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?
Ah – seems he’s talking to 5 premier league clubs. Looking for an ‘ambitious club that will guarantee him game time’. Decision by the weekend.
Not sure we’ll get him though (assuming we’re one of the five) – particularly if one or more of those clubs can offer him European football.
The media must be in seventh heaven – just think of all the click bait this is going to generate.
Off to NewsNow with my finger poised
Not convinced signing Coutinho is a good move. His wages would massively eclipse any player we have and would probably cause unrest. He might be another Grealish and have had his best days already. Let’s give the kids like Chukwuemeka more game time and save on silly money.
I have similar reservations about him too; but I don’t think that a loan to the end of the season would be too much of a risk.
We’re supposedly ‘negotiating’ with Barca about just how much of his wages we’d have to cover anyway.
On the plus side, if it worked out, then a loan could be a real statement of intent
There was an interesting comment – I think on Sky – saying that we’ve only made a tentative enquiry about Coutinho because our owners were concerned about being in a bidding war.
I hope that’s true because it’s clear we might be interested but not at any price.
My gut tells me that if he’s interested only in the money, then presumably Newcastle will fit the bill nicely.
On the other hand, if he’s looking for a quick return to the ‘top level’ and an automatic place in the Brazil team for the World Cup, then Liverpool’s supposed interest would probably clinch that for him.
The only reason I could see him coming to Villa Park (even for just a few months) would be Gerrard doing a really personal sell-in to him, and we don’t know whether they’re all that close…
Again footballer looking around wanting what he wants, sod them let’s be the first club to hit back and say get stuffed. Holte with you on that Chuckie and our other talent shouldn now be looked at ..
Too right Bill. It must be a bit demoralising for the likes of Chukwuemeka and Archer if they see Trezeguet and Traore go out on international duty and they get overlooked to accommodate loan signings. The FA cup game is an opportunity to test a couple of the kids IMO but I doubt they will.
I think we seriously need another CB first to cover for Tuanzebe. Also I hope this Coutinho link isn’t a smokescreen for maybe Watkins, Luiz or McGinn to be allowed to go. I’ve got used to Villa being a selling club and with NWSE I had hoped we wouldn’t have to worry but with Grealish going it’s clear that we can’t hold onto our best players when the big 6, or is it 7 now Newcastle are an oil club, come offering big bucks. Unless we achieve European football we will constantly be at the mercy of the top clubs turning our players heads which seems to gather momentum during international breaks.
FWIW, I hate the January transfer window. I think it should be scrapped.
It’s a fine line Holte.
The best part of £100 mill meant we would have been mad to refuse it because there was a very good chance it would improve the squad.
The fact that it looks like we’ve wasted it is just unfortunate.
Likewise, would we really knock back £50 mill for Luiz? (That rumour is tosh, imo and won’t happen).
Yes, the big clubs will always come knocking, but I reckon we would resist if it was the right player.
Looking at it now, I’m not convinced Grealish was that right player. His off-pitch judgement seems terrible or at least he has a knack of getting caught in the wrong situations.
I think it was Jeff Stelling who said we should put a cheeky £50 mill bid in for him. That says it all, imo.
Otherwise, you’re right a CB has to be top priority, but I’m betting it will only be a loan.
In fact, I’d guess any business in this window will be loans only.
We’ll pay top dollar, but we won’t be bent over.
It will be interesting now to see how Gerrard copes with, not just the defeat at Brentford but, in general. Let’s not forget, this is a man who is not used to being associated with a club that is floundering in mid-table.
As a player and as a manager with only one club experience behind him, he has always been there or thereabouts where the trophies are.
Having been so used to success thus far in his footballing career, how will he react. Even at Rangers, he found them in 3rd place.
Up next, Manure United parts 1 and 2.
My prediction is as always.
1. We will show them too much respect and will no doubt taste defeat in both games
2. Either Ronaldo ,Fernandes, or both, will score in either, or both games
3. If Luiz and Pogba are both playing then Manure will definitely get a penalty
4 If neither Luiz or Pogba, or just one of them is not playing then Manure will definitely get a penalty
5 If we are able to hold them after 120 minutes at Old Trafford then we will definitely not win the penalty shootout, despite Emi possibly playing in goal.
This theory is based on one simple thing. I have watched the Villa under 23, under 21, or whatever they are called, in 2 separate Reserve Premier League Finals, at Old Trafford, with players like Welbeck, Pogba, Macheda and Ben Fostsr in their side. Both finals were drawn and Villa lost on penalties in both
I recall the first final when Ciaran Clark was our captain and scored one. Manure were awarded a penalty late on to draw level at 3-3. To say it was dodgy is an understatement. Referee Lee Mason, from Greater MANCHESTER, gave it and Macheda scored it.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he scores in one, or both of the next two games, even if he is long gone. He has dined out on that late winner, on Sky, at Old Trafford, for years. If you can’t recall it, find it on YouTube and watch as he turns away after scoring, trying to find the camera.
End of rant
Remember Ashley Young diving for a penalty to Man Ure against us? Wouldn’t it be great if he could level things up? We certainly owe them one.
Briefly back to Mr Coutinho and Barca.
It seems that Barca cannot register Torres as a player until they reduce their wage bill so, reading between the lines, they’re not going to contribute much to Coutinho wages on loan. It also means they can’t afford to take him back at the end of the season.
I read (somewhere!) that Barca are a £1 billion in debt (might be euros – but that’s only marginally different) so how can they pay £55m for Torres in the first place?
And where does FFP fit into all this – football has a very strong miasma around it.
Hitch. You should know by now FFP doesn’t apply to either Barca or Real.
Will be interesting to see the developments on this one!
And PSG, Citeh etc.
Although, if I’m honest, think Villa pulled a couple of nifty accountancy moves as well!
The big plus with NSWE is that we have zero debt. All their investments have been made by acquiring more stock so go in as shareholders funds.
found this quite interesting.
Gerrard has created a new role at BMH, that of Elite Development Coach to oversee the step up from the academy to the first team. This mirrors a role at Liverpool when Gerrard was coaching the U18’s.
Liam Bramley who guided the U18’s to the YouthCup success last season has been promoted to the role.
Hopefully having Bramley alongside him will help persuade Chukweumeka and other aspiring youngsters to stay with the club.
It’s an interesting role.
While we keep hearing about how good some of the U23’s, U18’s etc., are – and how much ‘potential’ they have, whenever one of them makes an appearance in the 1st team, they rarely look ‘ready’ – to me at least.
Perhaps this is what’s needed to make the jump to the higher level much smoother.
It seems only two clubs are still in the ‘race’ (is that the right word?) to sign Coutinho.
Is Villa one of them?
Do we want Villa to be one of them?
With all respect to the views of bringing through the kids – yes we should be one of them and, personally, I hope we get him.
Decision tomorrow.
I have been impressed by Gerrard’s reactions and press conferences on camera. I noticed that some players’ positive qualities get a brief mention others are merely stated to be available for selection. I think he is also fair, and for those players he is thinking of booting – he gives them one game as a starter to change his mind. Trez and Traoré got exactly that vs Brentford. When they are back from ACON, unless they had a storming tournament, they will probably find themselves surplus to requirements.
Watkins is the star player Gerrard may be open to selling, for a hefty fee. Watkins wants to play as the lone and selfish striker. It is a fashionable role. The trouble is Watkins is not prolific enough in that role and Villa do not have a sub set of attacking moves which omit Watkins and allow another player to score. Were Villa to sign another striker who wants to play with a partner – then Watkins will be sidelined.
Certainly agree with your first point: the Brentford game looked like it was confirmation that Trez & Traore don’t have a future at the level that SG’s aiming for. I can see both gone in the summer.
I’m not so sure about your view of Watkins though: essentially because I can’t think of who we have (or are likely to get-) to play alongside (presumably) Ings if we were to sell Watkins and try and play the way you suggest?
How good are the market makers in gauging the odds?
Now I know nothing about betting and odds other than the absolute basics so I offer this to be told it’s meaningless.
Sky have Coutinho at 1/3 to join Villa with Newcastle next at 6/1, Spurs at 8, Arse at 14 and Liverpool at 16/1.
Is it and where do you put your money?
The difference in odds between “Villa” and even “Newcastle” is so big that either someone at Sky already knows something, or it’s just total make-believe!
Coutinho won’t go to Newcastle. and I’m not in the slightest convinced any of the other clubs are even in for him.
If we/Steve G does want him, I think we’ll get him.
But we shouldn’t go falling over ourselves and there’s a chance we can get him at very reasonable wages.
Which is just as well, because I have a nagging feeling that we already have too many technical players and he’s not really what we need.
He could easily be yet another over-paid disaster, the kind that we sign with alarming regularity.
In fact, if cups were handed out to the club who signed the most expensive duds, we’d surely be up there.
Like you I’m not convinced that he’s worth anything like the money he cost Barca, or the wages he’s supposedly on.
I do recall him getting some rave reviews when he was at Liverpool, but that was some time ago, and ever since then he seems to have struglled to live up to the price-tag (sounding a bit familiar here…).
That said, if we do land him, and if he’s prepared to forget ‘money’ and wants to get back to simply playing at the level he was once capable of, then who knows what might happen…
Going back to Traore and Trezeguet. I think that they will be at Villa till the summer at least. Both need game time and hopefully they will get that playing for their countries. El Ghazi is one player I don’t think Gerrard rates. A few times he has been on the bench as an unused substitute. It’s a shame because early days I thought he could be the next big thing. Maybe his attitude to training isn’t good enough.
As for Watkins, I hope we hang onto him because for me he is one of our most important players. I would include Martinez, Konsa, Cash and McGinn as the others who are good enough to take us to the next level. The jury is still out on Buendia and Luiz. Nakamba too could yet prove to be our own Kante if he comes back with his pre injury form. Ramsey could also become a future star if he continues to improve. All the others are replaceable IMO.
I don’t think we are anywhere good enough for Europe right now and unless we have a disastrous second half of the season, I expect us to be comfortably safe with games in hand. Assuming we are heading for a mid table finish, I would like to see as many of our kids given game time to see if they sink or swim.
Mostly agree with you, although IMO both Buendia and Luiz are superb players and I’d certainly include them in the ‘next level’ team…
Nakamba: he was superb for those first few games under Gerrard, however we’ve all seen players over the years who’ve suffered a bad injury and then never quite manage to regain their best form even when they’re supposedly ‘fit’ again. Here I hope I’m wrong!
See Mings doesn’t figure in ‘the next level’
If he’s not part of the picture then we’re going to have to pay out some big money a) for a centre back whose a leader and b) for a captain as I don’t see anyone else fitting that role in our current squad.
You might be right – although I think that McGinn could be developed into the captain’s role?
Hah, it transpires Barce want anyone signing Coutinho to take him for the full 18 months until he’s out of contract.
Ie, they’re desperate to get rid of him.
Now it really will come down to wages, if that’s true, particularly if it’s also true that we’d have to pay 50-70%.
It makes sense that tget have to unload him for the rest of his contract given that they can’t register Torres as a player until they get Coutinho’s wage bill of the books.
That raises two questions – are Barca likely to contribute to his wages? I suspect not so will Coutinho be prepared to take a wage cut? If he’s desperate to re-establish himself then he will.
And I lied – three questions.
The third is – how the hell can Barca pay £55m for a player they can’t register because they’re basically bust?
If Villa sign him, essentially for free, then 18 months wages is a reasonable punt as long as they’re not astronomic. Not like a Wesley – is it?
*Barca have to unload him
And then Coutinho has supposedly got in touch with his old Liverpool teammates to help him find a house in Birmingham.
It makes sense.
Because Liverpool players know loads about Birmingham housing, don’t they?
Sigh
Perhaps he’s just asking them if they know anyone who knows Brum????
Who was that evertonian’s missus who thought Aston Villa was in London? Mrs Elsworth?? If has any sense he will ask real-estate magnate Robbie Fowler.
Unsworth. One of Gregory’s best signings, that.
Ho, Ho, Ho. All the web pages are crashing
I tried to go on OS – it crashed so, out of interest I tried TalkS**te, Sky, The Mirror and Brum Live – they all crashed.
How many Villa supporters are frantically refreshing?
Now there is a serious point to this.
If we sign Coutinho then the demand for tickets is going to rocket even more and think of the merchandising spike. He may play brilliantly but it would also be a commercially sound move.
According to Sky ‘Coutinho is close to agreeing a loan move to Villa’
Coutinho joins Villa on 6 month loan with option to buy subject to medical and work permit
They are not the only thing crashing, I’m down with covid or omacron what ever they call it, that’s given to me by my good neighbour a West Ham freak who got it now. The news your bringing helping me go put my two fingers up to it saying bring it on. I’m planning a Villa Park tour with tickets and meal for my two Villa mad grandkids but with the news coming through about Courtinho things are going barmy. It looks promising but sad in my eyes we don’t give the reserve chances, I understand what Gerrards up too big name more interest from fans and money to club. Bring it on Villa and Badger no more predictions please
lol.
Bill, sorry to hear that the dreaded Marvel Comic’s baddie Omicron has got you.
Look after yourself and hope you’re over it soon.
Strangely I think Coutinho signing will be a boost the younger players and might actually give them more opportunity if he can bring that bit of quality we’re missing in the final third.
How about a front three of Buendia, Coutinho and either Watkins or Ings – that’s going to scare a few people.
“How about a front three of Buendia, Coutinho and either Watkins or Ings – that’s going to scare a few people.” – that was my first thought when I saw the news this morning!
Just hope it’s not another James Rodriguez at Everton. Same undisputed talent and slick hair-do. But that’s not always enough, is it? Hunger is the key. And I don’t mean stopping for a McDonald’s drive-thru on the way to the press conference…
Agreed. I hope he’s actually joining because he wants to play, and secure his place in Brazil’s World Cup team.
Still, he managed to get a CL winner’s medal at Bayern in his last loan spell away from Barcelona…