WakefieldVillan

3 minutes ago, tom_avfc said:

If he plays Davis and we get completely overrun by a team that have won 4 of their last 5 games in all competitions then the same people would be on here complaining.

Some people moan regardless, I ain't one to moan for the sake of moaning. I expected to lose yesterday and I don't mind that but I want us to play well whenever we can, we didn't do that yesterday. If Davis played and we lost I would have been the first to put my hands up and say it didn't work.

It’s the same with the likes of Nakamba. Everyone is demanding he starts games as if he’s the new Makelele until he plays and everyone realises he isn’t very good.

Nakamba is limited on the ball. But I personally think he can do an effective job in certain games. The fact we hardly conceded in the home games he played backs that up. I've seen Luiz have worse games but not get called out for it - fans have their favourites. 

Davis had a good 20 minute cameo against a tiring Championship level side and now he’s like a prime Benteke in some people’s eyes.

We wish he was. The same tiring championship side that beat Liverpool a few weeks back. 

Our squad is still miles away from where a lot of people seem to want us to finish. We have a very good defence, a world class creative midfielder and a very good striker. Other than that I don’t think any of our players get into any of the teams above us and a fair few would struggle to get minutes at any club in the league.

True. We have a good spine. Which again indicates what we all know, our wide players aren't good enough.

Davis’ average level of performance this season has been nowhere near good enough to suggest he’s ever going to be a starting premier league striker. One assist doesn’t make me think he should be starting games.

Could have brought him on with 10 to go but it wouldn’t have surprised me if we’d then got beat 3 or 4-1. The way some people are talking on here bringing Davis on would have been a guaranteed Villa victory.

Or we draw 2-2. We will never know now. 

As it is we lost a game against a very good team that have a decent chance of making the top four. Typical for us to concede that last minute great finish against a team that before yesterday had managed over 100 shots in their 6 games at home this year with only 1 goal.

No issues with losing to Liverpool but this is also the same side that lost 6 homes games on the spin and think we could have at least got a point with an overall better performance. 

Not sure if this is aimed at me but thought id reply as I'm one that wanted Davis to start

1 hour ago, KentVillan said:

Even if we lose all our remaining 8 games (which we won’t) we’ll still have improved on last season.

I don’t buy into the idea of sacking managers who have delivered on the target that was set for them at the start of the season.

What’s happened is he’s overachieved early in the season and given some people unrealistic expectations of what can be achieved with this squad once injuries, fatigue and suspensions start kicking in.

He’s had a big Covid outbreak and a lengthy injury to his star player to deal with.

Give him another summer to build and another season to show improvement. If we haven’t kicked on then we can start saying he isn’t delivering.

But at the moment any claim that he’s “hit a ceiling” or “the project has stalled” is just factually wrong, since we’re ahead of where we were last season.

All teams have runs of bad form. Our last two games are a 3-1 win and a narrow last minute loss against one of the best sides in the world. That’s not even particularly bad form is it?

On paper it doesn't seem bad, but both performances were dire. It needed our subs to turn it around against Fulham where we had been truly abject for 75 minutes and Liverpool were there for the taking yesterday but we failed to capitalise on this despite 6 other teams previously going to Anfield and winning. We had luck on our side with VAR but we gifted them so many opportunities with poor passing/control, basically the basics, which is why it's disappointing at the moment. 

I am a big Smith fan though and he's done a cracking job and loving the fact that we are safe as houses this season, just hope he can push us on to the next level

19 minutes ago, nick76 said:

I agree it isnt working at the moment but I would also say that because Davis seems completely out of favour there doesnt seem to be any other options because then all we have is Ollie as a striker to choose from.  Then whether you choose a 442 or a diamond midfield you still only have the choice between the likes of Trez, Traore, El Ghazi and Barkley in offensive players.  We just have to accept for the remainder of the season that Jack and Ollie are only two quality performers offensively and with Jack out it makes it harder. 

I personally prefer the 4-3-3 BUT it's not working without Jack and the wide players are so inconsistent (at best) that I'd just like to see us try something different, why not hey when we're comfortably mid table? 

Get Davis supporting Ollie and pick 4 from the 5 of Nakamba, Luiz, McGinn, Sanson and Ramsey. Think that gives us a solid enough platform and hopefully we can see the full backs pushing on again (I understand it was difficult yesterday to do this). We still have the option then to bring on a AEG/Traore/Barkley (shudder) if we want to revert back or have one of them at the tip of the diamond.  

Smith has said many times that players that perform will get the shirt, well Keinan did enough last week and he chose not to play him which was the wrong call (the result confirms that - though I am still more disappointed in the performance than the result!) 

1 hour ago, PaulC said:

I only mentioned goals to show the difference in quality both teams have to bring on from the bench. Yes he made a difference from the bench against a team that are going down but do really think he would have made much difference against a team like Liverpool. 

The same Fulham that won at Anfield a few weeks ago? Yeah I think he would.

Have Liverpool got better tools to work with than Keinan Davis?! Well yes course they have.

Today was a perfect opportunity for Davis to start after a great 15 minute cameo last time out and probably feeling quite confident. 

Watkins was my MOTM and he is a different animal to Davis but both should have started IMO whether it with two up top or Watkins wide of a 3.

Traore was abysmal today, has been for a while and he should have made way. 

I think Dean has to take a huge amount of responsibility for that result and I am not one to jump on the managers back, he's been brilliant as a whole but today he got it wrong (IMO).

Davis should have started and it was criminal he didn't even get on the pitch. Traore was fortunate to start and should have been 'dragged' at HT (probably when he tried that trademark ball across the pitch straight to a red shirt). 

Very disjointed performance, so sloppy in possession and Liverpool were there for the taking today which makes this one harder to take.

Game was won and lost with the wide men - their two fullbacks assist and score our wingers are really poor all game - at least Trez showed a little more heart than Traore but at this level it just ain't good enough.

While Jack's out lets just try a 4-4-2 now with a diamond and leave all 3 of our wide players out who let's face it perform once in 10 games ! 

Big summer ahead (for Villa and Dean) 

1 minute ago, OutByEaster? said:

I'm not too unhappy with this opening - Liverpool have been at our end a lot, but they look weak at the back and we're well in this game.

 

I think you're easily pleased. We're fortunate not to be losing. We've hardly kept the ball at all. I don't mind if we lose to better teams if we do our stuff but so far its been a frustrating watch IMO. The only positive is it's 0-0.

I'm not writing the game off either, they are vulnerable at the back.

Really wish Davis was our focal point.

**** hell Tyrone - sloppy start all over by us! 

I would usually ALWAYS put club before country but in this instance I would accept losing Jack for a few more games if it gave him more chance of going to and performing well at the Euro's. I just think it will be gutting for him to miss out after such a great season (prior the injury) and his performances for us (& England) merit a place in the squad, well the starting eleven truth be told.  

The thing is I don't think the two go hand in hand - He really needs to get back playing ASAP or it will be the perfect excuse for Southgate to exclude him - which will be a travesty (that I can see happening).

Sorry for straying off topic but we have a fantastic opportunity to win the Euro's and I really want to see Grealish be part of it!

I'd stick young (Louie) Barry on the bench for this one - give him the last 15 minutes to take the p*** when we're 3 up  

Although their form and results have picked up considerably the fact that this games is sandwiched between the Real Madrid matches could work in our favour - Let's hope so .

Hopefully a much better performance than Sunday or we don't stand a chance.

I'd go (presuming Jack is out)

                                  Martinez

Cash             Konsa                Mings               Targett

                                  Nakamba

 Watkins          Ramsey       McGinn             Trezeguet

                                      Davis

I think Trez and Davis have both earned a place in the starting line up and I feel that this is the best way of accommodating both - Giving license to Ollie and Trez to support Davis when they can, but when we are out of possession the task of stopping their full backs bombing on.

I'd freshen the CM area too. 

The other option (for me) is a 4-4-2 diamond, with Luiz in for Trez - Put him next to McGinn with Ramsey (or Traore) further forward. I'm just not sure Liverpool away is the fixture to try this.

23 hours ago, ChrisVillan said:

I'm not seething about this one like some of the others but I think this is a little harsh on Cash. Maybe a little naive, admittedly, but the guy isn't even making a tackle. He's blocking a cross that Kane, who's miles away, elected not to attempt because there was a chance to manufacture a penalty. 

Whatever comes out of the rest of the debate on this, I'm letting our boy off the hook.

Yes, bit harsh to call him stupid, it was more just a tad naïve, Cash even admitted after the match he should have stayed on his feet. But without going off topic - he's had a cracking season so he can have this one  

Interesting debate on the Kane penalty incident.

At first viewing I thought penalty all day long. I thought Kane had "bought" the pen but thought it was the correct decision and that Cash was stupid to dive in. It felt to me it was very similar to what Jack has been doing week in week out.

On reading this thread, I have watched the incident several more times and I am actually more confused than I was at the time of first view. I dislike Kane and it obviously went against us but I wasn't fuming at the time (unlike the Fernandez pen, and to a lesser extent the Pogba one) - I think he's perhaps tried to keep it in play with his other foot, seen Cash dive in and planted his foot down to initiate contact. I suppose that can be viewed as cheating, but I personally wouldn't mind Jack (or any Villa player) doing that if it helps us win the game - But I understand many fans who wouldn't. 

Bottom line is Cash was very naïve going to ground which ultimately cost us.

The worst "dives" for me are the ones where there has literally been no contact at all (see Ayling's for EG) or the brush on the shoulder (see Salah - Every week )

Konsa MOTM but should have done better for the first goal, though Emi has to take the main criticism, ridiculous that he didn't just belt that into touch. Never felt we were going to get back into it after that but not going to start calling for the gaffer out or make derogatory remarks about our players. We're better than that. Aren't we?!.

It is obvious there is work to be done in the summer but I'm confident we can kick on and strengthen with some real quality with wide men being absolutely crucial. 

I think if Moura played for us tonight (swap Trez or Traore) we win that. It's not all doom and gloom. We're a mid table side (at best) and without Jack relegation fodder. Accept it and it's much easier. Doesn't mean to say we can't push on next season. 

Another poster mentioned about us being 'too nice' - I agree wholeheartedly with that. We need to raise the standards and we need some steel. 

Thought Watkins, Luiz, Trez, Cash, Traore were all very poor tonight. You can't carry so many players. 

Agree Kane cheated for the pen, but was very stupid of Cash to dive in like he did. Crazy. 

For once (it seems) the international break is coming at a good time (I think).

UTV 

I'm guessing it will be 60th min

AEG for Trez

Barkley for Sanson

Lots of OTT reactions on here. If Emi clears the ball into touch like he should have this probably finishes 0-0 at HT with us being the better side (albeit without really threatening the Spurs goal). The goal has knocked the stuffing out of us clearly.

Obviously we miss Jack, but no team wouldn't. I'd rather be in our position in the league safe and sound losing today than where we were last season.

We're improving, regardless of tonight's performance. Let's get behind the boys.

b..b...b....bbbut what about Bamford?! 

Well done Ollie - Great news. Well deserved  (last game aside )  

21 hours ago, Villa 59 said:

No he plays either LB or LW....similar to Cash in terms of flexibility...but not as good as Cash. Much better option that Taylor though! He's 28 and wages wouldn't be a problem.

I think a couple of seasons a go "Reach" may have been a decent signing (IE in the Championship) but I wouldn't want him now (even as back up) - Though we do need to improve on Neil Taylor.

He's neat and tidy and scored a couple of wonder goals (a while back now) but he is extremely lightweight, doesn't ever put a foot in and probably a poor mans Hourihane (out on the flank). 

Plus majority of Wednesday fans think he has been absolutely dire this season (though he most probably has downed tools - which shows a lack of character / fight) - Not for me.

The problem we have 'other than obviously missing one of the best players in the league' is consistency. 

Most wide players tend to be inconsistent and we have 3 in our squad that are all hit and miss. At the moment more miss!

Add then our midfield options (Ramsey, McGinn, Sanson, Luiz, Nakamba, Barkley) all have good days and bad days.

Tonight I would have started Barkley, they had Shelvey who can't run at all, I don't think they were ever going to "outrun" us in Central midfield areas and we needed some creativity in there (with JG out).

Luiz has been off form, but was fine tonight. McGinn's recent performances are under par but is he a bad player? No not at all. 

We could all scream for Sanson to play next week but then it won't be long before he turns in a bad performance and people will say he's not good enough. Let's just get behind the boys - I think we've been spoilt tbh and were gonna get nights like this.

Tonight was dreadful - no hiding from that. No team deserved to win. Thought Mings and Watkins were absolutely awful. But their not bad players. Konsa MOTM by a distance. 

We are comfortably placed in the league. We've made great strides. Get Jack and Matty back and I still think we can finish on a high! Then its all down to the owners in the summer!

12 hours ago, OutByEaster? said:

I'd sooner have Sanson and McGinn given licence to get forward with a holding player behind them - I think those two give us more creativity than Barkley does and having either Luiz or Nakamba gives us cover for the back four. I wouldn't break up the midfield three that looked so good in the first half against Wolves.

 

I get where you are coming from in that it is more natural for Nakamba or Luiz to cover the defence and both Sanson and McGinn are probably better going the other way - and I'm pretty convinced one of the two will be starting.

But I just feel we're going to have a lot of the ball and Nakamba isn't what we need (for this game) and although this will go against the grain (with many) I think Luiz is currently out of form. I thought along with Traore he was the poorest of our players against Wolves.

Now don't get me wrong Barkley is obviously out of form too but a firing Ross offers more than most, let's hope he can get to something like he was when he first arrived. 

IF our  is back (& presuming only Cash, Wesley & Hause out) then I'd go

                         Emi

  Elmo    Konsa   Mings     Targett

               Sanson  McGinn

 Traore         Barkley         Grealish

                      Watkins 

I think we will dominate possession and we need our creative players playing in this one to unlock what I think will be a negative Bruce formation. 

I think Luiz's performances have dropped off recently so I would give Sanson another run out (albeit slightly deeper) and hopefully Traore can up his levels because he hasn't been at it last few games.      

If Jack doesn't make it - Stick AEG in.          

If the above team play and are at it then I think we will run out comfortable winners - but we can't take anything for granted (we should know this by now though )

14 minutes ago, Keyblade said:

Martin Tyler seems to keep forgetting Leeds are 2 down.

What channel are you watching it on to have Martin Tyler? 

Rotherham Vs Birmingham (17th April)

Could be absolutely massive!

Decent first half, very poor second half, fair result in the end as no side did enough. 

Emi 8

Elmo 7

Konsa 7.5

Mings 7

Targett 7

Sanson 7

McGinn 7.5

Luiz 5

Traore 3

Watkins 7.5

Trezeguet 5.5

Subs:

Barkley 4

Davis 5

Ramsey 6

3 x GK: Pope, Pickford, Henderson.

9 x Defenders: Walker, Trippier, Chillwell, Saka, Stones, Maguire, Mings, Keane, Coady.

7 x Midfield: Henderson, Rice, Foden, Grealish, Sancho, Mount, Maddison.

4 x Forwards: Kane, Sterling, Rashford, Vardy  (DC-L)