Well, what do we call this change in the team? Perhaps a song should be written with a title something like "Mings and the McGinn" (based on the Cole Porter classic "Begin the Beguine"!). In the past two matches, I have seen the captain and his vice-captain raise both their level of responsibility and contribution to the game. Mings seems to have acquired 100% concentration, while McGinn is tackling like he never did before and eliminating all the unnecessary fouls he once gave away. McGinn's overall game has just got better.
Not only they, but Cash seems to get better and better, while Targett is getting back to his performance level of last season and Nakamba and young Ramsey have grown into their roles. In my last post I suggested that the team "basically need disciplined, firm direction and leadership", and there is every sign they are getting it.
Let's not kid ourselves, though! The fact that we have won against Brighton and Crystal Palace in straight games does not qualify for assumptions that we are going to enter Europe this season! We have to thank ourselves that Gerrard's first steps were not against Man City and Liverpool or such like, but, nevertheless, he is the first new Villa manager that has won his first two games since John Gregory, nearly 24 years ago. It restores some confidence amongst everyone involved with the Villa.
My only disappointments today were first that Bailey is still not showing what he threatened to show in his Everton performance, and, second, the lack of ball control by Watkins, worsened by his vain calls for three penalties, only one of which might have deserved closer scrutiny - if that. Against 'toughies' like Crystal Palace, Watkins was made to look rather average.
All-in-all, however, there seems to be a team emerging, aided by shrewd management. McAllister seems to like working at Villa Park no matter whether it was for Gerard or is for Gerrard! Perhaps the Liverpool connection works well - names like Ron Saunders, Dennis Mortimer and John Gidman come to mind.
This situation at least now makes me think that we have a good chance of getting something out of the next match. Yes, even against Man City.
Bring them on!
UTV!
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