When was the last time we had a Saturday 3pm kickoff?
I don’t remember, but it seems like it’s been ages and it’s nice to have one today. There’s just something that seems right about it and late Sunday night kickoffs just don’t do it, do they?
I haven’t heard much about Liverpool lately, so I had to look at the league table to see where they actually stand. Imagine my surprise then, to find that they’re only five points above us, having played one game more.
That sort of puts things in perspective really, because even though I think we’ve been playing poorly for months and results have definitely been poor, what does that say about the rest of the clubs in the Premier league?
Not a lot, it would seem and I still struggle to see that we’re ninth in the table.
So, where I was fearing a major backlash after us thrashing Liverpool at home, now I’m not so worried.
It would seem the Reds are not the same team they were, yet they’re in the middle of a European tie against Real, so they’re not doing too badly.
They have a lot of players out, in Jordan Henderson, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk and Divock Origi.
That’s some list and it partly explains why they’ve not been as strong lately.
There’s nothing wrong with Liverpool’s attack though and they definitely have players who can hurt us.
Hopefully, our defence can stand firm and keep them out, but I suspect we might concede a couple today.
On the plus side, their defence is vulnerable and we have the capability of hurting them too.
The big news for us is of course Jack Grealish being out again and not looking like he’s likely to be back until May at the earliest.
It’s ok though, because Smith said it’s not a long term injury(!).
I seriously wonder if there had been copious amounts of alcohol involved before he came out with that statement.
If what will turn out to be three months isn’t a long term injury, I’d hate to see one that is.
Still, it’s just another example of the BS he has been speaking for months now, I suppose, so I’ll just leave it there.
I think a lot depends on how Smith sets the team up today and indeed, who he plays.
We all know it’ll be pretty much the same personnel as always, but he does have choices in how he plays them.
Our best bet is to actually go at Liverpool and put their defence under pressure from the off.
This would involve McGinn getting further forward.
If that doesn’t work, there’s always the option of putting Davis on. Not to score goals, but to bully the defence and create space for Watkins.
I see goals in this game and hopefully we’ll see a more lively performance from the lads, which will hopefully lead to us getting some too.
I’m going for 3-2.
I’d like to think we can actually edge this one, but I don’t quite have that confidence, so I think it’s going to go against us.
I actually think the performance is probably more important than the result today. We wouldn’t normally expect to get much from this game, after all.
What we don’t want is an abject poor performance and a heavy defeat.
But then, I don’t think we’re going to get one.
Up the Villa!
Traore is a luxury player like his namesake at Wolves. Needs to be used as an impact sub but we don’t have a deep enough squad for that.
Please tell me . Ramsey was at one stage coming on for Trez but was pulled back, Nakamba is taken off on comes Barkley, Triore taken off on comes Elgazi. What the f”‘ck do we have youngsters that never get a chance knowing what he’s got is bleeding useless. Anyone know?
At last, Ramsey coming on . Tree off
Load of f’ing rubbish – again. We always help out teams on poor runs – time after time after time. It’s so boringly predictable.
Just poor. Aimless. We can hardly string two passes together. Really hard to watch.
I’ve seen enough of this team, Time to change , I hope our owners demand better turn round than that shit.
Well, I probably actually watched about 5 minutes of the second half.
It just became background tv while I was doing much more interesting stuff and I glanced at it when it sounded like something was happening.
We’re simply awful to watch because we can’t pass, cross or even keep the bloody ball.
Seriously, I’ve seen better at senior school level and it’s just embarassing.
Traore, Barkley, Trez, El ghazi and maybe even McGinn are just squad players at the moment.
If I was them, I’d be worried for next season.
Badger, you’re not far wrong. I think Traore will be better next year, and to be fair, how many goals and assists does he have already? He’s not one to write-off.
Barkley will go back and has failed to take his chance. He knows it’s too late so it’s pointless even having him in the squad.
While Ghazi and Trez were relatively cheep buys when we needed quantity after going up without a squad. Yes, they look like second-string. It’s like they’re both half a player. If you could combine El Ghazi’s raw talent and goal threat with Trez’s work-rate and professionalism, you’d have a player!
As for McGinn, I’ve said enough. Play him as a 10 or an 8, wind him up and watch him go. He’s capable of 10+ goals AND 10+ assists a season in my opinion.
We’ve had a good chat about the midfield. Leeds fans are raving about their left-back, Dallas, scoring 7 goals this season. I was actually thinking recently, what happened to the old-fashioned full-backs who were good for half a dozen or so goals a season? Surely, Targett and Cash are capable of chipping in? Staunton, for example, was the archetypal goal-scoring full-back. But to do that, you’ve got to shoot from outside the box every now and again.
I don’t like having a dig at Smith, but at the moment, the players don’t seem to be producing their maximum. Likewise, the centre backs. Back in the day, a half-decent one would get a good half a dozen at least – see Bruce, McGrath, Terry etc etc.
It feels like the team are all playing with straight-jackets on, which is weird, because that’s not the brand of football Dean Smith’s made his name on. People talk a lot about how the game has evolved tactically, which is fine. But sometimes, some clear and simple instructions and tactics are all you need. Our CBs should be scoring more headers from set-pieces, for example. Remember Laurson and Mellberg? It wasn’t that long ago. But we don’t seem to have these things in our armoury. Simple things.
There’s something missing, and it’s not just Jack.
Totally agree BFR. Rather than building on the start to the season, we appear to have gone into a ‘frightened to lose’ mode.
Having said that it’s really hard to criticise our two full backs who have been consistently good. It’s not their primary role to score goals and the instruction seems to be stay on your lines – don’t come inside.
The problem lies with the midfield which is just not consistently good enough. I do think it’s more than JG but also I do get the impressionist it’s about surviving till he returns.
If we’re going to consistently play Watkins up front on his own then the midfield have to step up and support him.
Finally, would rather have seen Smith throw Davis on than Ramsey – too cautious.
It’s weird – our poor form has been since the Covid outbreak but I’m not sure why and McGinn is chalk and cheese between international and club performances. There’s something not right in the State of Denmark!
*impression – duh
Well put points bfr plus we don’t seem to have anyone like Saunders for taking a corner either.
And why can’t anyone take a free kick? That’s why I think they should have kept hourihan at least he was good at free kicks.
Barkley what a waste of space try some of the youngsters for heaven’s sake nobody can be worse plus he’s too fat.
I like Smith but maybe he’s taken us as far as he can???
Nobody seemed to win the 2nd ball today which ment Liverpool just came back at us.
Getting frustrated with villa now
It’s interesting how we’re all calling the midfield out and I agree, it’s like the players aren’t interested. I could almost say some are deliberately not trying, it’s that poor.
I’ve been looking around and everybody wanted Traore off and Davis on.
I get it. The manager generally knows best and you have to trust him.
But when significant numbers of fans are questioning his decisions/non decisions, in practically every game, you have to wonder how things are going to work out.
I still think Smith has a lot of goodwill behind him for now, but he’s shooting himself in the foot more and more.
If we continue to perform poorly and keep losing, I think that goodwill will disappear rapidly.
I hope not, but it really wouldn’t surprise me if a lot of people are calling for Smith out by the end of the season.
We’ve gone backwards as the season has gone on and Smith needs to reverse that.
And it’s not today’s result that’s influencing my thinking.
It’s the awful football.
That’s a serious change of my thinking from just yesterday, but when the football is unwatchable, there’s a major problem.
Yes I agree the football is rubbish now and ever since the covid19 break. It must have something to do with it, there’s not the same intensity apart from Watkins who runs his socks off.
The rest are on the beach Ming’s is in his slippers and pipe mode only Konsa,cash targett Watkins and Martinez are trying.
Give some of the kids a go now mixed in with established player’s to see what they can do see if we need to spend big. We’re safe throw caution to the wind and get back to the way we played at the start.
It’s no good us making excuses at the end of the day it’s down to management, plain to see every week same as same as, Your right Dean Smith has taken us as far as he knows, with the owners we have they will demand a better team, why do you think plans are being made now of extension to the ground, Badger i stay with whats going on win or loses but i understand how you feel, I have to leave the room in annoyance and blame how I think who the idiots didn’t do what. How does Smith think Barkley any good, why does he persist in Elgazi, Triore, why doesn’t he see what we see? What’s he chasing now we are safe!! Bring on New blooded and give us something to believe in for the future. that’s why I think he’s not our man for the job, im slowly losing the love over his lack of knowing where to take us. My take he’s not the man, brought us this far and I thank him , he has to go in my mind.
Badger and Co
I’ve taken a bit of time to reflect on where we are at.
At the start of the season we performed far better than expected. Latterly we have slumped and look to finish the season where expected. The problem is dealing with the disappointment of not being able to sustain a style of play early this season that was superb.
Sack Smith – I think not. Although the press were reporting this week that Purslow is looking to sharpen the knife. I don’t think Smith would survive another season if there is a repetition in mid season slump.
Now team selection is where the beef is occurring with Smith. Is he under pressure to play Barkley? Currently Barkley offers nothing, why play him? Surely this is the time to give Ramsey a run in the team until the end of the season.
I write last week that we would not get more than 6 points for the rest of the season. Why are Taylor, El Mohadamoy and Engels on the substitute bench? They are either out of contract or will be sold in the summer. Put U23 youngsters on the bench to gain some big game experience and potentially a few minutes.
The next transfer window will be critical for Smith’s future. Whoever he gets, they must improve the 1st 11. El Ghazi, Trezeguet and Traore, two from these three must be sold. Traore should be a sub. Last couple of times I have seen him play he gets an elbow in the ribs and shows no physical or mental toughness. Plus I’d drop him for consistency trying a cross filed ball pass in our half and finding the opposition instead.
Hause should be recalled and Mings rested. Mings keeps having lapses in concentration. He does not seem to learn.
Finally, the current 4-2-3-1 set up is not working. I’d prefer 4-3-3 – where 3 midfielders play in midfield not 2 of them being defensive midfielders and one trying to get forward – hence teams cut through our midfield as if it we’re not there- because it isn’t! I’d play Watkins and Davis up front with one of the 3 substandard wide men we have having a free role, until Grealish returns.
I’d be interested in what others think?
Some very good points there Sid.
It seems there’s a general consensus on Traore but the real issue is the lack of quality in depth in the squad so there are real selection headaches for Smith (that’s not meant to be an excuse on his behalf).
I think your point about the bench and continuing to select players that will not be with us next season is extremely well made. Is it that Smith lacks the ‘balls’ to call it or is he (as you allude to) under pressure to select the high earners in preference to the promising youngsters.
We are not in any danger of relegation; Europe is not (and should never have been a consideration this season) now’s the time to show that the new, vaunted, strategy with the academy and bringing through the young talent is not just hollow words.
Non of us will quickly forget the jingoistic Proud History, Bright Future or Dr T’s overblown promises that, together, nearly destroyed our club.
I think you’re pretty much spot on Sid.
The issue as I see it is how can you go half a season playing so well and then half a season playing so poorly?
Every side will have a slump in form, but it doesn’t normally last for half a season.
Covid?
I just don’t see that. As was said earlier, Ollie still shows plenty of energy.
And it’s that gulf that will make fans question why the difference is so big.
That’s a good point about the players that will be leaving being on the bench, but that’s pretty standard practice, in putting experience there as back up.
I see many calling for the kids and you have to wonder why it’s not happening.
Except that i believe it’s because they just aren’t good enough.
The U23s are 8th in a division 2 league of 13.
The U18s are 10th in a division of 20.
So they’re doing ok, but is there anything to suggest there are players who are good enough for the first team?
I seriously doubt it and frankly it’s just a romantic notion, imo.
That’s right Bum Bum he did, take a look at Ramsey as well on the goal in extra time, he doesn’t move on two accounts, first giving the challenge, second standing and not tracking back, Badger Liverpool lost that game on the way they played, we did the long ball every time and they was court out, as for the under 18 and 23 s being in a lower half its who plays well and not the team. We do have 3 youngsters that should be shown to us, we do have talented players protentional enough for bringing forward ,I bet they will be sold a crying shame.
OLL very good and I’ll go along on you saying Smith doesn’t know what to do. Our owners are not idiots things will happen to get us on track.
Importantly, I think we have really clued up owners who, on one hand won’t panic, but on the other won’t accept anyone who’s not performing at the level expected – whether that be a player or in management.
If Smith stays it’s because the owners believe in his ability and I’m certainly not going to take issue with that – they’re the ones putting up £100m’s of their money to take our beloved club to the upper echelons of the football tree.
I’m acquainted with (and was lucky to be entertained by) a billionaire (through a friend) who started with nothing. When asked what is what like to have reached that amount of wealth he said – ‘it’s not the wealth but what a ride – that’s the real buzz’.
Hang onto your hats lads – it’s going to be quite a ride.
Blew it in the final minutes today. And my horse was winning with 2 fences to go… Not a good day.
I have to add, how did Davis not get a start after the impact he made against Fulham? What message does that give? Didn’t even get on as sub, did he? That’s absolutely baffling. Surely, with Liverpool’s fragile defence and confidence, giving him the licence to “rock n roll” like he did to Fulham would’ve paid dividends? I have to wonder, does Smith trust or even rate him? Or, perhaps he’s too fragile? Mancini once famously described Micah Richards as “like Swarovski”; could it be the same problem with Keinan? Surely, he has to start after changing and winning the Fulham game?
That’s exactly my point.
It’s happened too many times,
Players that have done well just get dropped.
Hourihane, El Ghazi, Nakamba.
Yet certain players get brought straight back in after being poor.
It has to be soul destroying for a player to be on the wrong end of one of those calls and I’m seriously beginning to wonder if there’s resentment in the dressing room.
We seem to have lost our nerve. We are playing percentages, not committing men forwards unless we are behind near the end. Against Fulham we were comfortable but not stretching ourselves until we gifted them a lead and had 10-15 minutes to rescue the game. I feel it’s a management/coaching decision. Given our safe position it is baffling, unless other forces are at play.
It may be that Smith was told that our owners expected European football next year. Not at the start of the season, but a number of games ago when we were sitting pretty with games in hand.
The more I think about it I believe that Smith will be fired and the owners will finance a big name manager. I’m not saying I want this, or that he deserves it, but I think it will happen. They haven’t seen this money to be mid table.
The players look nervous to me, and are making simple mistakes. We are knocking long balls into Watkins or the channels for him to chase, but not supporting him adequately. I would prefer us to lose while trying to attack more, and I think it would suit our players to do that.
i think Sid is right about the weaknesses. It beggars belief that Davis wasn’t given pitch time today given his contribution against Fulham. We will spend again in the summer, hopefully on a few quality players, but Smith will probably be on his bike.
Yes, I think Smith’s career is hanging by a thread. The look on his face when the camera is on him is one of complete bafflement. He isn’t looking angry or frowning to concentrate, he just does not know what to do next. When the substitutes save his bacon as they did against Fulham, how is it that only Trez gets a starting shirt? Not Davis or JJ.
Smith’s only chance of survival is the Owners accept that buying a cripple with one leg 3 inches longer than the other (watch Wesley limp off in the Villa Wolves U23 game) and buying a French player who has so far looked like joining a long line of flops in the EFL, was not Smith’s fault. Maybe players he did want were ignored.It is is slim chance though, everybody but Smith can see the players not performing, or out of position. Smith is not able to improve his squad beyond where they are now.
We could bottle it and flog it as a sports drink. Move over Red Bull this is Golden Lion.
Do you need a tonic – a pick-me-up? Is a new record for consecutive losses about to be yours? You need Golden Lion – it is distilled to a secret recipe in the Aston Villa changing room from the essence of improbable defeats to opponents at rock bottom. Take this for a guaranteed change of fortune and you won’t be sacked in the morning.
Golden Lion gives you Wins!
It’s definitely an enigma OLL.
Not sure it will succeed as a marketing opportunity though 🙂
Haha 🙂
Best laugh I’ve had all week, OLL.
I think it’s interesting how we are all viewing this season.
At the outset, if we were offered 10th and being ‘safe’ with 8 games to play (and a + 10 gd) we’d have taken it in a flash and thought Smith had done a brilliant job.
But, of course, our expectations have been (unrealistically?) raised by the storming start to the season.
Now, the talk is about replacing Smith because (and no matter how one try’s to couch it) he’s failed or is failing!
Why, because we haven’t got into Europe – I don’t buy that or that the owners expected European football next year. They already made it clear, when we got promoted, we were at least one year ahead of expectations and we could have returned to the Championship but for the ‘ghost’ goal.
No, we over performed in the early part of the season and caught other teams cold. They have adjusted to deal with our threats and we just don’t have the quality or experience yet to respond. Add to that some loss of form – particularly McGinn which is of concern – and we are probably still ahead of expectations.
I don’t believe Smith will be replaced – not at the end of this season anyway.
The real challenge (as we’ve seen with Sheff Utd, Wolves and other clubs) is to maintain the improvement year on year. Failure to do that next season may well put Smith’s position under pressure.
A reasoned way of looking at it Hitch.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not calling for Smith out at all.
But we know how these things can build quickly nowadays.
People remember the wins, especially the likes of the Liverpool win (although that scoreline massively flattered us, they could have had 3 or 4 before we scored) and want more.
And then have to witness the crap we have for weeks.
You’re right, where we are is doing ok, but you expect the team to play at a level, which averages out over the season.
And being better than most for the first half shows the capability is there, but we’ve lost it.
If the complaints get worse and I’ve seen loads complaining that Davis never got on today, I don’t think the owners will take much persuading to sack Smith.
A lot will depend on Purslow at a guess and he needs to be careful too.
If he’s looking for a unproven big name, I’d suggest he’s on borrowed time.
NWSE have spent £250 mill and will not tolerate mediocrity for long.
I’ve just read it was Ross Barkley’s rubbish clearance the gave TAA the ball.
Send him back to Chelsea now.
Post jumped eleven place up . sorry lads ..