I’ve left this post for a while because I needed to get my head around a couple of things.
That performance was frankly shocking. There’s just no getting away from it.
Where I predicted us to be the sharper team with more energy, because we’d had a nice week’s rest, we were so ridiculously far off the pace I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
We’d started reasonably enough, but I watched this game with my son in law and two of the grandsons and they all agreed with me early on that it was pretty turgid stuff.
There was just no atmosphere and even less edge to the game. I don’t know if that’s something to do with a lack of atmosphere at the Brentwood community stadium, but whatever, I even commented that the game was really flat and it was like watching a pre-season game.
I just found myself wondering what had happened to the sharp, accurate, fast-paced passing that we saw when Gerrard first arrived as manager. The answer was that the game was totally devoid of any of those niceties and I found myself getting somewhat bored as early as fifteen minutes in.
Buendia woke things up with a lovely bit of skill and a turn and drag (there’s no doubt a name for that move, but I don’t know what it is) and a lovely through ball to Danny Ings who finished sweetly to give us a deserved lead.
Deserved not because we were good, but because Brentwood were so poor.
It seemed the game was already in the bag and my 3-1 prediction was going to come to fruition and maybe more.
Then we huffed and puffed, looking the better side until Wissa received the ball, took a nice touch and then curled it for a cracking finish.
It was their first shot on goal and that made it really disappointing. We’d created little, but Brentwood had created even less.
1-1 at half time it was and it felt somewhat unfair.
Never mind, Gerrard’s half time tongue lashing would have the lads up for it and we’ve very much been a second half team anyway, so I still wasn’t worried.
Yet a performance never came and if anything, we continued to get worse as the game went on, so much so that you could see that Brentford would probably score again.
Brentford had a couple of second half injuries and given that they were already down to the bare bones player-wise it wrankled even more when they duly got the second goal.
Martinez saved Roerslev’s first shot but couldn’t do anything about the rebound.
Ings had an effort saved, but it was just poor all round from Villa.
One of the things I had to think about was Traore. I’ve seen it said on here that he was awful. Indeed it’s a view that seems to be pretty universal, having read around a bit. Yet in a game that was devoid of any creativity, he and Buendia were probably our best players.
I’d said in the preview that I didn’t even think Traore or Trezeguet would get playing time because it didn’t make any sense, seeing as they’ll be off to the African cup of nations tomorrow.
I’m not even keen on Traore, as although he’s undoubtedly massively talented, I also think he doesn’t offer enough in games, so it’s not like I’m biased in his favour.
So basically I’m perplexed as to why everyone else thinks he was so poor. Don’t get me wrong, he wasn’t great, but there are just loads of players I think were worse than him today.
I feel a bit embarrassed here, because it seems like I’m in a massive minority and I’m the only person who thinks he did okay, but my question would be who else even tried to go forward with the ball, Buendia apart?
Why did Gerrard start him?
A couple of reasons I think. First was confirmation that he doesn’t want to keep him and second, to put him and Trez in the shop window. Expect us to make massive losses on both players if we can get someone willing to take them.
So if Traore was one of the better players today, what about the rest?
I mentioned Buendia, who was quite bright in places but faded later.
And then I’m struggling to think of another anywhere near approaching decent performance.
Martinez was okay, but the rest of the defence were lacking on the very few occasions they were called upon.
Two chances, two goals pretty much sums it up.
Likewise the midfield. Luiz had a shocker and didn’t seem able to put his foot on the ball, let alone do anything with it. McGinn was invisible, as was Ramsey for the most part.
What about Ings then?
Yes, there was some decent link up play with Buendia and the goal was well worked. But I’m sorry, I still don’t see it. My grandsons ripped me to pieces when he scored, because I’ve constantly said he hasn’t been good enough, but by the end of the game, even they weren’t saying much. It’s possibly unfair to make too much of a judgement based on this game, because the whole team was so poor, but I just got the nagging feeling all through the game that we were missing Watkins’ far superior workrate.
The question now has to be will Gerrard keep Ings in and leave Ollie out next time? Personally I doubt it and have a feeling the manager isn’t keen on Ings. We’ll see though, because the manager does like to stick with who’s played well.
The other big complaint from me was this was a game that was begging for the kids to get time. Why none of them got on is beyond me.
I could also be critical of Gerrard leaving it so late to make substitutions too, but it’s almost like it’s not worth complaining at all and the game just has to be regarded as “one of those”, that is best forgotten as soon as possible.
It was massively depressing though, wasn’t it?
It’s a Cruyff move isn’t it, that Buendia did?
The last 35 minutes were dire.
I’m lost.
Yes we’ll said Badger apart from traore on my TV he was crap kept losing the ball or carried it to far.
Tres penalty try was so embarrassing I wanted ref to send him off.
With Louis I wonder if the arsenal thing was on his mind???
Buendia did seem to be on ings wave length more than with Watkins.
But Gerard definitely should have played some of youngsters.
If couldn’t get on with a performance like that what hope do they have. Wouldn’t blame chuky leaving or any of others.
Looks like Gerrard is another check book manager and probably why wanted to join villa because of their owners wealth.
Back to square one 😱😡
This is why managers should be given more time,get a squad together and add
New management change the players again hence no solid base to build on plus new systems again.
Villa will never get to the top again like this.
Glad at least I saw the 80/82team
When teams where built on solid foundation till Ellis ruined it.
Really down now 😡😡😡
Ah yes, the penalty blag. I said at the time I’d like to see him fined £100,000 for that. Disgusting and I’d get rid now, as much as I like him.
I dont want to see Traore in a Villa shirt again, that player is bone idle he don’t challenge, he doesn’t track back , he never passes the ball when it’s obvious he should, Luis can piss off another slow to react when he should, that game was disgusting. Brentford was at full strength and they showed better understanding than we did. Gerrard had better get players that not only play for money but the team and club as well.
Not at full strength,
I’m getting fed up of all the hush hush confidentiality regarding who’s out because of Covid or who’s injured. There are stories flying around that Watkins is off to Arsenal and that’s why he didn’t play. He probably has Covid but because of the bullshit confidentiality to protect human rights (blah blah blah) we now have conspiracy theories about him. If Gerrard or Klopp or Arteta can confirm they are self isolating, then why not clarify which players need to as well?
As for the African Nations cup, frankly for Trezeguet and Traore, it isn’t a bad thing if they get up to speed.
The other thing which is becoming obvious is that Mings is important for us in the sense he is vocal and unfortunately we don’t have any others who offer the same leadership. Targett especially today looked well out of sorts and Luiz was not anywhere near his best.
It looks like a season finishing anywhere between 18th and 8th at best. Gerrard’s honeymoon period is officially over and now we will find out whether he has what it takes to make it to the top or become the next Frank Lampard.
That’s the trouble now Smith wanted winger’s, Gerrard don’t play with winger’s so rebuild job again.
And by time they gel as a team again we will have new management then another rebuild.
Waste of time supporting this rubbish.
I’ve been a supporter since 56 been through thick and thin but it’s the last straw sorry to say.
Might support Brentford instead.
Very disappointed dtv
I waited to see the highlights before commenting. This was the first poor performance and result of Gerrard’s reign. He did need to give the returning players who the physio signs off a start – he hasn’t seen Traoré or Treseguet play. Both may have booked a ticket out of Brum with a performance that was beyond rusty.
That means the youngsters are getting nearer to the front of the queue. I think Carney and Archer have enough about them to have a run in the team. Ramsey has toughened up – he is not easily knocked of the ball now, and the same should occur with the other two given a run of games. By comparison with Ramsey they seem to have more raw talent as attackers.
Ings looked better without Mings lumping long balls up the left wing to Watkins, which account for 50% of Villa’s moves in possession.
All I’m going to say is that we were also missing four key players – Watkins, Mings, Nakamba and Bailey.
Has it gone unnoticed how much we are missing Nakamba in the central defensive mid role? Not only was he consistently recording great stats but he released both Luiz (who doesn’t seem the same player without him) and McGinn,
We need a new CH with Tuanzebe going but we need a top class, gritty, aggressive defensive mid more.
For all the negativity after a pretty poor performance, yours’ is the most sensible comment I’ve read on here in the last 24 hours Hitch !
C’mon guys, get a grip; one poor game and suddenly it’s all gloom & doom again? Bit of an over-reaction IMO…
I think Gerrard needs to consider the nationality of any players we sign this month. We have suffered already with Martinez, Luiz and Buendia being from South America. Now we lose Traore, Trezeguet and we would have lost Nakamba if he wasn’t injured. I could mention Bailey going away on international duty but he’s never fit anyway. Try to sign European players where tournaments don’t affect the Premier league so will have less disruption on our season. It’s bad enough with Covid putting a spanner in the works.
Being reported that Villa have agreed a 12 month loan deal for Wesley to join Brazilian side Internacionale at the end of which Wesley will have just six months left on his contract.
It seems to me that we’ve written off £22m (plus part wages?) less whatever we’ve managed to recoup in loan fees. Not one of our better deals although it’s probably unfair to be too critical given the severity of his injury at Burnley which might still finish his career.
Anyone who thinks we played well in that first half is absolutely delusional. Brentford were so shocking they made us look the tiniest bit decent. Also, look at that, Brentford were shocking, it would only be Villa to and let them get 2 goals and win the game 2-1, absolutely appalling. All of the close quarters, direct passing went out the window and it was another Smith performance. Trezeguet’s dive was embarrassing, at least try the cross and then go down, but he has just come back and I’m willing to turn a blind eye to it on the basis that we were probably not going to score that anyway but it defeats the point.
Luiz, well I shouldn’t say back to terrible because I’ve always rated him but he was anonymous, as was Ramsey, and as was McGinn (minus the first 20 odd minutes). The midfield was like it was under Smith. Slated Hause for the goal, and he could’ve whacked it out, but he isn’t the right person to slate there for the end of it, let them have too much space.
Blew a real good chance here, but Emi Buendia and Ings made themselves look good if you’re trying to take positives. We need that man Emi starting, we create nothing when he doesn’t. Still don’t see how Ings fits in, and it shows that on the pitch because he doesn’t look happy (unless he scores).
Minor rant over for now. Please don’t go back to our old ways Villa. If you can’t beat Brentford away then you can’t beat Napoli in Europe, it’s as simple as that. Go for top 10 this season, buy the whole world then it has to be Europe next season or we’re proving Thomas Frank right, who said we shouldn’t be below Brentford with the money we’ve spent, I frankly thought that comment was correct and made us look stupid in my opinion.
I’d say that’s a pretty reasoned view of things.
It’s interesting that you still don’t see it with Ings when you gave me dog’s abuse when he scored. I smell a wind-up 😉
Yes, we need changes, but there’s no doubt we looked worse than we ought to be in that game.
And yes, we definitely need to be beating the likes of Brentford if we’re going to progress.
Ings doesn’t work in our system. Doesn’t mean he’s not good enough for Villa, that is my opinion.
Not sure why everyone seems to be having a pop at Ramsey; I thought he did OK and the job he was probably asked to do.
Let’s not forget he’s (still) one of the kids that you want Gerrard to play – or is it that he’s now just not good enough?
Ironic really,
On my part Hitch, it’s not really a pop at him.
It’s more being realistic and just saying what you see.
Certainly my grandkids and the sil seem to take offence everytime I say I didn’t think he was that good and that seems to be something that most fans think.
Ie we should never criticse on of our own. I don’t get it.
My view is Ramsey is a very good prospect, who’s improving, but has lots to learn.
My sil keeps telling me that his stats are way better than Grealish’s were at the same stage.
I don’t doubt it.
But I’m not going to say he was great if I don’t think he was.
My money says he was equally as anonymous as McGinn and Luiz, in an overall poor performance, that’s all.
And I know you weren’t having a go at me specifically 🙂
Badger, I’m not having ‘a go’ at anyone and maybe I’m being a bit subjective.
Given that, as a team, we didn’t play well – as an aside I agree with your view that the game seemed to lack urgency (turgid is probably the word I’d use) – I thought Ramsey wasn’t the worst on the pitch by a long chalk if you take into account age and experience.
Traore failed to deliver one cross or shot, constantly overran the ball and seemed unwilling to pass it when a pass was required. In my eyes he was one of the worst performers on the pitch. Why play him anyway as he’s off to the Afcon Cup now – similar comment on Trezeguet. It’s not down to Villa to give players match minutes to help their international sides.
But there were others – Luiz was awful – continually dwelling on the ball and making poor decisions. Ings scored a good goal (and I missed his shot towards the end) – other than that, he didn’t contribute a lot in my eyes. We missed Watkins energy and drive.
I also thought Gerrard had a poor game as manager – his team selection was strange and his decision around substitutes lacked imagination.
Martinez escapes any criticism – again – but he must be getting frustrated by the failure of our defence. So, I think, does Buendia who is beginning to show why we paid £38m for him.
One last point, I didn’t like Frank’s comments after the game regarding our transfer spend and league position. Whilst he may be right it smacked of arrogance to me – but then I don’t like the bloke anyway.
You’re right. He wasn’t the worst.
And you’re right about Traore. I just thought he at least tried when it didn’t seem anyone else wanted too.
I actually think Frank has a point. We’ve taken Ollie and Konsa off them and they’ve beaten us when on paper they shouldn’t have. And it’s probably my exact attitude in that comment that makes him think it. (we think we’re better and should be beating them)
It’s bad manners, but I think the loss is by far more worth worrying about, tbh.
How true what your saying Hitch, Traore was guilty and the worst player I’ve seen for a long time, players like him and Luis bring other players down to their level in a game, why don’t coaching staff see it?. We was lacking in wanting the ball ,I closely watch Traore won’t tackle, runs towards them stops then watching other players . He’s bone idle player to any team, yes he has skill but fails to use it. Luiz hasn’t the brain to read games, balls from him are miss hit, I have to admit we did miss Minns and it was shown in that game. I think our teams falling apart and Oli will move Grealish was the start of players thinking time to move. I’m going to predict that we will finish 8th from bottom at the end of this season.. sorry to say.
Thomas Frank is right, and it’s weird because the best signing this season has been Ashley Young. But will prove to be Buendia imo, but look at Wolves’ recruitment, they are really strong in all positions and bad example, but I’ve played with Wolves on FIFA and can’t fit all the players that I want in there and it annoys me – haha. But in all seriousness, teams like West Ham and Wolves are the ones that really have that problem, but at least now with Gerrard he doesn’t cram all the money in one team like Smith did.
Overall point, we’ve overspent on certain positions.
We just know he can do better, that’s all.
Does anyone know why we haven’t got a game between 22nd January and 9th February? Surely it’s not because of the African Nations Cup! That’s 18 days gap which for the likes of today’s modern managers will be classed as a busy period 😒
WC Quallies, Holte.
Again 🙁
Thanks Badger. Just think if Wenger got his way we would be ‘treated’ to even more qualifiers 😔
Well, Sky want footy 7 days a week, so why doesn’t the WC aim towards the same thing?
At least that seems to be the mentality. It’s a joke and debases things, imo.
Barry recalled from Ipswich after only 6 outings in all games – I assume that includes their U23’s.
Correct call – if he’s going back out on loan he needs guaranteed playing time otherwise he should stay and play in the U23’s where Gerrard can have a close look at him.
I know an Ipswich fan, supports West Ham mainly but watches Town because of his dad and lives down south. Heard he didn’t get the game time originally, and when he was given a chance he was terrible.
Alfie, I have a good mate that’s a season ticket holder at Ipswich.
From what he saw Barry had all the makings of a class player but lacked the strength to deal with L1 football. He also felt he would do better stepping down to L2 or even the National League or whatever L3 is now called.
Barry also suffered an injury and some form of abscess (tooth I think) that knocked him about early in his loan period. Add to that the manager, Cook, overloaded the squad in attacking positions after Barry joined them and I suppose the outcome was inevitable.
Don’t write him off yet.
If it was an abscess then hats off to him for dealing with it, one of the most painful things I’ve ever experienced in my life. I also agree, I’ve met Barry, good kid. He will do well, just needs time to get at the level.
For those interested here’s an article about Barry which, from what my Ipswich mate has told me is pretty fair. For a change a decent informative article from Brum Live.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfers-news-barry-22639912
Dominic Revan (21) and a central defender is back from his loan spell from Northampton Town which was only 6 months (whereas Barry was a season long loan). Like Barry he suffered with a few niggling injuries.
He is supposed to be highly rated and I wonder whether he’ll stay at Villa as back up (rather than another loan) with Tuanzebe moving on?
Brad Young has also returned to Villa – not sure what the length of his loan spell with Carlisle was but he managed 20 games overall scoring 3 goals – yet another member of our Youth Cup winning squad coming home.
Great thing is Gerrard can now take a close look at many of our young stars.
Were in talks with Coutinho apparently. Get him back to his best and that improves us greatly. a 6 month loan seems good business to me, 50% split of his wages with Barca and re-assess in the summer.
I read somewhere he’s on £480k a week! And they paid £148m for him – no wonder Barca are bust!
But a free transfer at the end of the season means you can pay higher wages.
And he’s only 29 which surprised me.
Just think of the merchandising.
I’ve been seeing talk of £350-400k a week too, although others report he’s on around £135k.
My absolute favourite player when he was at pool, but he’s apparently continually under-performed for various managers.
I’d love to see him in a Villa shirt, but Arse are supposed to be in for him too, along with another 3 prem clubs.
I’d guess a lot depends on how Gerrard got on with him and you’d have to think that if he is (and it could just be a lazy link), they must have got on well.
Fwiw, he’s contracted until June 2023. I know Barce want him off the wage sheet, but will they let him go on a free?
Badger – my thoughts were if a Prem club in Europe were in for him that’s where he would go but (well it’s a media but) he wants playing time and how much would he get at Arse?
Didn’t realise he was contracted to 2023 – sure I read in some ‘well informed’ piece that he would be available on a free in the summer as not in Xavi’s plans. If my brain had been in gear I would have realised that’s different to being out of contract!
The other issue is – don’t Buendia and Coutinho play in the same position / roles?
And finally – we have more pressing needs.- first and foremost a class defensive central mid in the mould of Declan Rice – or the last great one we had – Gareth Barry; a quality centre back and probably at least one full back as we have very limited depth in that position.
Ah too dream 🙂
He plays the 10 role. Or back up striker. Or Winger. With either foot.
That apart, he’s pretty average 🙂
You’re right though. I’d rather a top defensive mid too.
One who can stick the boot in.