I don’t know if I should even bother trying to guess what’s going to happen here, as you can bet it will probably be wrong.
Still I’ve nothing better to do and we can at least talk about the game.
We beat Wolves away by a penalty scored by El Ghazi at their place and hence it would be logical to think we can do similar at home.
This is nothing like a normal season though and it was perfectly logical for me to suggest that we’d lose to Leeds and beat Sheffield Utd.
How just like the Villa to do the opposite and win the tough game and lose to a ten man Sheffield that had only won four games all season.
It’s results like that Sheffield game that disgust me. It’s probably unfair, because those are the vagouries of Football which make it the game it is.
But if you’ve had a terrible run, lost the vast majority of your games or go down to ten men, you can rely on the Villa to sort things for you and hand you the three points.
It’s that consistency with which we lose those stupid games that ought to be easy on paper that really annoys me.
is there anyone else that’s been as good as us at throwing points away over the last few years?
I seriously doubt it and it’ll probably cost us European qualification that is so near our grasp.
It would be fair to say we weren’t expecting Europe and probably don’t have the squad for it anyway, but you shouldn’t look at these sort of chances lightly.
You can bet if we did qualify for Europe, our owners would feel obliged to dig deep again.
Anyway, that may or may not come at the end of the season and it’s onto today’s game.
Wolves.
I’m not sure what to think of them. Have they been found out?
I’m not sure what there was to find out to be honest. Last season they worked incredibly hard for each other and played with fluidity, pace and incisiveness.
They still do the same, but are seriously missing Raúl Jiménez who got 17 goals last season and seven in fifteen games this season before his skull injury a while back.
They still seem okay but they’re not doing as well as us. Which probably shows what such a good season we’re having.
Squad news and there’s nothing new on our part. Grealish is most likely out, as some of us suspected, although it’s entirely possible with Dean Smith’s doublespeak that he might actually play. It’s doubtful though, as the last I heard is that he hadn’t trained this week. I expect him to be out for a few more games yet, for what it’s worth.
Matt Cash is out as is Hause and Wesley, although the striker is supposed to be getting nearer.
As for Wolves, they’re without Jimenez, Marcal and Podence.
I think this game mostly depends on what Villa team turn up. If it’s the same sort of performance we saw in midfield midweek, we’ve no chance of getting the points.
Traore, Ramsey and even McGinn were nowhere near good enough. In fact it hurts me to say it, but I think it’s about time John McGinn was rested. Saying that just seems wrong somehow, but we have to face the fact that the Scot has been poor for weeks now and it doesn’t look like changing anytime soon.
Sanson’s supposed to play with plenty of energy, although I can’t say I’ve seen it in the minutes he’s played.
Would he be good enough to come in for McGinn?
I know we’re supposed to have taken advantage of the situation and signed Sanson too early, with him originally being planned for the summer, but what was supposed to change then? Were we going to sign a load of players to revolve around Sanson and play to some different plan, or something?
Of course not. To suggest so is stupid.
So what then? Was he expected to improve another 50% in the next few months? That’s ridiculous too.
So he’s either good enough as it is, or he isn’t.
And if he isn’t you really have to wonder if Smith wanted him at all, as quite a few rumours have suggested.
Not that I expect Smith to change things up anyway, as he probably had a major panic attack changing things against Sheffield.
That said, this will be a different type of game to the Sheffield one, where Ramsay wasn’t suited at all.
Choosing the kid just looked like favouritism and not pragmatism at all to me, but Smith is the one who sees them training every day, I suppose.
Which reminds me.
I hope we’ve been putting plenty of practise into our crossing, because it’s frankly shocking in open play and set pieces.
Wolves to win 2-1, purely because we’re at home.
UTV
Comments
84 responses to “Villa – Wolves: Not a clue.”
*like last summer’s
There was not one professional footballer on that pitch. Disgraceful lack of basic skills
My apologies to Martinez
I want to know why the goals have shriveled up after a free-scoring first half of the season. I happened before Jack’s injury. There must be a reason. What is it?
Poor game – the reality is we’re nowhere near top 6. Not a single shot on target in the whole game.
Barkley – what does he actually offer – if we pay £40m for him we’re f’ing mad.
Martinez top drawer – how much is he now worth? Defence played well – Konsa is superb – but the midfield in the second half was non existent.
If you look at our form pre and post the Covid outbreak one has to wonder to what extent it’s affected us. Bruce at Newcastle is adamant that Covid has had a real negative impact and the evidence at Villa might support that view.
Still a point gained.
So many issues.
Decent first half, rubbish second half.
Not one single goal on target. At home.
So much player inconsistency.
And for a team that goes out of it’s way to pass the ball back to the goalie from a bloody corner, we don’t half just give it away far too easily, far too often.
Agreed, BFR, upgrades for Traore, El Ghazi, Trezeguet and probably more.
Barkley is a no for me too. Started great for us, but couldn’t even keep it up for a couple of months?
Hitch, I think the reason the goals have dried up is lack of intensity and speed in our play. The reason for lack of intensity is COVID. There is no other logical explanation. Let’s hope it’s not a long-term issue.
BFR – I’m coming to the same conclusion – even Smith has alluded to Covid as being a problem. Take McGinn – lots of energy in the first half but a shadow of that in the second. That’s just not like McGinn. Also his strength / balance seems down on what we’re used to seeing.
Whatever happens it’s been a good season and we should withhold being too critical given the challenges the pandemic have brought.
Standing back, there are some real positives.
Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Watkins and, of course Grealish. I think we’ve also seen a real improvement in Targett’s game / consistency. I’m also a fan of Mings – particularly now he’s cut out trying to be Beckenbaeur!
The spine of a decent team is there and with the addition of two or three quality signings in the summer then I think ‘bright future’ is a reality.
Well that’s 40 points and safety!
I hope the owners let Smith know it is fine for him to experiment and play some of the youngsters. It could save millions in future transfer fees and allow fewer but exceptional quality players to be bought.
I just wonder how much Covid took it out of the players.
I have been saying for ages that its Covid that has made the difference with us as it had with Newcastle.
In the 1st half I couldnt believe the quick precise passing we did in the final 3rd and it was down to bad decisions again that stopped us getting shots on target or even scoring.
We tried being the same 2nd half but Wolves upped their game and we couldnt even pass properly then.
In the end I said well thats nil nil…better than nil one.
NOT VILLA but even the Yam Yams have noticed…….
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/premier-league/waste-of-talent-doesn-t-care-many-wwfc-fans-blast-useless-man-who-doesn-t-want-to-run/ar-BB1ejaeB?ocid=msedgntp
Agreed – didn’t seem interested to me not that I particularly care. Wolves want to sell him in the summer.
Adama Traore is not a waste of talent but he’s definitely mercurial: He can either be brilliant or absolute shite, nothing else – a pure frustration to watch. Thank God he moved on from the Villa tbh… mind you he’s a decent chap from what I’ve seen of him on social media. Good on him and hope he does well! I fancy Nuno knows his faults and will be wanting a profit but not much else.
Anyone see the Deano interview in The Times yesterday? Behind a paywall but he was talking about how he had to improvise during the first lockdown. Seems he’s always learning… Clever chap!
Excellent article – should be compulsory reading for all Villa fans if you can get hold of it (thanks for bringing it to my attention Bum Bum).
We undoubtedly have an exceptional, thinking and clever manager / coach who, like all men, will have difficult time but it’s important we stick with him and give him our support; that’s not to say legitimate questions need asking at times.
One of the most telling lines in the article (for me) was his assertion that he has a close relationship with Lange. I don’t think we should worry about whether or not Smith is onboard with transfers as the implication is mutual trust. So, I have no doubt Smith is fully behind the transfer of Sanson.
Is there anyone there?
Sorry Holte.
I meant to write a post earlier today, but i’ve been on a major mission for my mother and it’s literally taken all day.
It would have said we ought to win this, but lookng at it…..
God we are poor. Don’t give me this Covid crap. Basic errors, poor decision making, can’t cross, no shots on goal. It’s Newcastle FFS.
When things are going downhill who would be a good team to play against….
I don’t know what they do in training but obviously crossing isn’t one of them. Mings is having a shocker so far too. It’s a good job that Newcastle are poor because we are looking like a relegation team right now.
I agree with you both.
We massively lack any inventiveness up top, just the same as Newcastle.
And god yes, they are crap.
Are we a one man team?
Too bloody right we are if you look at the numbers lately, as much as it hurts me to say it.
That side I’m watching tonight and have been for weeks has relegation written all over it.
Only a lucky goal will get us a win tonight, imo.
And worst of all, it’s incredibly tedious watching 🙁
Last chance saloon for Barkley?
Poor to not be able to beat them 🙁
We didn’t deserve to win – draw is a fair result between two distinctly average sides.
We’ll get murdered by Spurs if we play like that
We get a lead we don’t deserve and blow it big time. Time and time again we could have cleared it or even scored a second. I think Mings and Watkins were poor tonight despite the goal. As for Barkley WTF!
I didn’t so much notice Mings (and trust me I usually do), but agree about Watkins. He looks like he needs a rest now, but there’s no back up is there?
Barkley is finished at least for this season, imo.
Nothing about him looks right.
Joelinton gave Mings a torrid time tonight and he got a yellow card for his troubles. Konsa got him out of a hole a couple of times too. I don’t want to be overly critical because all our defenders have been excellent over the season.
I agree that Barkley looks like a player that promised great things but looks like he will be heading back to Chelsea based on his form since his injury.
We massively miss Grealish and Cash so hopefully they will be back for the next game.
To be absolutely honest Holte, I didn’t watch it that closely.
I’m still in the middle of the mission for my mom, believe it or not.
Mings executed a few good blocks, from what I saw.
And Konsa has been quietly the better defender for me for a while now.
I know throwing Barkley back seems the obvious thing, but it really wouldn’t surprise me if Smith buys him anyway. I think a lot depends on how his attitude has been.
What I mean is, Dean might see him as petulant, similar to us fans, or he might just love his desire. Plus we all know Smith does what he wants and not what we want.
Any thoughts on Ramsey?
To be honest, I’ve seen nothing in him and if he’s the best we’ve got, well…
If kids are going to create an impression, they need to do it sharpish, imo.
And if they don’t, get the next big hope in.
Sound harsh?
it probably is, but if they’re no better than what we have, what’s the point?
Send them on loan and let them learn elsewhere, imo.
Either that, or give up on the season now and put a load of kids in so they can really learn what it’s all about, together.
It’s not that I want to talk our kids down, but it just looks typical Villa, where we’ve talked the kids up for years and they’ve always come to nothing.
I think we can get better players cheaper in transfer value and wage than Barkley TBH. But as you said, Smith will make the call regardless of fans opinions.
I do like Ramsey although like most of his teammates he struggled tonight. Unfortunately during the last 5-6 games there have been too many players who have underperformed. As an attacking threat we have lost all our creativity resorting to aimless crosses. I hope we can get Grealish back to his best along with Cash who will offer some drive and energy.
I do think that the remaining games offer an opportunity to try the kids. One of them might take to first team football like a duck to water. Most of them will end up playing in lower leagues but we won’t know if we don’t give them a chance.
I like Ramsay too. He looks silky and clever to me.
But I’m not seeing anything stand out and I’m already wondering why Smith persists with him, because at the moment he offers nothing, to me.
And if you offer nothing over what we have?
Like i say. chuck a few of them in, if it doesn’t matter and you really want to improve them.
We’ll never get a better chance and as per usual, it just seems like we’re pussyfooting around again.
It’s like Davis.
We’ve tried him for ages and he’s crap as an actual striker, who’s job is putting the ball in the net.. Get him out on loan and if he still can’t score, get rid, simple and stop messing about.
We’ve done it for years and you watch, we’re doing exactly the same now.
Talk them up and then never use them. Same old, same old.
What are we waiting for, to piss the league, so it doesn’t matter?
Play them or stop playing at bringing kids through completely, imo.
You can probably tell, the whole thing boils my piss 🙂
Ok I’ll ask this question!! Ramsey or Conor on the performance so far? Conor was used as sub time after time, never given full match if he did he was pulled. Hourhane dead balls was on target can you say that with balls from Traore or El Garzi or most th a centre a ball . I liked Conor need him home.
I can’t even be bothered.
Ds, that’s pretty much how I feel too.
The season has gone right off the boil hasn’t it?
I know it’s probably just a bad patch, but when you can’t beat crap like Newcastle, Europe doesn’t look realistic at all, to my mind.
I gave up on Europe a few games ago. I’m not even bothered about that. It’s the way we play. No positivity. No guile, Just aimless. It’s not that we don’t have good footballers in the team. Tonight, Watkins was awful. After 10 mins I saw Traore receive the ball. I had already forgotten he was playing. Mings was casual, clumsy and just not at it. Ramsay is tidy but looks overawed and doesn’t influence the game. We lacked players who wanted to make a difference. Too many happy to play safe. Yet even when doing that they were careless.
I’m so deflated right now. I just want the season to end but I do worry about the coaching.
Ds, I think it’s definitely fair to say we’re underperforming.
I think back to how good we’ve been to watch and then think about what we’ve witnessed for months now……
I’m going to try and put a positive slant on it, just for a laugh. Let me know if I succeed…
OK, here goes:
Our form since COVID:
-lost 2-0 to the Champs and runaway leaders and the ref was on their side. No shame in that
– beat barcodes 2-0 at home ‘at a canter’ – well done
– lost 2-3 at Burnley when we should have been out of sight at half-time, playing magnificent football and carving open a notoriously stingy rearguard at will – put it down as a ‘freak result’
– gritty 1-0 away win at Saints – need some of those every season – excellent
– spanked 1-3 at home by the Hammers – put it down to Lingard ‘new signing effect’ and don’t forget West Ham are pushing for CL and will finish above us – forgivable
– 1-0 win at home to Arsenal – great result and another clean sheet
– 0-0 draw away to Brighton – excellent away clean sheet again – a point away in the PL can never be sniffed at (unbeaten in 2 at this stage)
– narrow 1-2 reverse at home to guaranteed top 4 Leicester – we can’t compete with these yet – forgivable
– tremendous 1-0 away win at Leeds – ’nuff said
– 0-1 reverse at Sheffield…erm…we only lost by 1 – could easily have been an excellent away point and clean sheet again
– 0-0 at home in a ‘white-hot’ West Mids derby – and we hit the woodwork twice – a valiant point and clean sheet
– 1-1 at Newcastle – another away point in the ‘toughest league in the world’ – by rights, we’re not permitted to win at St James’ so we had to let them score at the end – unbeaten in 2 again
We’re in great form! Bring on Bale, Kane, and Son!
Feeling better, chaps?
Nice try BFR. I get the feeling that we already have nothing to play for now! We aren’t going to qualify for Europe and we aren’t getting relegated. Roll on next season!
Yes, nice try BFR!
To me, it’s all about results and we’ve been so close, yet so far too.
Here’s positive for you;
If we go on a final run like we did last season, we’ll make the Champion’s league, let alone Europa!
Something’s been bugging me since this afternoon…and I’ve just realised that it’s since I heard our Connor had scored again for the Swans. It was, without doubt, a horrible, inexplicable decision to let him go at that stage of the season.
A lot of comments have been made about our midfield being knackered, McGinn in particular. Connor, having hardly played all season, would have been a perfect replacement, offering goals and assists as standard, and a plan B in ‘win some free-kicks in and around the box and let Connor do the rest.’ Not to mention his long range shooting. I’ve no doubt that of the 5 he’s already notched in the Champoinship, he would easily have scored at least 2-3 had he been given a run in the team after Covid.
Really sad to see us struggling and him – our player – tearing it up in Wales and will probably be the difference maker in getting them promoted. It’s these types of decisions that have to be called correctly if we’re to bridge the gap to the top 4. We’re not scoring or creating – here is a player who does that. But we’re not conceding. Ergo, if he was in our team now, the 0-0s might have been 1-0 wins, making a difference to our position and morale. Bring him home. His goals against Blues and Albion at VP alone make him a Villa legend in my eyes. A proven big-game player.
Hourihane and Guilbert are two players we should have kept in hindsight. We have only a few players capable of putting the ball in the net and that’s why Hourihane should have been kept. Also after watching how poor our passing and crossing has been recently, surely Hourihane would offer more quality than any of our current midfield players have shown.
Guilbert also would have offered a more like for like replacement for Cash than Elmo. Another bizarre decision when we only have a small squad to pick from.
I think it all depends what you think Hourihane offers.
Yes, he has a good set piece in him, without a shadow of a doubt.
And if you could use him like a field kicker, where he comes on for the kick and is then dragged straight back off, he’d be the second name on my sheet after Martinez.
But in normal, open play, I think McGinn with a leg cut off would offer more.
I think we ought to bear in mind how utterly anonymous he was for us, the league he’s playing in now and the fact that Ramsey was classed as a better bet.
It’s funny how players seem to get better when they’re not even playing for us anymore.
Guilbert on the other hand, I agree, I thought that was a big mistake.
But I think things have gone on there, that we don’t know about.
Smith says he wants to see him back next season.
But my money says he won’t be.
Which I suppose would prove me to be right.
We’ll see.
Why has the post jumped 5 post earlier?
Maybe because you hit the reply button and replied to me, instead of writing in the bottom box?
It’s easy done and I’ve done it myself.
I’m glad you’ve commented Bill.
I was getting worried, tbh.
No I’m fine Badger, im here all the time reading posts, also growing season on allotment busy with seeds. Had my second jab yesterday so only the wife to go with jab.