Konsa Leads The Way!

Well, so there is still feeling in football after all! After watching Ezri Konsa's highly individual goal against his old team, I am enthused to see that coaching methods have not wiped away the individual's need to express himself.

I can imagine his thoughts. After surrendering a penalty he must have started to get angry. When Villa went 2-0 down he must have been seething as the scoreline was against the run of play. Then, suddenly, he receives the ball just outside his own penalty area and just goes for it.

The sight of two opposition players just falling off him without making one bit of difference was not only hilarious but just underlined the importance of determination ... as well as the strength and the skill.

I always had the feeling that there's more to Konsa than meets the eye. I've often got the impression that he does get really angry when things are not going right, and this time he was determined enough to put things right.

Will he do the same thing in a league match when the situation demands it? Would any of the back three be so determined to do it in a league match? I would hope that Emery is actually encouraging a certain level of individuality, as the over-coached mechanical play on show for so many years does not do it for me.

The fact that the Villa has brought in Diaby seems to indicate the desire to create more flair in Villa's play. Bailey also indicated that spirit, but Diaby's early showing seems to indicate he is the real deal. If Diaby's example rubs off on Bailey then all the better, but we also have Philogene showing real spark, and that is really good. Showing such confidence should also provide other youngsters with the example needed to break through.

Watkins, however, needs to develop a killer instinct in front of goal to be recognised as a true striker, and Archer has not made very good use of his opportunities.

Well, the pre-season matches have so far been somewhat inspiring for me in the quality of play. Let's hope that when it comes to the first real match of the new season we can bring it all together and, especially, again show Newcastle how to play.

UTV!