I’m stunned.
The first half sounded superb and Tony Morley suggested that the first half was the best we’d played for around two years. Indeed, it sounded like even Westwood, Gabby and Hutton were playing really well and Johnstone hardly touched the ball.
At one stage, it wouldn’t have been a surprise if we were 4-0 up; we were that impressive.
So what happened?
We went in two up at half time and things should have been very comfortable.
Nothing changed when the teams came back on and we retained the same 4-1-4-1 that seemed the best balanced we’ve been in a long time.
Yet we still managed to let them back into it and this surely has to be a mental thing?
Steve Bruce, who I don’t see got it wrong today, even though I feared for us from the off when I saw the line-up, must quite simply be pulling his hair out.
I predicted a 0-0 today and I’d have taken that.
But to have played so well in the first half and still end up drawing?
That’s a massive 2 points dropped, whichever way you look at it.
There are plus points in that we showed that we can do it.
But we have to show more resilience if we’re going to get to the play-offs.
Lansbury looked ok and that’s another plus.
Along with us retaining our home record.
Oh, we got two goals too.
But I’m still massively disappointed.
Comments
974 responses to “Villa 2 – 2 Preston; We threw that away”
Mirror now getting on the Grealish to Boro bandwagaon –
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-ready-offer-jack-9703733
Not sure what I think really but from what I’m hearing Jack is frustrating SB a bit at the moment so you never know.
i think two will be leaving, i said before the rag said lol i think its ayew / RM and a midfielder westwood / gardner. i personally think westy and ayew both are more saleable.
i think grealish is over rated. but i don’t think we used him properly yet, to be able to say we have tried him fully. i will stick my hands up and say i was one of the many wanting albrighton out because his failure to produce what we always knew he could. sometimes they just need to leave home before they grow.
i think we shouldnt make the same mistake with grealish, would love to see him come on last 20 mins cameos. with a better midfield behind him, we should be controlling more games for him to display his talents. then if he continues to fail . the door is always another option
Nath, what your thinking is what I thought, we have made mistakes in the past with players in letting them go , Albrighton being one of many, I like Grealish and I see him go missing in a game, blame him for one of Preston goals, but Nath I can see he has something for Villa in a better side, like you’ve said, yes keep him for another few months then look at him again I say.
i think your spot on bill,
albrighton was also in a poor team. lambert was also not using him in his natural position. but i remember hearing fergie praise him after we won the reserve league in his early days. he gave him a big thumbs up. but he wasnt in a decent team at the end with villa. out of position too.
grealish is a player that will excel ( i think) if he has better players around him and if his team is controlling the ball. he isnt a midfielder that wants or is any good tracking back. he comes alive in final third in and around the box. i think your right, we need to see him given more time to produce
If his England performances are anything to go by (albeit U21’s) then there is truth in what you are both saying.
Grealish is most fouled player in Championship so one can understand that his frustration shows through. Easy to mark him out of the game if defenders aren’t concerned with rest if midfield – whole different story if he’s playing alongside Lansbury, Houlihane and Bjarnason – more protection and he’ll find that little bit more space.
Hasn’t Dr. T come out and said he’s going nowhere?
Dr Tone…..following Jacob Bedau on twitter.
Looks like we’re probably close on that one then.
Going back to Grealish; I consistently supported Albrighton and often spoke about him being the best crosser at the club. I thought it was a major mistake to let him go.
But he worked hard and that makes it easier to support someone.
Plus I could see him getting better.
Grealish on the other hand, doesn’t have that commitment, so has to be more productive. And while he’s easily the better technical player, I remain unconvinced that he has the mentality. Plus when he’s not on fire, I don’t think he adds enough to the team.
That said, I can see him being better with better players around him.
But I still wouldn’t be upset in the same way, if he were to leave, as long as we got the right deal.
I guess my point is we all see players differently.
Good, don’t do Twitter keep letting know what’s going on.
Bill….put it this way! Dr Tone started following Lansbury, Bree and Hourihane and they all signed? Seems like a good indication to me. My Guy also said we are in for a LB. Dr Tone also following Alex Bruce now!
Posting on Facebook this morning, Grealish senior wrote: Its a NO NO. Boro. Upthevilla
Yes Badger….read that. Just confirms what I was told last night. Someone made up the story by saying ‘been told by Grealish senior that Jack is going to Boro’.
At least we know.
Which leaves us to continue speculating elsewhere 🙂
That story has made the Express look like right mugs.
And it’s sister paper, the Dailly Star, who pushed it even further in saying it was a straight swap, the utter tools that they are lol.
Journalists really are shit these days. Brum Mail ‘Dr Tone following Bedau on twitter’!
Any thoughts on Alex Bruce….decent back up I suppose. We are quite light in that area. I like Baker but feel he’s destined to be one of those unlucky players injury wise.
Well, I’m all for looking after your own.
But at 32?
He’ll be cheap and back up, as you say.
If it’s a short contract, I could live with it, I suppose.
****uodate****
My guy saying one deal 95% done. No name, but I’m guessing Jacob Bedau!
You’d think so.
We aren’t messing about, are we?
Nope….no messing about. How refreshing after the last regime.
Your right Langford. He’s having a medical tonight or tomorrow.
Bill…cheers mate but its NOT me who’s right. I’m simply relaying messages…I know bugger all!
Well its welcome mate, hey Wolves beating Liverpool at the minute.
Weimann scores the winner too. Glad he’s doing okay, always was a trier.
I like Stevie Wonder….but I’m NOT ‘Mr know-it-all 🙂
Yes, I like that Helda Costa for Wolves. He ran us ragged at VP,earlier this season!
Dr Tonys tweeted another brainstormer, good luck 🍀 anyone out there
Irish player?
Alex Bruce has played for Ireland.
Xia’s good at this game, isn’t he?
How did you come up with an Irish player?? Where do you see this in his equation??
Giddy…Dr Tone started following Bedau and Bruce on twitter today for the first time
Giddy, the Clover mate 🙂
Or it could of course just be a Chinese New year thing 🙂
Happy New Year Dr Xia, is their new year then.?
Its the year of the rooster….no more headless chickens for us, hopefully ! 🙂
😁
Badger – can you link Dr. T’s latest tweet – it will drive me to drink 🙂
It should come up on the timeline (on the right) shortly.
I think I need some beer 🙂
😀🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍷🍷🍷😂🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾😁 GET IT DOWN YER. FOLKS
😀
Looks like the player swap + cash has progressed, but I agree with you, it’s one of three, which is probably why the others haven’t progressed.
Then possibly four going, with one almost done.
Then another two in, with one almost done.
I think 🙂
Hectic indeed!
Thanks Badger – that swop plus cash was a good call mate; the Mail seemed to think that the /3 position is a winger. I wonder if that’s part of the Swansea double bid reported in the press? I suspect the + 95% at the end is Bedeau.