kiltorken

Soft defending killed us, trying to win the ball cleanly. Basics of defending, STOP THE ATTACK, TAKE THE BALL OR THE MAN, don't let them waltz through.

Just from watching on telly I thought our fans were great singing the whole way through, credit to the club.

If you read my whole post it alluded to him suffering from confidence issues causing him to appear crap rather than him actually losing his football abilities. Do you understand? Apologies it was such a complex piece I wrote.

Completely speaking from the heart rather than the head but bring him home, he's been crap for years but he didn't just become a crap player. His confidence is shot. He needs to be loved, might give him a second wind coming back. I'd take him over Glen Murray. He has a unique track record of keeping villa up.

"Sky sources" are reporting a 6 month loan and that he'll return to Milan in the summer.

He's a total deer in the headlights with the ball at the minute but I think it's still very early days to give him the mob treatment. He was a lot better with the ball in the beginning, obviously confidence is suffering. Patience from fans is what he needs in my opinion.

He did a lot of great work without the ball.

Confidence is shot, think there's a player in there and playing under the cosh for most periods in the fastest big league in the world is tough for a player used to having time on the ball.

Sign him up, quick.

Yes very true and it's quite possible Giroud would be a good signing as well but his lack of form for the last two years is worrying, not sure what Djorkaeff and Dugarry's form was like before they came to the prem. I wouldn't be against the idea at all, maybe I'm just still suffering from the trauma of signing has-beens the last time we were in the prem.

Yes indeed, fair point, on paper would be an ideal signing . Although he hasn't been impressive for Chelsea since he arrived there a few years ago, not sure moving to villa now would inspire him.

I'd be concerned whether a French world Cup winner in the twilight of his career would have the hunger required to slug it out in a relegation dogfight.

Gabriel Barbosa, thanks.

The kneejerk reactionist in me wants blood after witnessing such abysmal performances lately, especially today but there's some reason I can't quantify that makes me think Smith will turn this around if given time. Could be just naivety on my part or maybe Im just afraid of getting into that Allardyce, Pardew, Moyes merry-go-round where we perpetually sign players to keep us up from year or year till we go down again eventually and maybe go bankrupt again. In saying that it's becoming unbearable to watch the "performances" at the moment, we're making our direct relegation rivals look like top 4 teams. I don't know what to think anymore.

My theory on why the rest of the team seem so afraid of the ball and nervous is because Jack is so much better than everyone else in the team that they don't have belief in themselves to contribute in comparison so just seek to let Jack do everything, when he does pass the ball we often end up losing possession due to the rest of the players being so shackled by fear they make basic errors which leave us constantly exposed to opposition attacks. I honestly don't believe the players are half as bad as it seems though , confidence issues are killing us in my opinion.

He's the antithesis of the modern footballer in my books, genuine person wio put his body on the line for us. Zero arrogance, too man. And an accomplished defender to boot.

Yeah well the good time charlies who expect everything for nothing who came out of the Woodwork recently are having buyers remorse. Hopefully they piss off soon enough or stay and support.

I actually think Wesley has been almost impeccable defensively from set pieces apart from that freak assist he gave away recently. Far cry from Kodjias pathetic kick to clear Liverpools goal from manes flick on the near post.

Southampton aren't great, they've played the bottom teams in their last 6 or 7 games and we've literally played the current top 7. Yes, villa are more equipped than anyone at making a bollox of a good situation but not tomorrow. Tomorrow is the turnaround. The climb starts tomorrow. Disclaimer :tomorrow may or may not in fact be the turnaround

Bets done for the game tomorrow, 5-0 and 5-1 with Wesley first scorer. Basically buying money.

I could see him liking his distribution. He's very quick at getting the ball back into play.

Its Nyland's dealing with crosses which is his biggest issue I think.

Shocking today but let's not forget we've just witnessed the two worst performances of the season. Even top teams have shaky runs. It's not so long since we absolutely dominatrd Newcastle

First time I think I disagreed with one of your statements, our run under Smith for two months before the glory run past year were appalling. Losing 3 zip to Wigan without a shot on goal ranks way lower on the scale surely.

Thought the same, he was incredible. Such good reading of the game, just seemed to know where the ball was going to end up every time. Looks a superb player.