thunderball

I think if we had started the season with everyone fit we would all feel a bit more satisfied. I think once we actually field the concensus first choice starting 11 (and I include Sanson fit too), and hopefully see some exciting play, we will all feel a lot happier.

No. Nothing will happen today, another deadline day with zero drama, but I guarantee most will be watching sky until it slams shut.

We've got a better chance of getting Bissouma to Bodymoor for a medical today than those Euro types. I am a believer.

Nice smile and great [big] hair, seems happy too. Why cant we find them like this?

about a month ago

According to Twitter, the outside chance deals that could still happen for Villa today: - McKennie - Damsgaard - Lingard - Kamara .........Don't hold your breath or be disappointed when nothing happens. I reckon its over (thank God!)

Does seem strange. I would say no one has got off to a good start, so Cash is not on his own. But maybe there are specific attributes to Guilberts game that they didn’t like because the decision was made at the end of 19/20 to upgrade him after just one season. If Cash is now not good enough maybe it doesn’t reprieve Freddie, both may need to be moved on?

Only seen YT and the Euros: YT shows a very good player at 21yo: great technically, good finishing, busy. At the Euros he was the most threatening player on the pitch when we played them, collective relief and surprise when he was subbed. Clearly a very special talent who will surely only get better. Would love him here, he is versatile too. We are going to lose players to AFCON this year. He is quality we need in our squad, great age also.

Looks a decent player

I think we are taking one of them following that game? There was some talent in that team.

It’s been a compromised window due to tournaments and the relatively late business with Grealish. It’s a slow window. The fact we bid on ESR and JWP shows we are looking for something else in the middle, but they couldn’t get their targets so stuck with what they have. I reckon Nakamba, Luiz and AEG could all have gone if the interest was there, even if Hourihane had gone it might have helped open the door and may have meant we pushed our other targets harder. There are likely players we wanted he wouldn’t come - I think McKennie and Damsgaard are two of them. I think if the price was right Cantwell would have been bought, but he’s out of contract next summer so they will bide their time. Today has shown even with so many out we have options, no need to panic spend, at full strength we have a very reasonable squad for mid table. We certainly have something different from the bench. Lets knuckle down with what we’ve got, and feel reassured there is substantial money to add in the next window or two.

You have credit his mentality, he has come out fighting this season, it’s a big part of his success. If he could add some creativity (assists) and a little more inter-play rather than just getting his shot off he could be the real deal.

Thought we were plucky in the face of late disruption, but lacked quality and familiarity. Passing, possession and retention was poor, movement was mixed, and needs to improve. We have no cohesion, we just wing it, but that is understandable. Thought Chuck was nervous to start but grew into it and was solid enough, he will grow into a classy, reliable midfielder I think. Targett was improved and got better but is not last seasons Targett, but he is not on his own. Midfield was weak, and way below what we need, we will be easily dominated here this season. Buendia had flashes of quality and assurance but I hope he will grow into this team and is not a glorified Jota. I think he needs a strong midfield around him and willing runners/movement from others. We are just thrown together at the moment and its going to take time for this to fall into place. I thought Ings showed endeavour and willingness, he was unluckily not to add another today. Hopefully the return of Watkins, Traore and Bailey will bring some balance and quality. No panic yet, when you look at the struggles around the rest of the division, everyone is getting up to speed and I think the return of the crowds is influencing things. I really hope they spend £50m on a very good CM, I think we need one.

Valuable point given the injuries and unfamiliarity. Can’t complain.

I’m about 2 minutes behind I think

Would be good to try and get Ollie into the game

We need a better midfield

A point is OK. It’s early days

In fairness, if he can’t do 10 minutes he shouldn’t be on the bench?

Love to see Bidace and Watkins on now

Young in the middle AND Chuck really isn’t the best formula against a well drilled Brentford. We have little choice though

They are doing OK. Chuck is warming up, finding his feet with the pace

Buendia now in a groove for us

I think it’s all internet BS, everyone is reading the same mischievous posts/tweets and reinforcing the lie. I read on Twitter the delay in announcing the Scotland team was because McGinn “had Covid”, but he was subsequently named in the squad. I think that’s it. If so many players have Covid it would make the news and there would be action. Smith outlined his injuries at the presser yesterday. We will all be wiser come 2pm.

Positive mind set. I like it