Well, I’m back and it’s bloody nippy isn’t it?
Straight down to it then and I’m not in the slightest bit optimistic about this game, I can tell you.
I’ve tried to keep the optimism up, but there are just too many things going against us all at the same time, for me to maintain it.
Losing to Ipswich at home, combined with the way we approached the game has pushed me over the edge and it’s not a nice place to be.
But while I’m full of gloom and despondency, so I’m also clinging to the belief that things can surely only get better. Can’t they?
The trouble is, while I do think things will gradually get better, I’m not convinced we’ve bottomed yet. Which is of course worrying when you look at our current league position.
So where does that leave us regarding tonight?
Let’s look at some facts.
We have, on paper, one of the best sides in the league, but we look aimless and don’t seem to play as a team.
We have two of the best strikers in the league and can’t score (although Kodjia’s been away of course).
Hitch mentioned it when he said the oppo’s goalies seem to put on a blinder against us.
And every single mistake we make gets punished.
It’s a situation I’d struggle to wish on our neighbours down the road.
But more worrying is that Barnsley are a better side than Ipswich. So how are we going to beat them?
Well, I haven’t got a clue and we can only hope Steve Bruce, or whoever it is actually comes up with tactics, has.
Bruce intimated that he might drop the 3-5-2 (ahem), which suggests we might go back to four at the back.
I can’t say I’ve watched Barnsley, so don’t know what to think.
The manager’s in a big hole at the moment and frankly, I don’t care how we go about it, but we cannot lose this game tonight. Momentum is already building against Bruce and with us footy fans being what we are, the clamour for his head is only going to increase.
I’m not even convinced a draw will be enough, particularly if it’s combined with another poor performance.
I’ve called for Bruce to be more Gung-ho, but it would appear he doesn’t see things the same way.
That’s his prerogative of course, because he’s the manager, but my opinion is he isn’t doing himself any favours in setting up negatively.
The trouble is, we look really weak when Jedinak isn’t available. Questions have been asked about Lansbury being played deeper and Bjarnason doesn’t seem to be very well rated up to now, although that is probably down to his lack of fitness. Which of course begs the question why he isn’t being introduced gradually.
Ah, what do I know?
I’m going to go for a 1-0 win, but it’s more in hope than anything.
Like I said. I’m worried.
Comments
143 responses to “Villa – Barnsley; I’m worried”
Fuck’s sake.
They haven’t had a look in either.
Kodjia too greedy.
Yet again.
We could have 10 shots on target & still couldn’t score
It’s gone beyond a fuckin joke something has to fuckin give
Shouldn’t have been a pen according to Twitter.
now the shit could hit the fan 🙁
reports on sky say they were playing really well, now that goal has gone in, it might change us and we retreat into our selves
Comms saying we’re still well in it Nath.
Barnsley free, just outside the box.
Johnstone puts it over for a corner.
Offside just after.
Grealish shot, wide.
They’re now saying it isn’t working.
The worrying thing is we have to get two to win.
2 hopes???
2-0 Barnsley.
OMG!
foooking hell i would stick with 532
Is this one big piss take
Barnsley fans singing “easy, easy”
Kodjia, after a great cross from Hutton
1-2!!!
Game on!!!
that goal from kodjia might just kick start the season. you watch us go now me me road runner
Hutton floats one in, Grealish air kick.
can you repeat that badger WHO CROSSED ????
yep Hutton.
1 in 500 attempts. Good one
Maybe it’s time for some fans to realise how bad we are and what a serious situation we are in. Sticking with the manager is a fine philosophy, as long as he is actually the right manager. Bruce isn’t
Comms saying Green on for Grealish and go for them, as we can beat them.
Hmm, we’ll see.
HT and Morley saying we can beat these easy.
We should be able to beat most teams in this division easily. Problem is we have shown ourselves incapable of beating any team easily since Rotherham 3-0. We need to click soon. It’s at least as likely that Barnsley will score next rather than Villa.
Without jedinak protecting the back 4 with his dominance in the air we are wide open. With nothing in front of them that could be considered a defensive midfielder we are always gunna lose goals. The constant nervousness around villa park is acting on the players, what ever happens we need to support them, help them grow as a team and dominate the decision, we can, we have the players and just need team play and confidence!!!
In fairness, Jimbo, the fans are up for it, apparently.
Just waiting for something to cheer.
From the years of being there during the shite times there is a lot of criticism given to the players, sadly I think the players need time. Wonder if they are are popping it about or doing the long ball crap
Morley says we should be looking at 18 months, fwiw.
Give him at least till December, if we are not in the top 6 then night night
That’s fine as long as we are in the Championship. If we drop he has to go, and preferably before that happens
Agreed DS.
We desperately need that goal to be a turning point.
Barnsley have scored 48 goals this season. That’s almost 20 more than us. Fortunately they concede loads too, so maybe we can get a result. Time for Hogan to get his shooting boots on.
kodjia ‘s goal is massive. we have struggled to score. thats one monkey off our back. i think they will have a big second half now.
Hope so Nath.
We can’t lose this one.
Needs the tactiticians to see it and have the bollox to go for it.
Brucie has no balance at all. So he goes defensive with 5 defenders….. No plays a midfield hopeless at tracking with no defending capabilities at all.
Told a Barnsley fan on Twitter we’d lose once I saw the squad, unless the play defensive….. He said they won’t…… And these are the results.
Poor poor poor
** 5 defenders at the weekend, now….
Got to hope we turn up in 2nd half……usually takes 40 mins for us to wake up after the break.
I don’t think there’s been any changes??