Vive_La_Villa

How the hell do you sustain such serious injuries in training!!

Wasn’t he Smiths first choice when he took over? He had a bad injury and had to have surgery. He is getting back to full fitness. There’s no way any manager would go with Whelan ahead of Birker if both were 100% fit.

What’s the alternative? Say he will fail from day one and the look for reasons to say I told you so after every game? How about a bit of faith in our new manager eh?

I must have watched a different game. I thought he just shyed away from any responsibility. He just made himself available for 5 yard passes all game to give it back. Maybe that’s why it seemed he was very involved. I doubt he needs a rest considering he hardly runs. We looked a lot more dangerous when Birker came on.

I don’t actually think he is that good but would rather have him in the team over Whelan any day. Offers so much more by the fact and he can actually run. Crucial attribute to have for a footballer.

I’m really struggling to see what he is bringing to the team apart from an extra body and a corner taker.

He was pretty good at it once. Right now he is pointless.

And even then he was picking up balls to keep the pressure on more effectively than Whelan was. So basically he came on as a central midfielder to get forward and managed to do that and a defensive role better than Whelan did. Whelan is only starting games right now because other players are either injured or not 100% fit. I guarantee he doesn’t start against qpr.

I don’t care about what he did at Walsall and Brentford. I care about what he will do for Villa. Right now I’m content with what he has shown with what he has had.

His miss was poor but I’d still start him before Whelan any day. When he came on he caused them problems by both getting forward and picking up clearances to keep the pressure on. He got around the pitch and managed more than 5 yard passes. I’m amazed that Smith has keep faith in Whelan. It’s like playing with 10 and a half men.

I think it’s a shame that after 13 games in charge certain fans are judging the new manager to the extent of questioning substitutions or selections. Yes Kodija could have come on and changed the game. He also could have come on and watched the full back bomb past to him create the winner for Preston. El Ghazi could have managed to get one of those shots off and won the game for us. I’ve been critical of Smith in terms of not making us solid enough. I’m not making excuses for him based on the players he has at his disposal. It’s his just to get the best out lf them. But to hammer him for not bringing a player on that could just as much win us the game than lose it for us is just nitpicking in my opinion. Unless it’s Bruce fans that are upset about him being sacked.

I thought he played ok today. Was much improved.

Yes all clubs get injuries and they have to get through that period as best as possible. If we are still dropping points when key players have returned and players have been added in January. Then I’ll agree with your scepticism.

Norwich are weak. They are this seasons Bristol city and will drop down the table. Albion and Leeds probably top 2. We will make playoffs. I’m 100% convinced of that and I’m not going to change that view based on individual games.

We currently have all 4, yes 4! Of our first team defenders making up our back four. That includes 3 bloody right backs! QPR will have watched that and will play the ball over the top all game. We are going to struggle no matter who we play. until we can get players back in key positions or strengthen.

I think we need to stop thinking being promoted means you beat everyone. Yes we should be winning these games but Preston are a good team. Hull just went to Leeds and won. There is no easy game. Drawing at Preston will not shape the rest of our season.

Normally that would have been an ok result but we just can’t keep dropping points. I think results elsewhere show there’s no easy game in this league. On to QPR.

I saw it as because of his hesitation the Preston player came off bad. There shouldn’t have even been a ball for him to try a play. Nyland should have claimed it easy.

Be suprised if he not subbed off. One more foul and his off.

They love that ball over the top. It’s working a treat for them.

They also can’t keep winning games in stoppage time!

yellow right decision. Mcginn shielded it well.

They had a chance but tight angle. Keeper just about saved it. McGinn just missed what seemed a sitter of a header but maybe it was a bit behind him.

Nyland got away with one there. Poor positioning.

Why is it? We are currently 2 points less than we were this time last season and were sitting 2nd 7 games later.