Anything11

I just want a 9 to drop into the space in front of the opposition back 4 and allow the play to develop around them consistently.

I would disagree here and say that we are too slow and timid in making decisions/passes but not not too slow to build up. One of the best things about Guardiola teams and something he stresses is patience in transition/buildup. If you watch closely you will notice that they (ManC) are methodical in buildup and a lot slower than you would imagine hence why they can win 3 zip but it still be quite monotonous. We lose the ball so often in transition or once it gets to the front line. I do agree that it is somewhat down to player limitations.

Dougie seems to have woken up a bit as of late. He always seemed a bit reactive rather than proactive but i have noticed a change in the last couple of weeks. It would be interesting to see him operating in an 8 where he should be.

Better players are needed in key positions for the system that Gerrard wants to employ. Klopp had to splash the cash to do so (Van Dijk) when he first arrived at Liverpool. CB-CDM-ST all need a significant upgrade.

Thank god someone is talking about the system and how to improve it rather than changing it completely which is just not going to happen. It is clear a specialist CDM or holding mid is needed to go along with Marvelous who does a job there. A ball playing CB most definitely - people don't seem to realise that the diamond of GK-CB-CB-CDB is the foundation of how to beat the opposing press (aside from going long) and that it needs to improve. Everytime we go CB to FB (Konsa to Cash) we are ****. To add to this i think a CF is a priority. Neither Watkins nor Ings have the smarts to play the 9 in the system that Gerrard wants to employ and play breaks down with them far too often.

Go touch some grass mate. Every thread is just you having a massive cry and it is tiresome and boring. The team needs a proper player in the holding position. Dougie is doing his best but he ain't it.

Hahah nope.

Why would spurs have anything to do with it? People are suggesting that we went to those lengths to negotiate a deal just for Barcelona to agree it with someone else. Seriously?

He gave no specifics apparently. Just passing on info.

Fabrizio mentioned on his twitch stream that Villa are working on their second transfer

People get so hysterical about it. There is talk between the clubs - the rest is merely rumor.

Who says they can't work together? Also there are different types of 'analysis guys'. For example I can imagine a discussion between the current and new guys around what indicators they think are important and possibly even learn from each other. In addition, Lange has the responsibility of using analysis for signings where the new guy may only be looking at the current crop of players and how to get the most out of them.

I said so in another thread but something bothers me about the way Purslow conducts himself. However, I will admit that a lot successful people that I have met in the sporting world are the same and that just because I don't like something doesn't mean its wrong. Lets hope it turns out for the best.

I think that he could have claimed the decision being based on "hysteria" up until Southampton. Once you see 3 strikers on the field after that many losses in a row it is clear that it is desperate and doesn't bode well for the higher-ups having confidence in Smith. I am a fan of Smith and continue to have my reservations about Purslow. There is something that I just don't like about the way he conducts himself. However, having been around enough football I have come to understand that just as often as not the attitude and conduct that I find off-putting actually gets results (Maybe Ferguson is a good example of this). I think Holy Trinity produces great content and is obviously quite upset at what has happened. That is the life of a football fan.

Tactics Dean has arrived. Quite pleased wit the performance and how well set up and organised we were. I don't think we will see this formation often however I think I am starting the believe Dean has got a lot more in his locker than he gets credit for on the whole.

Showing how out of touch you really are with this one. Plenty of 4-4-2 around the place especially in La Liga and Seria A. Plus it is even making an appearance at City under Pep.

So he just fell arse backwards into a promotion and continual improvement in league position? No one is suggesting he is the messiah however he definitely deserves some credit. Outside of a few teams at the top of the table there is a lot of inconsistency in both playing and managing. If Dean got it right all the time we would be top of the league or he would be managing a team other than Villa that was. It remains to be seen if he can push the top half of the premier league and anyone claiming that he can or he can't at this current juncture is being silly.

Well it certainly looks as if we weren't willing to shell out cash unless it was for a top target (JWP, ESR). I think the low bids on these players were an attempt to test the clubs resolve and see how they reacted. Sometimes these deals go through much to everyone's surprise (I recall Raphinha being a bit like this if my memory isn't mistaken) I think the lack of activity for other targets is more about not wanting to block the path for some of the younger lads. Villa have make an enormous effort to bring in and develop their own talent.

Its deadline day. Things are going to get rough.

There are obvious doubts due to the way we played without Grealish. However, we have been climbing the leader board since Dean arrived. In addition, a number of players have significantly improved under his management as well as the quality of play from the squad as a whole. As noted above by our performances in the cups the base level of play from the squad has continued to improve. There is a clear style and formation to what Villa do. I am a fan of Smith and I am also waiting for that marker that he can take the club to the next level (Leicester). I believe this season will tell us a lot as its the most talented squad we have had in quite some time.

Luiz has been playing the role quite well for Brazil in this Olympics. Plenty of nice long balls out to the wide men. I have been impressed.

Fair play good sir

I watched the last game. He impressed with quite a few long walls out to wide forwards that caught the commentators attention. Seemed a bit frustrated at the other Brazilians giving the ball away at times. Also had a penalty shout in the first half that was overturned after a VAR review as it was an awful dive.

Lovren?