God, yes, that game really annoyed me.
After a very competent start, that saw us take a lead I never really expected beforehand, it was satisfying to go in at half time with a 1-0 lead.
But it didn’t last long did it?
For whatever reason, we seemed to roll over yet again under seemingly not much pressure.
Don’t get me wrong, Norwich aren’t a bad side at all, but did they really look like league winners?
I seriously doubt it.
Looking at the major positive and my opinion says Dean Smith will have learnt a lot about quite a few of his players tonight.
First and I’m sorry to say it, is that Taylor is utter rubbish at Left back.
For me, he can’t defend, can’t cross and has little positional sense.
I’ve seen the argument that he needs time, but for me, no way.
We massively need a proper replacement if we’re to truly balance the defence.
I’d be looking at our reserves before him.
El Ghazi is a total fanny, that shies away from any decent tackle or treatment.
Don’t get me wrong, I like him, but he seriously needs to “man up” if he wants to remain a Villa player.
Hourihane?
I’m always reticent to slate him, in case he’s a “Frank Carrodus type” that I’m quite simply just not seeing.
The trouble is, I don’t see anything at all, apart from his set pieces.
Maybe someone can tell me what he does?
Grealish needs dropping, for me.
As much as he looks tasty, he offered nothing whatsoever, apart from quick feet, that do nothing.
Like an Ashley Young, if you like, but with no product whatsoever.
His frees were mostly abysmal, even when he won them.
We bought Hogan on.
Why?
Did he kick the ball more than once?
That’s not a criticism, by the way, as I’d have given him a coat of looking at too, if I was Smith.
But if Bruce had done it, what would we have thought?
So what’s my point?
Well I’m always gutted when we lose a game after taking the lead. It’s the way of things.
But more importantly, Smith will have seen a lot tonight.
We’ve too many fannies, that don’t look like they’re willing to roll their socks up against decidedly average teams.
Or perhaps more importantly, for whatever reason, just can’t keep it up.
I’ll bet money that this will change.
If you can’t play two halves of a game, you’re going to be gone, no matter how big your name is.
And it’s exactly what’s needed.
Does Whelan know how to run? He is so static it’s unbelievable. I really don’t get what anyone sees in him.
He holds and passes.
He will not survive a decent term Smith managership.
Same as Jedinak, imo.
Agreed. We need much more pace and energy there.
Taylor = massive liability.
And I hate slagging our players.
taylor again, is having a shocker.
If ever there was a player out of his depth…
Interesting. Bruce obviously knew he was a liability. Having said that, why sign him?
I hinted at stuff once before. I was thinking aloud and will do my best not to suggest it again.
Bruce has gone and Taylor will be too, asap.
What have we learned? Taylor is poor. Chester is out of form. Grealish gets too deep. Whelan isn’t mobile enough for his position. Snap jedinak. Kodjia doesn’t contribute enough.
For all that we have three 20+ goals a season forwards in this division we make precious few real chances for them.
Otherwise we have played reasonably well today but looking like defeat again.
Too many liabilities within our ranks. Taylor is a pub player at best.
I’ll post my thoughts after the game.
Second half I thought we showed intensity and an ability to create chances. Not that we converted.
Dean Smith is starting to get a better picture of who to keep.
It will be a short list. With a longer list on the reverse.
To be fair they gave their all to the final whistle. It was wishfull thinking to think we would get much better after 3 games. It’s going to take till end of January before we can judge the new setup. Doesn’t half ruin your weekend this Friday night football.
Full backs are a huge issue going forward excluding their defensive issues. Taylor hates to venture and hutton charges then pulls back. Neither have the ability to push that final 3rd. Makes the midfield and forwards go to areas they either dont want to or shouldnt need to be.
Mcginn need to do his job and get it to jack quicker. Good player but tries to do too much – might be because of prior games i havent seen making him force things himself.
Need a ball playing centre half as neither are confident at moment and miss terry for that hugely and the keeper cant play it out – not many can to be fair.
Decent enough performance i terms of at least thru had a go. Dont know how poor our other full backs must be but i think someone like amavi would thrive under Smith and in this team which is a shame. But again nothing we didnt know already 3 of the 5 at the back need changing.
Really pissed off with our club. Haven’t QPR got a transfer embargo against them? Beaten by 2 teams in a few days because they want it more. When we put them under pressure they dug their heels in. We just don’t have enough guts in our team. McGinn battled well but lost his influence 2nd half. Grealish huffed and puffed. Kodja liked to take on his man, beat him then turn round and try to beat him again before falling over and hoping he will get a free kick. Chester poor again and nearly scored an own goal after gifting them a goal. Is it because he is playing left CB when last season he was mostly right CB? Taylor and Hutton need replacing. Elmo is not a RM. Whelan should never wear the shirt again. Pity that Bjarnason had to go off. Abraham fluffed too many chances but at least got into right positions. Nyland didn’t do too much wrong and even caught a couple of crosses, but is still a liability. Tuanzebe was okay. Bolasie needs game time. Performance was an improvement over Norwich game but now Smith has a lot to do in the week ahead. Forget promotion because it’s not going to happen. By the time January transfer window comes i will be happy if we are clear of the relegation zone.
Sadly, have to agree about forgetting promotion. It will make the transition more tolerable. However, the new management and the players still have that target and must continue to have it until top 6 is mathematically impossible. We’re a long way from that.
Had a great day on the beach so I can cope with losing (again) – not surprised we lost and agree with BFR – promotion no chance. We are more likely to be facing a relegation battle by January. Off to the bar for happy hour