Having watched the team yesterday, for what was definitely the weakest Villa side I've ever seen play in the flesh, I am baffled as to how we've reached 34 points. Is that testament to Lambert's managerial prowess by the fact we look to be staying up again by the skin of our teeth with a squad filled with arguably a bunch of Championship standard players? His fault for buying them obviously, or has he desired to buy better players but not been able to?
I thought Tonev looked decent in possession, but looked like he didn't close down his man for the goal. Bacuna has the first touch of a player I'd expect to see playing in League 2 or below, and that is no understatement, he can get away with it at right back where he has more time but not in central midfield. Baker I reckon would do well to hold a place in the Championship - his physicality would stand him in good stead but he needs a lot of time of the ball.
Whether Lambert's fault or not, this team is simply not good enough to do anything other than scrap to survive each season and we shouldn't expect any more under the current regime. The club deserves so much better.