USA_Villa

2 minutes ago, Tomaszk said:

I mean do they get clear instructions.

They say they do. Mings did a moany interview this week having a dig at Smith and saying jobs are made clear right now.

Gerrard says they do all the time. "No excuses".

I'd love them to get some clear instructions in a different formation. We are painfully easy to play against.

Could be some trouble after Watford, because it isn't hard to see how you beat us.

Mings problem was that he was playing crap and didn't like being dropped by Smith. He needs to grow up and move on.

Today's performance was the worst I've seen since we lost to Leicester just before Covid break. It was that bad. Let's see what happens next.

By the way Gerrard sets up the team, we are losing one of McGinns main attributes in his ability to drive forward. We rarely see it now. He has been told to stay back and support Luiz in 2-back coverage.

This is not attractive football.

Let's be brutally honest. We were really poor in the second half against Chelsea, and overall not much better today. We scored a really nice goal, but other than that I can't remember any clear cut chances. It's too predictable and don't get enough bodies in the box. How many times did McGinn or Ramsay get in the box? The answer is very few, and that is because Gerrard does not want them that high up the field. That's the way he wants to play. He relies on the front three making the opportunities, I just think it makes us a little too predictable.

I've got to stop watching the video of Chelsea's second goal. Every time I look at it the challenge by Mings it gets worse. It's so half hearted, it's just awful.

Wow. Mings got one vote and Buendia got two. I thought they wee the two worst players on the field. Buendia offers so much, but the final pass is poor and he loses the ball so often. 

I've come to realize that Villa having a lot less possession will be the new norm, whether I like it or not. We are going to be more of a counter attacking, but 31% possession at home is not what I was hoping for, even if it was against Chelsea.

The second half was as bad a performance that I have seen for a while. Mings was shocking for the goal. Did he really expect to lever Lukaku out of the way for the goal? That's either a bad decision, lazy or being unwilling to put yourself where it might hurt. I expect better from our captain.

Let's be honest, we were lucky to get away with 1-0. They should have scored 4. Mings was a definite penalty. Ings was not, unfortunately.

So what is the criteria for a positive outcome for the new manager after sacking Dean Smith?

1. Staying Up - I think we all agree that we don't believe we would have got relegated if Dean had still been in charge

2. Bottom Half

3. Top 10

What's realistic?

A statement from our ex Manager. This hurts:

https://leaguemanagers.com/news/lma-latest/dean-smith-statement/

The three behind Ings have not been involved in the game. They are not working hard enough to find space and make themselves available.

Very Very Proud. Well done boys. 

I think the most satisfying thing you can take from recent performances is that it's been difficult to pick a MOM. Today, you could have chosen Watkins, Hause, Martinez, and Traore was also superb before he went off. This is now proper team work, with everyone pulling their weight and working for each other. This team oozes confidence and are not afraid of anyone.

Just look at that league table, how satisfying is that?

Lansbury, take note of the 19-year old Ramsey showing you what to do. You should be embarrassed. We're playing with 10 men, you're just a passenger.

Expect Grealish, Watkins and Cash to be in the starting line-up. All need minutes and we don't play for almost a week.

We finally got our man,  but our poor recruitment of years past have cost us a lot of money and lost opportunities:

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/transfer-rumour-brentford-set-beat-13331695

When Dean was manager of Brentford he was asked for one player that he wanted to keep no matter the offer from another team, Watkins was the guy. Looks like money eventually talks and he got his guy back.

Good luck Ollie, every Villa fan is wishing you the best and hope you do well.

I live in the US and the Premier League games have moved from NBCsports Gold over to Peacock TV. Just signed up for $5 per month. Bargain.

Watching the Barcelona and Bayern Game. Honestly, I do more steps at half time getting a Balti pie at Villa Park than Messi does during a game. Laziest fantastic player ever.

Well done Villa. A fantastic tribute to Ron Smith. A single Stewards jacket in the Holte End. UTV

Well done ladies. A great job.

10:30pm flight out of JFK New York this evening with the wife and eldest daughter. Stopping in London for a couple of nights, and really hoping for another day like the last visit. Flight back from Heathrow on Monday.

A long trip, but you've got to make the most of these things. UTV

Plan to stock up on Cadbury Easter Eggs, Chocolate digestives, HP sauce and Bisto in between a few pub meals.

I never ever ever ever want to hear anyone say that Kodja should start up front ahead of anyone anymore - Lazy, weak, zero effort.