Niall

Douglas Luis not quite with it tonight, so far.

I thought he was pretty decent first half but faded second. Probably due to fitness levels. Needs more time to get used to playing with Jack and McGinn but there were definitely some promising glimpses of what he can offer. 

Martínez outstanding today. Thought Targett was excellent throughout also. Well done El Ghazi for stepping up. Nice to win a scrappy 3 points. 

3 minutes ago, romavillan said:

Podence is a player

Been causing us problems all game. 

Barkley has been terrible tonight. Apparently, his problem is consistency and was one reason he was benched so often at Chelsea. Not at the races today. 

Villa have been well beaten, lack of coordination, lack of fight.  

Nice the way he placed that away from the keeper. Good header!!

Now, That is a goalkeeper!!!!

Konza Kamikazee!!

6 hours ago, hippo said:

I think if Grealish went public and said he would now consider playing for EIRE - and thus never play for England that would really turn up the heat on Southgate.

I remember Bruce Rioch turned down scotland - but after many England snubs accepted there offer.

I don't think that would go down well with the Republic fans. When he chose England instead of them it was NOT a popular decision, to say the least. I feel he might be told to do one!!

Foden is running riot!! Where is Targett?

Inevitable really. Again I feel Smith is waiting too long to change things tactically.

2 minutes ago, Johnnyp said:

Guilbert isn't very good.. I don't think it's an adapting to the PL thing. Just think he's pretty flawed. Very lax, no pace. 

Eh, didn't do too badly just then. 

To be fair, Konza lost his man for the goal. Need to wake up at the back.

That was terrible from Mings. 

Shocking collapse against 10 men. 

He's shite, don't you know.....

15 minutes ago, villalad21 said:

Spuds have a thread about him as well.

FFS, f*** off. McGinn is drawing too much attention already.

https://www.thefightingcock.co.uk/forum/threads/mcginn-to-the-lane.17098/page-18

I read the last two pages of that. Most reckon he's not good enough for them and would do well at the likes of Everton, who they reckon would be a significant step up from Villa. It hurt to read that, but it's probably true at this stage.

Did well for 70 mins. The defence was well organised and Mings and Engels were fantastic. Disappointed with Grealish, wake up, lad! You're back in the premiership. Hourihane did some good things, particularly first half and McGinn impressed. Trezeguet was ok for 50mins but faded badly, needs time. Jota too lightweight. 

13 minutes ago, LakotaDakota said:

Someone criticizing you or saying you are not good enough isn't bullying, How are you supposed to cope being a professional footballer in the public eye if you can't handle getting shouted at by a manager/coach from time to time

He was 20 and depressed,and feeling exhausted despite peak fitness due to the mental trauma caused by MacD'S archaic coaching methods. Being told you are useless and a c++t etc. is hardly the ideal environment to nurture young talent.

Anyway, have you even read the article The Guardian?

5 minutes ago, ROTTERDAM1982 said:

Modern day footballers need to be impressed, that is why Henry would be attractive, as would JT, and why Lampard will do ok at Derby.

 

The days of Clough, Fergie, Shankley etc are long gone. Much as I like Dean Smith, I'm not sure some of the younger players would be that impressed

I don't agree at all. I think it's all about personality, attitude and knowledge of the game and fundamentally a manager's ability to coax the best from his squad. Klopp, Howe, Wagner, Silva, Sarri.....hardly stars before becoming football managers. They haven't done so badly.

4 minutes ago, Nigel said:

We need someone that will have the respect of the players as much as anything!

Wilder or Smith would be hamstrung from the start!

Why is that?

There was a period against Brentford where passing and interplay was a joy to watch. If only we could set out to play that way every game. I want a manager who insists we play that way, who believes in entertaining the fans. We should be more than capable with the squad we've got.

Whelan has been great tonight!

Very sad news. Will always remember his Villa days fondly.

22 hours ago, TrentVilla said:

Neither Clark or Baker are good enough to be starting Premier League CB's and never will be. The criticism of them both has been entirely justified in my view.

Sorry but how can you assert that he will never be premier league quality? He has already performed admirably and to good effect in the premier league. Granted there were days when he could have played better but he was younger more inexperienced and thrown in at the deep end. I recall being impressed after  many games and the previously mentioned one against Spurs is but one example .

He is improving and will most likely continue to do so if properly coached.