Puff, Puff But Nothing To Show

Boy, did they look rusty! An enforced international break seemed to have a dampening effect on the forwards in particular. Not that they were full of alacrity before the enforced break - they weren't - but when you are up against a 10-man team for the whole of 45 minutes  (including injury time) and not take advantage of the gaps with inadequate firepower was downright appalling.

I can fully understand Gerrard's pragmatic approach right now, but this was a match that was crying out to be put to bed and thus achieving 7 instead of 5 points in the last 3 matches.

All I can say is that we live in hope that these daydreamers wake up to take advantage of struggling Nottm Forest next week.

There's surely something wrong at Villa. The players seem not to be as 'free' in their play as they were under Dean Smith. Not that his era was perfect as the team needed more discipline, and he also lost Grealish, but now we seem to have gone to another extreme. I get the feeling that the players seem to feel the strain of this regime's coaching methods and react to playing circumstances rather than be sufficiently proactive. Other teams seem to find their players much better with their passes - even Leeds (first half). To me, it seems to be more of a psychological issue.

As to individuals, I would first refer to Bailey. He clearly has the capability of being a dangerous player, but I am unhappy with his continual unnecessary fouling, particularly after he has been dispossessed. 

Why was Luiz picked instead of Chambers or Dendoncker? I find that puzzling as I do not rate Luiz for the number 6 role, and Chambers in particular deserves more playing time.

As to Watkins, well when it comes to shooting he seems to be completely out of sorts, although his outfield play is mostly excellent. But we need goals. Ings seems not to be the answer either, but we have a certain Cameron Archer still not getting time on the pitch but who would, I am sure, liven things up a bit. Maybe Archer should play alongside Watkins, simply because scoring goals is the way to winning matches. We have scored just two in the last three matches, even though undefeated in that time.

In any case, surely Archer was the player to bring on yesterday after 70 minutes, if not before. 

Well, I suppose it could be said that Leeds' aggressive approach sublimated Villa's approach work, but I am still not happy.

Nope, as you might have guessed, I am now certainly not a fan of Gerrard. He may have great aspirations, but as various pundits have said, with the playing staff at his disposal he should be doing better.

I am happy, however, that Ashley provides a calming head at the back, with the two c-bs now playing pretty well also. But the fullback positions look decidedly decimated. Let's hope that Matty is available for the next match.

UTV!