Bring On The Big Boys!

So, in ten years the slogan has gone from “Proud Heritage, Bright Future” to “Aston Villa do not the fear the consequences of relegation from the Premier League”.

Apologies to the fans? Not a bit of it. Our new chairman had no cause to apologise but the owner and late chairman has remained quiet and leaves the talking to others.

It is probably true that so long as the team manager and players show the fight and guile required to try to create a miracle escape, the supporters will almost forgive anything. Or – if relegation does occur – will the realisation then set in and cause a reaction?

I have to say that I have respect for Garde. His demeanour is usually calm, but he has given away his emotions outside the dugout from time to time when on-the-field play displeases him. He is, I can declare, visibly human when caught off-Garde.

Back in the office it is clear that he does try to address matters that the fans are also concerned about. The complaints against Guzan and others have been fizzing all season, and so Garde decided he’d seen enough ‘merde’ and took action to reverse out of the ‘cul de sac’. Bunn came out of the oven and immediately earned his crust – particularly in saving a penalty against Leicester at a highly important juncture in the game.

Garde has, though, inherited a highly improbable squad and to massage a recovery out of this lot is – I would say – nigh impossible. Unless – of course – he’s able to bring in a couple (on loan) who are inherently capable of making a difference.

The defence now looks more settled, though not perfect, and it’s the attack that now seems to attract the main focus. We have to score to win, right?

Garde’s eventual ploy of having 3 big men on the field against Leicester certainly had the desired effect, and it’s maybe that kind of battering ram tactic that is needed: it may succeed against Albyun for example. But all of them have to improve the accuracy and regularity of their goal attempts – plus we need more service from the wings.

The minimum we have to get to survive is another 7 wins and 6 draws, or 8 wins and 3 draws. And we have to start scoring more to achieve either set of stats. Since Liverpool are not getting anywhere, perhaps Benteke could come back on loan? Yes, that maybe sounds daft, but in my view the need for a spark is getting desperate – and surely it’s better for CB than freezing on the bench? OK, you’re right, it’s just a pipe-dream.