2CDMs and 3 attacking players to support Watkins. Wholesale squad changes will only lead to the same problems next year and this summers signings will be last summers Bailey, Ings and Buendia.
Well, I’ve made a similar sort of point where I’ve said a lot of players we previously thought were excellent have looked poor of late.
It’s one of the reasons I have my doubts about the present management.
Your reasoning is as good as any.
3 at the back sounds the right kind of idea, but my guess would be that we’d just see 3 CB’s caught out instead of two.
You’re right, I think,
The high full backs is the problem.
Even Digne hasn’t looked that good playing so far up the pitch and that’s supposed to be his forte, I believe.
I mentioned this issue in an earlier post.
This team was assembled to play a certain way, (shall we call it the Dean Smith way?) to play with width.
SG arrives at BMH and changes the whole ethos, we go narrow, playing through the middle with the full backs overlapping but the issue (imo) is – we don’t have the personnel to play this way – square pegs – round holes.
I don’t claim to be as knowledgeable with regards to football as SG or his coaching staff but doesn’t common sense say you utilise the squad to it’s strengths? Until you have time to impose your character on the squad and the style of play?
Totally agree Robbo that the system Gerrard has imposed doesn’t suit the players so why does he persist with it?
A bigger question is – is the system fit for purpose in the EPL for a club of Villa’s size and resources for the very reasons you outline? An established top six side could use it because they have the resources and players.
It might have worked in Scotland given the resources of Rangers and the limited strength of the opposition.and, of course, Gerrard’s only other experiences are with Liverpool. but
Trying to completely rebuild a Villa side to fit his system from their position as a mid table club – that sounds like a disaster in the making.
I’ve said that I remain to be convinced by Gerrard and I haven’t changed that view.
Never mind Tyson fight tomorrow, better fight after the match with Man City game, poor old Jack gets his hair pulled and assaulted in the tunnel and he never played.😂
loved every minute of that game.
Simeone yes he most certainly is the master of the dark arts but this highlighted (imo) was back in the day
( remember when football was a contact sport?)
Man ( Harlem Globetrotters) city wouldn’t have been at the races.
Aston Villa Chief Executive Christian Purslow has sat down with VillaTV to discuss the Club’s plans for the redevelopment of Villa Park.
Mr Purslow confirmed the first phase of redevelopment centres around a complete rebuild of the North Stand and construction of a much larger structure to take Villa Park’s capacity above 50,000, with plans due to be submitted this summer.
Designs for the new stand, which will be sympathetic to the club’s proud history and traditions, will take into account the feedback from Fan Engagement Surveys that have been commissioned. See below for more details.
Villa’s CEO also spoke about upgrading the hospitality areas within the Trinity Stand, a new multi-purpose building on the North Stand car park, improvements to the public transport links in the local area and plans for future phases of redevelopment at Villa Park
I’ve just done the survey and it’s all about how they can screw more money out of you while you enjoy it.
It doesn’t wash with me, as if I go, I go to watch a game and not make it a whole day event.
It’s probably why they love the tourist types so much and the likes of Man U take so much money in.
Football is a business like any other. With the new wage cap rules being introduced if Villa have real European ambitions then they need to substantially increase their revenue which currently is surprisingly low compared to other EPL teams.
Are Burnley backing new manager bounce; perhaps they’ve looked at Villa’s record and can see six points!
Odd time to sack Dyche with 8 games to go though.
It seems the new game is five strikes (losses) and you’re gone. If Purslow’s read the rules Gerrard is in a tricky spot 🙂
Terrible decision that will come back to haunt them, imo.
Yes, Burnley were brutal to watch and play against, but it was this that has kept them up for so long.
Will they do what we’ve done and change the system? If so, they’re down, I reckon.
That said, we have to play them twice, so that could easily be six points they get, as you suggest.
I can see then tumbling down the leagues now. Utter madness and it seems like their owners haven’t got a clue.
One name… Tony Pulis.
(Stoke wanted pretty football and now they’re sitting pretty in the championship).
Be careful what you wish for.
Barry got two for Swindon today – he’s found his confidence and touch again following a challenging time at Ipswich.
Barry, Archer, Bodace and Aaron Ramsey – all attackers. Would like to see all of them involved in the first team next season.
The only problem, as I see it, is they’re all small. Is it a Brummie thing? 🙂
No, but it seems it’s an Aston Villa thing, as we prioritise technical ability over physical prowess.
Something else I’ve said Gerrard will change.
Rightly so though, in this case.
I did watch the Preston game with Archer and have to say an average game from him. Yes he looks small and physical powes is the problem. Suppose its all about being in the right place in the right time helps. They say all the great men in the world was small. Why do we have to wait till we 23 rd for a game it seem daft .I started to watch the scrum and Cov when they went two up turned over shocked to see Cov stuffed them. Missed a fight coming back my interest was O Hare.