You know that old saying, “it’s always darkest before the Dawn”?
Well, it occurred to me just after we conceded the third goal.
I’m saying that because I want to sort of prove that I am trying to stay positive.
But I’m finding it incredibly difficult and I’m now mentally wrestling with myself, with part of me trying to make excuses and part of me thinking we are utter rubbish.
A decent excuse might be that Watford are actually a fairly decent side who are in a false position, for example.
But to counter that, I find myself thinking that they aren’t where they are in the table, for no reason.
Let’s get one thing straight. My blood is currently approaching boiling point, I’m that annoyed.
I actually thought we were okay in the first half and while Watford probably deserved their first half lead, I also thought we were slightly unlucky. I’d asked for quicker, more accurate passing and I think we mostly got it.
Even when we stupidly gave the ball away for their first goal, I was thinking that we actually looked quite competitive, as the half time whistle blew.
But all of that changed in the second half.
The shove by Luiz on Deeney was definitely a penalty, so I can’t complain.
But we seemed to just totally lose it after that and heads went, with Grealish possibly being the worst example. Just after I’ve praised him for now having all the tools in his locker, so he seemed to niggle and bitch at every opportunity.
I can understand frustration, but doubt he’ll have done his case much good in Southgate’s eyes, today.
The question is, why do I think we lost today?
Well, the first part is that the big difference is in the attack.
Watford looked like scoring, whereas we rarely did.
If Wesley had put that header in the net, it might have been a different game.
And the second, probably more important part is that I just don’t think we have the mental toughness to cope with the Premier league.
Yes, if things are going well, we’re fine.
But if we’re up against it, we lack battlers and experienced types who can dig in, without losing their heads.
And we’re going to be up against it more as the season goes on, in my opinion.
The next question that automatically follows is do I believe Dean Smith can do something about it?
I’m reminding myself about how poor we were before we went on our (12 game?) winning run last year here.
Can we do that again?
Well, Grealish came back in then and it was no co-incidence that we improved.
But who are we going to get in to make that sort of difference this time?
I don’t believe anyone can, unless it’s Ronaldo or Messi.
So do I think Smith has to go?
I’m debating that amongst myself and feel that as much as the knives might come out and they probably are already, it won’t be happening just yet.
Renewing his contract at frankly a very strange time, is probably proof that even if we go through rough times, the hierarchy think that the manager is doing a good job for the club as a whole.
And that’s how they look at things. Is the manager instilling good things throughout the club, from top to bottom?
Of course, contracts mean very little these days, so it’s always possible that the owners might change their minds.
But I suspect any calls for Dean Smith’s sacking will fall on deaf ears for now.
If we keep losing, there will only be so much clamour that the owners can withstand before they succumb.
And the biggest risk to Smith is that Pochettino is available.
But I think for now, it’s academic what I, or us fans think.
Which I suspect is probably a good thing.
Except I’m not sure.
Such is my indecision.
There’s no doubting one thing.
Results have to get better or we’re going down.
I now have my guns focused on Heaton. Another of his inept efforts with a low shot. If a keeper can dive and get one strong hand on the ball and especially if he can get both fists to the ball he has to stop it. At worst with one hand he palms it behind the goal line for a corner. What he absolutely must not do is stiff arm or fist the ball so it is travelling across and away from goal when there is an opponent out there. Heaton is doing this regularly and what annoys me is he always has – for years at Burnley. He is not a good keeper and I don’t think he is now the best we have.
Smith ‘wanted to freshen it up today’ ! What? Against a bunch of thugs led by bluenose Deaney and managed by Pearson he brings in the weak Lansbury and Jota, neither good enough for this League, We already have one passenger in Wesley. If he wanted to change something he could have brought in Nyland.
I don’t think that would even work Hitch with a manager that thinks negative. I didn’t want to turn on Smith knowing he’s one of us, He had his chance time and time again and not learnt the game, I’m absolutely gutted that we the Villa having sell out games and thousands going to away games being treated like sheep. A smack around the ear from the owners might harden him up because I’m pissed off that bottom clubs have given us a lesson in football, Grealish will lose his heart by not being at a successful football club and move on,
Our owners are sports fans but first and foremost they are successful businessmen. The damage to the club from relegation will be their sole concern right now.
If they stick with Smith they will need to get reinforcements in Jan. If they are convinced Smith is the right manager they will do that. The timing of his new contract seemed strange at the time and even more so now.
What they won’t do is make a knee jerk decision. If they have doubts they will be lining up a replacement ready to push the button and announce a sacking and appointment almost simultaneously. They will know that it’s the right time to do it now if they do it at all.
Benitez would keep this team up. I’m convinced of that. I don’t think Smith will. I think Benitez would come as he would know the owners would back him particularly in the summer.
I like Smith but care more about us staying up. Maybe the owners think the same way. Far cheaper to pay Smith off than end up in the Championship. That’s what I would do but fortunately don’t have their dilemma.
Smith is completely responsible for the state of our club.
He selects the players and decides on the system.
Hourihane is not good enough, can’t tackle, can’t run only attribute is his set played which works occasionally, I can’t believe some people actually shout for him to start matches.
Jota slow no physicality not good enough,
Luiz light weight no physicality no pace,
HL championship player,
Elmo slow not good enough
Konsa dreadful player
El Ghazi should never play again.
Wesley why is he still playing? Why won’t Smith play Kodj? This appears to be Smiths decision.
Smith rants and moans are embarrassing yes it was a penalty, yes it was a fair challenge on Jsck.
Smith needs to look at himself and do the right thing resign.
Why has our club again made a rash premature decision and wasted money giving Smith a 4 year contract?
Smith out Benitez in.
i really am stuck what to say, i understand how we feel cause i am gutted too. but sack smith, really is that the answer. i believe in the guy and the squad. now results do not lie we are struggling and we are probably going to be relegated if we continue like this. but sack smith and replace with who. i seen names branded around like the former spuds boss. i do not think for one second he would consider us. rafa is another name, he also would not return to england unless its a top job /club. so if we sack smith for big sam or pulis i think we should continue with the plan and keep faith with smith.
it doesn’t surprise me one bit we are where we are. ppl are saying the striker is too blame. which is a part of the problem, one striker who is first timer in premiership. but the main problem is lack of leadership on the pitch. when things go wrong on the field, players look around and too their experienced colleagues for guidance. we lost our leader in mings he is also our best defender but offers us much more than just his performances, hes like a conductor who conducts his orchestra to play his symphony of destruction(megadeth)
yesterday when watford were reduced to ten, this is where our lack or leadership was exposed for me. we opened up immediately,the second that guy left the field we abandoned all defensive duties and tried to open them up. trouble is they were still dangerous, they had two fast wingers still on field and we got countered so easily by them. a more experienced team would have ran watford ragged. stretch them with width, tire them out then if the goal doesn’t come then stretch yourself further as the minutes run out. we had plenty time to go about salvaging a point or three.
also all three goals were our own doing. this has happened all season. first it was costing us small now they cost us big. we defended good yesterday before the sending off. we coped well from corners and in the air. but then we collapse somewhere else. that penalty was not a pen for me. i understand why it was given, it was very clumsy challenge. but luiz is about 11 stone piss wet through. that blue nose inbred is about 14stone he went down looking for the penalty. plus the referee should have stopped play for the injured player, man utd city pool would have demanded that and the referee would have obliged, but its only villa 🙁 . end of the day we deserved to lose that game. we allowed the occasion to beat us and we need to look for answers not excuses.
i hope they show that tap of rolling ball hitting sarr head over and over again. that is play acting award for me deserves a Oscar.
It’s not just yesterday Villa have been awfuL
Smiths refusal to change personnel or tactics and his inability or refusal to move to a plan B when we are struggling is down to him.
Why does he continue to play players who are either out of form or not good enough is all down to Smith as is Smiths refusal to accept that he makes the decisions, he is responsible.
It’s embarrassing to hear him blame everybody else but himself. Surely you can’t defend this?
I disagree I think Benitez if offered funds and promised ambition would come to Villa
Smith out
i think villa have more chances of winning this league this season than rafa coming to villa. yesterday defeat might well be the end especially this season.smith has a real tough job now, if it wasn’t already tough. online fans really believe we were gonna tear up this league. players we bought have potential,but they were always going to struggle, when the results stop coming. when the confidence ran out from winning promotion as winter set in.
we needed more experience, we also need more ability in certain areas. we like many before us have failed to bridge the gap. i would look to bring in three loans with premiership experience, i do not get fans saying why does smith not change it. what too the team he plays is the best we got. davis and kodjia are no better than wesley. the defenders are the best he has. the midfielders are the best. but sadly they are not good enough
Math not sure what you are saying?
It appears you agree with me.
Players not good enough this is down to recruitment.
Smith not willing to make changes.
Sorry don’t agree Wesley has had chances what opportunities have Kodjia/ Davis had?
I also think Davis offers more than Wesley, can’t be any worse.
Smith will get us relegated.
What really annoys me is his lack of responsibility and constant moaning complaining blaming everyone else but himself.
Davis has been injured for the last couple of months so hasn’t been an option,
I’m still not sure on Kodjia but it’s strange that he hasn’t at least been given a chance. I posted once before a question as to whether Smith is being influenced in his decisions based on the money we spent in the summer – if so that needs to stop.
I think a few will leave in January – Kalinic, Lansbury, Kodjia for starters but it’s who we bring in that will count.
If the owners are prepared to put their hands in their pockets (again) then we can buy – don’t believe the FFP rubbish spouted by the Mail it’s not even factually correct.
before i start receiving my hate mail. instead of repeating that smith is picking the wrong players or wrong formations = wouldn’t it be easier to post which players in our current squad are premiership standards. by this i mean which player would command a starting role in another club and keep the jersey. first name on team sheet.
i loved to start this Grealish oh and Heaton hmmmmm that is it, the rest are maybes. look at luiz if he was good enough he would be at man city. we have bought potential, i am not saying they will never be premiership. but when the chips are down. when the shit hits the fan we are found lacking in lots of areas.
we need more players who will not shrink in times of needs. grealish yesterday was frustrated with the players around him. guilbert had a simople two foot pass to grealish deep in watford defense. he over hit the pass by miles. grealish lost the plot with his team mates with referee and then the opposition, that was our captain.
i am off to church say a little prayer (dionne warwick) for us
I keep replaying Smith’s post match verdict that we lost the game in the first half! I’m sorry but 1-0 down with an opportunity to sort things out with a half time team talk, a chance to change system / players plus the bonus of them reduced to 10 men early in the second half! Actually we lost the second half with a more inept performance than the first.
Don’t blame officials either. Accept the blame and criticise the players for being outfought tactically, physically and mentally. Apologise to the fans who travelled for wasting their time and money. That way you will gain more respect.
For the next game make sure whoever you select that they are fired up for the battle. If you don’t win that, then the game will be lost before kick off.
Nath, you are right, we have only a few players who could get into other premier league teams. I would add McGinn (when fit) and Mings. Apart from that we have Championship quality players. January can’t be about signing players with potential. We urgently need experience although to get these, I can only see loans with a view to buy if we stay up.
i do not wish to be right. i just want us to be realistic, i forgot mcginn and he would definitely be on the list off certain starters. but he was not available yesterday. that is my point our first team has good potential. our squad depth has not. when the players like mcggin and mings are out through injury, we are losing our two best effective and two most experience is also missing.
players like hause and konsa just need time to adjust, but we do not have the time for them to adjust. our team are full of these types at minute, when we need more mcginn and mings especially now, when the results dry up and pressures intensifies on the team.
The day has gone for excuses from Smith for me, Smith is lost in his own little idea’s that didn’t produce, I can see Grealish going to Man utd and his heart will be hurt doing it, We are and I mean all of us are Villa, we want the same thing , Success , its no use us shutting our eyes and THINK it will get better, it won’t. If our owners don’t move in this week we can kiss the premier league good bye, and be the laughing stock of football clubs. Villa is my club for near 80 years I had to fight my way into the ground in the 40s. I’m not letting any glory hunting owners, managers, or players, make it a place to ridicule the club without a fight. Something has to be done and Quick. I’ll say it again Smith has had his chance, we need to move on him now.
Bill, I think the owners will stick with Smith to save face after recently extending his contract. I know contracts mean squat these days but the timing would be embarrassing for them.
If Smith stays we have to invest in experience. Last season the younger players had Whelan, Jedinak and Hutton who would have helped as role models. We didn’t replace them and now it’s costing us. I hate loan deals but if it means coaxing a good premier proven leader type player with a view to buy if we stay up, then I would go down this route.
None of our ‘star’ players will leave on January – we are under no pressure to sell.
Summer might be a different matter but until then…
also what? was the average age of the team yesterday. take out the goalie i bet the average age was close to a under 23’s team. also yesterday team only goalie elmo grealish and targett had premiership experience before this season. it was a calculated gamble to purchase these players and retain our premiership place. maybe we had no choice to buy bigger and better players. maybe the fair play b/s was hindering the owners from opening their wallets to cover the loses, which was needed to buy the quality we needed.
I don’t think the financial argument stacks up.
We spent c £120m I believe on transfers and subsequently the owners have put around £200m into the club to provide a stable financial base. Money of itself is not the issue and I’ll say it again FFP is not an issue this season.
Arguably Villa overreacted to the ageing no on sale value (of players) inherited by the new owners and decided to buy young players with potential – a model that worked well for Smith at Brentford in the Championship – but this is the Prem!
With the benefit of hindsight we should have balanced the buys between players with potential and players with EPL experience – easy to say of course!
We have a chance to address that to a degree in this window and I believe will Smith be given the Opportunity to do so.
We do though need a little more luck – we’ve lost through injury for various periods our three best, most influential players. The loss of Mings in particular has hurt us badly – he’s a leader on the field and organises the defence. I submit that would hurt any team.
Kalinic, Lansbury, Kodjia these are amongst the higher earners of the squad so if they are no longer required, that will free up wage budget if we can find buyers, i doubt anybody would buy kodjia being he is free in a few months, kalinic we would have to take a hit on if he was too move. lansbury not sure he would move too
davis if he wasn’t injured is not premiership quality. off course he could do a job there but upgrade to wesley imo i don’t think so. we are now in a difficult position, nobody will want to come to villa knowing next season you are in the championship. so we are gonna need to give higher wages etc. i think we need more experienced players, if we can get one or two more of players that are more leaders than we got now, that can only help the novice players, take that responsibility form grealish who doesn’t need the hassle
Or get in short term loans which is a distinct possibility.
it is the only way i can see us getting in the players which might make a difference. it might work too , we have got some decent prospects,when they are full of confidence but the trouble started when they didn’t get the results and mings got injured, now mcginns also in the treatment room we are struggling big time.
My first signing if at all possible would be Mitrovic from Fulham. I don’t think we would get him but he will do what Wesley can’t as a target man. We need a slightly younger Whelan or Jedinak type player too. It’s a shame we can’t get rid of El Ghazi, Trezeguet and Jota and call it a bad experience but we are stuck with them, so bringing in upgrades for these is probably unlikely. I think that is probably half the problem. Off loading players who are poor for us won’t be tempting for another club. I’m hoping that our scouting team have already identified players and we can get them in as quick as possible. No doubt we will be held to ransom because of the predicament we are in. Will our owners take the risk of overpaying to save our premier league status? After all, we have reportedly spent £133m in the summer which seems mostly like money down the drain.
Smith is to improve the players bought by others to add value. We are repeating the mistake of the lerner / lambert young and hungry. Some of those players have gone on to better things now they have the experience. Eg Ayew.
Villas big gamble was not signing an experienced striker at this level. Also injuries to mcginn and mings (2 of our best 3) have made matters worse.
If we are to have a chance to stay up we need a premier league goalscorer and defensive midfielder and to play grealish behind the striker.
Think we also need another CB with prem experience as well.
It seems you’re suggesting Ayew was a loan?
He wasn’t; we bought him.
I agree, we made a big mistake in not getting a proven striker in, but suspect that as much as Smith might have wanted one, it didn’t fit the strategy.
I strongly think everyone involved in the recruitment process is learning a big lesson here and that includes the owners.
Definitely agree with a decent mid too.
Then you might have something resembling a spine to the team.
danny drinkwater just seen we might be interested in, personally i think this is the kind of player we are lacking, he is currently on loan and might be recalled and sent back out on loan. would bring lots of experience, much more than all our players except heaton has in the premiership.
i would like to see a winger or two and a striker with similar know how. can not afford more players who are learning on the job,we need more leaders especially in the premiership, where you can lose any game and many on the bounce.,
There’s seem to be some truth in that Nath, this came into Birmingham live 2 hour’s ago.
Aston Villa linked with January swoop for Chelsea’s Danny Drinkwater
Aston Villa are reportedly showing an interest in signing midfielder Danny Drinkwater on loan during the January transfer window.
According to Sky Sports , Villa are keen to bring in an experienced midfielder to act as cover for the injured John McGinn, with the Scotland international expected to be out until March with a fractured ankle.
Drinkwater is currently spending the first half of the season on loan at Burnley from Chelsea, with his spell due to end on January 6.
The report adds that Burnley have the option to extend Drinkwater’s loan at Turf Moor, but are unlikely to do so given his lack of playing time during his stint with the Clarets.
It is also being claimed that Villa assistant manager John Terry still has a close friendship with Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, so his influence could be key in helping a deal over the line
I’m not a fan of ‘Lawro’ but his latest comments (re Villa) are spot on – ‘too easy to score against (and) stop complaining and worrying about things going against you and grow a back bone’
‘nuff said.
I’m not sure about us signing Drinkwater. He has only played 13 games in the last 3 years and only one appearance for Burnley on loan! He can’t even dislodge Westwood!
Yes, we do need experience but preferably players who have had more game time.
Desperate times; desperate measures!
Tbf Drinkwater was highly rated a couple of seasons ago but has suffered. Number of injury setbacks. Are we at risk of signing another sick note – something for which Targett is starting to grow a reputation?
Some interesting facts from Opta on the first half of the season.
Basically on expected goals we are 19th so pretty much in line with league table but it gets more interesting when you look at the attacking and defensive graphics. By the by – Newcastle have the worst expected goals ratio but look where they are in the table.
Summing up we are pretty good going forward in attacking creativity (in top half) but we are poor at finishing our opportunities and, surprisingly, we are not the worst defensively by any means but are rated poor plus ruthless opponents (which suggests we have been heavily punished for defensive lapses).
That pretty much reflects the views and comments posted on here but also suggest priority should be in defence and Smith playing a less ‘gung ho’ type of approach. Maybe not attractive but it’s points we need not pretty performances.
Oh, and for OLL, Heaton is the fourth worst rated keeper in the Prem. Shame Steer got injured but perhaps it’s time to give Nyland a go?
Even though it was xmas we was all GUNG and no HO
🙂 🙂