[polldaddy poll=10834206]
I saw an article on Saturday night that mentioned Wolves manager, Nuno Espirito Santo as possibly someone Villa might be sniffing around as a replacement for Dean Smith.
I was contemplating posting something about that straight after, because it’s an interesting thought, but got side-tracked and forgot all about it, as you do.
But it’s been mentioned again today, which has reminded me. Plus I’ve been asked to post a poll asking if Smith should stay or go.
It makes perfect sense to post the two subjects combined.
I like Nuno. He plays football the right way. Or at least did last season.
From what I’ve seen, Wolves have been quite a bit more cautious this season and it seems his concern was that they would be found out. Hence they’re not quite the swashbuckling team they were previously.
And it’s something that’s been demonstrated in the results, as they’re not flying as high as they were.
I think the reasoning that some fans want him is that he is tactically astute and he could do even better than he has at a club with Villa’s resources. I can’t say Wolves have shown that they won’t spend, but that’s not something I’ve looked into at all.
Whatever, if Smith were to get sacked (and I’m not advocating that at all) I think I’d be reasonably happy to see Nuno come in.
But obviously there are options.
I can’t think who they are, but Rafa Benitez is available isn’t he? I like him too. He takes his job seriously and sets incredibly high standards by all accounts.
Given that he left his last club because of Covid, it might just be a case of good timing too, at the end of the season.
Or perhaps there’s someone else you have in mind?
Post them up, if so, as it will at least make for discussion.
Meanwhile, I’m interested to see how this poll goes.
I don’t think I need to explain anything really, but the points for and against Smith are pretty obvious.
FOR He’s the one who’s got us where we are and we’re on target for where we wanted to be. The players seem to like him. His football can be entertaining. We had a top 6 first half of the season.
AGAINST He’s spent a fortune. He doesn’t seem to be able to manage games very well. He seems to have favourites. His football can be awful. We had a relegation second half of the season. We could have done so much better.
I suspect it’ll be “he stays” at this point.
And here he is.
Again, it demonstrates the gulf.
Luiz on for Grealish.
That could be a big mistake, although i can see why Smith wants to try and hold it.
Think it’s to protect Grealish rather than a tactical switch. 70 minutes probably about right for his first start.
Nakamba has played really well.
It’s a surprise he doesn’t get more game time. He’s tenacious, has good positional play and passes the ball well.
Fuck me Chucky coming on! About time.
Naka off.
Man, why don’t we shoot?
Traore has just done it again arrrgghhh.
Too many touches for about the seventh time 🙁
Bidace on now for Traore. Is Smith ill?
🙂
Chucky hits the post! Unlucky.
Yes, great result and the bonus is it’s toatally knackered it for Spurs 🙂
Traore see what I mean poor finisher.
Don’t you just love it when a plan comes good. Thank you AV for starting the summer
11th place secured as 52 points.
That was an absolutely huge win.
Now do it again against Chelsea and we’re cooking on gas for next season.
Neither of the two kids looked fazed coming on – hope they get a bit more time against Chelsea.
In them few minutes they played better than Bartley 😂well done Villa lads and stuff Chelsea I’ll be satisfied.
I was so pleased to see the two debutants- both look like they have something to offer. Should he start with Chuek against Chelsea?
YES!
Wow, I didn’t see that coming. Spurs were shocking when you consider fans back, a European place and maybe Kane’s last game. Nakamba despite his error early on grew into the game and was one of our best players. And great to see the kids come on and get right into the action. Such a shame that Chukys shot hit the post. Time to check the Villa Twitter page and see how many ‘fans’ are calling for Smith to be sacked!
Clearly, it’s good games and bad games, Smith made some good decisions today, and the impact Carney and Chuck made impacting the game management at the end was more than Harry Kane did all game, and I am being serious. We silenced the best striker in the league if not the world, and if we beat Chelsea we have a few team strengthening procedures to undergo and then have something to build on. Thoroughly impressed by the players and Dean Smith today.
I thought Carney was Chuck?
Jekyll & Hyde 🙂
Mings and Grealish back made a difference and we looked more solid with Hause playing in the centre and Konsa at RB. Also Nakamba played really well in the holding role releasing McGinn to play higher up the pitch where he influences the game to a far greater degree.
To be fair when Luiz came on he played well in an attacking mid filled role and I really think this is where he should play.
We should be looking to add at least one top class defensive mid as I think we have some really cracking attacking mid field players.
Badger, I know you’re not a Mings fan but he was excellent today. Without him we don’t have anyone to organise the defence – a job he does really well.
They say a day in politics is a long time – in Villa’s case, 3 days in football is a lifetime 🙂
Shout out to Matt Targett who was immense today and most of the season. It’s a good job we won because we would all be on here arguing about how VAR didn’t see the nailed on penalty that should have been.
Agreed on Targett Holte – Arguably the most improved player since last season.
Just looking at the BBC player scores and Nakamba comes out as the worst Villa player. Does that indicate how good was the overall performance or was I watching a different game because I though Nakamba was excellent.
Nakamba was world class in the second half, shades of Makelele, breaks the attack up superbly and distribution was excellent, he’s got to start more, he’s been excellent in a very game he’s played this season.
Bit of Kante about him as well, guest?
Targett was a bit of a lightweight when he first came, but he has really toughened up. A decent shout for player of the season.
He flies under the radar a little DS – I think that award will go to Martinez. On balance probably right as he’s made an enormous difference to our defensive play.
He’s such a commanding, composed figure that gives confidence to those playing in front of him. Transfer of the summer im my view and well done to Villa for getting him.
And then we go and do that what a win so frustrating we can be amazing one game and rubbish the next
Just a bit more consistency and we can finish high next season Having a nice beer on that tonight made up