Indigo

Yeah Huddersfield are on a real downward spiral right now. Did a great job and overperformed last season but it's looking a much different story this time around, lot of worried people that follow them.

???

Have seen it said by a few scouts, coaches etc that Gerrard's occasional set-up in terms of the high full backs and the two "10s" makes much more sense as a 3-4-2-1 than the way we're currently attempting the shoe-horn it. The template for it to work is there considering how many sides play it, and definitely seems more balanced than the mangled way Villa's shape can look when trying that game plan. Not that we'll ever see it but I think something like this could work... Martinez Chambers-Carlos-Mings Cash-Luiz-Kamara-Digne Bailey-Buendia Striker Especially when you consider that KKH is more of a wing back by the looks of things, McGinn occasionally players as part of the forward line in this shape for Scotland etc. Definitely an interesting one to consider.

SAY IT LOUDER Might I also add please for the love of god ditch the obsession with creativity being provided by full backs whipping crosses in, when your forward options consist of strikers not suited to it as well as diminutive 10s and wingers.

For me the issue isn't just him not playing yesterday in isolation, outside of it being for Konsa anyway, as Chambers has more than made a case for himself with his performances. It's the combination of that along with the general manner in which the captaincy situation was handled and Gerrard's comments on him yesterday. He's trying to make a statement with it and is coming off worse for it.

I think people get too sneery about certain coaches like Howe, Marsch etc. Folk were taking the piss out of teams appointing them but at least they are actual coaches with a reputation in the game for being able to set a team up properly. Not trying to be wise after the fact but outside of Everton I guess I'm not sure off the top of my head if there's a single other side in the league whose manager/head coach I wouldn't rather have. My main concern without trying to get too carried away after one game is that it doesn't get any easier from here. After Everton we've got Palace away, followed by West Ham, Arsenal away and City. It could get ugly quite swiftly if things don't change.

Not sure if true but I can believe it.

February 2015, after a 2-0 defeat to Hull in what turned out to be Lambert's final game I believe. My word supporting this club is endless joy.

Well not in terms of their overall style of play like the examples you mentioned, but still and all Bournemouth had a clearer and more sensible idea in how they played, as well as more urgency when needed and just generally looked the more likely for all of the ball we had. I envy the far more effective implementation of what they did even if I wouldn't want Villa to play with the same style of anything like it.

Think folk underrated our squad at times, I think there's a lot of fans and managers out there that wish they had the options we did. However I can't make sense of how we play. The over-reliance on crosses from the full backs given who our forwards are has to stop, and McGinn and Ramsey simply can't be playing together in midfield at this level considering their shared weaknesses.

Have to say, I've always wanted to like Konsa but he's a nothing player for me. Completely passive and today summed it up, dragged everywhere by Solanke and bullied by Moore.

The constant finger-pointing at the players is getting a bit embarrassing.

Make no mistake about it, we were absolutely not in control of that game at all today. Bournemouth took an early lead and happily stuck numbers behind the ball while Villa attack in non-threatening areas. They looked the more likely to score regardless thereafter and proceeded to do so again by picking their moments well. Having more possession of the ball shouldn't be mistaken for control - that game for the most part went exactly how Bournemouth would have wanted it to.

It's not an issue exclusive to Gerrard but I'm beyond fed up of - outside of the odd exception - being envious of the opposition in most games that they have a clearer identity, structure, and ability to do the simple things well. To my knowledge, Gerrard's idea of how he wants his teams is to look is aggressive and able to control a game, yet plays one of the most passive defenders imaginable in Konsa and two midfielders in McGinn and Ramsey who are among the worst going for the amount of passes they attempt and complete. Added to that we seem to be extraordinarily reliant on crosses despite not having attacking players comfortable with this. I find it all quite confusing and despite willing to suspend my pessimism due to new signings and a fresh season etc don't really see it changing too dramatically either.

Hang on everyone, let's wait for the encouraging post-match soundbites before we get too carried away.

Full game.

McGinn in playing in the centre of midfield and the only Villa player that has made fewer passes than him in this game is Martinez...

Appreciate what folk are saying about this being their first game back making it more dangerous than it otherwise would be, but given the gulf in class we really shouldn't be expecting anything less than a win here. Saying that, my natural pessimism when it comes to Villa can't help but presume we'll see something like Diego Carlos give away a penalty after 5 minutes and we then huff and puff while failing to equalise because we can't have nice things.

I used to be a regular listening of The Villa View back when they had a usual podcast but ever since then I've only ever really listened to/watched bits and pieces from different ones. Echo the love for Neil from For The Love... though. You can tell he puts a lot of effort in and I like the variety of stuff from him in terms of random transfer targets, getting fans of other teams on relevant to Villa news etc.

Goals I agree but he's been in the top 5% in the league for xA per 90 in his two seasons which is a better barometer to work off in terms of creativity. Hard to put up better numbers than he does on the chance creation front, where you're then relying on teammates to finish the job for you.

Enjoying the timing on this.

I think he looked better with Grealish in the side as there was less of a burden on him in terms of build-up play etc, as we were so heavily reliant on Jack. Watkins was a breath of fresh air that season as he offered real a work-rate and positional sense we were sorely lacking up front the previous year, and the way we largely set up and played highlighted that. Even at the time I thought he was limited in his overall game though, and it often showed despite for the most part being outweighed by the good he brought to the side, so I find it surprising that folk have turned on him so much now when it's a part of his game that has always been a bit lacking really. He has sides to his game that are effective at this level and for all the stick he's getting I don't think there's many strikers in the league that have more of an impact than him, but at the same time I think it's clear he has a ceiling that is restricted because of how clunky and limited he is in possession. Not like football fans to get hugely carried away in either direction though!

Love this guy already. Makes everything he does look so effortless.

Quite convinced that he's definitely good enough already to play a part this season.