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.
