A'Villan

I reckon he might be worth 5-10 goals for the season..

Now can people see what I mean when I say goals change games in relation to the Leicester game? We score 2 against this young Liverpool side, against the run of play, and all of a sudden our men can also swing and suspend the pendulum of play in our favour totally. Similar to the Leicester game, but the difference is everyone's excited and commending Leicester because it's in tune with their overall success this season. When it comes to Villa people look at our results and assume that we are a poor side or something, even 4-0 at HT pundits are praising Liverpool's youth. I'm a Villa supporter, I should be first to notice our successes and efforts.

We're playing well now. Keep it up Villa!

Oh for sure, I just meant that while we have the advantage on the scoreboard, their kids are going to be full of energy and attempt to prove themselves for the remaining time left. It's up to us to take control of the match and keep things to our advantage, otherwise momentum can swiftly shift back the other way, I mean they have had the better play.. We're not all that youthful today it would seem either.

Liverpool are young and hungry to prove themselves, this is far from over.

Better from us

That's great mate, having a club that values your input. Sure you've earned that. Recruitment is quite probably the biggest factor in determining the overall success of a club. Good on you for paving the way for players to get noticed and potentially have a chance at living a dream.

Just out of curiousity does England have much of a futsal culture? And have you come across scouts who would take the time to observe high quality futsal matches? I know it's a different game, but you'll find some of the most technically sound players alive on the futsal pitch.

So is the mentality that we were fortunate not to concede 8 or 9, as stated above. I think it's important to ask questions of our performances and try to suppose what the outcomes might be had we done something differently. You're right it's all conjecture but so is Dean Smith's preparation for Liverpool today. He is basing his preparation and approach on partial information.

When homeless people and other undesirable types take an interest in me beyond what they can acquire, and tell me I'm a good man, or compliment something I've done. Then, and only then, do I believe momentarily with some certainty that there's meaning and purpose to be found in life, and that I have some partial understanding for what it can be. The fact I can attract their attention away from hardship and whatever other turmoil they endure to recognise and articulate an appreciation for something we can share, says a lot. A single parent friend of mine is taking her 3 year old daughter to volunteer with the homeless this Christmas Day, I will accompany them and we'll hopefully make someone's day. But the fact that this single mother, who has her doubts and insecurities about life, has the heart and principles of kindness and generosity regardless of her fears, warms me. Add to that she has the courage and bravery to take her young daughter for the experience and it becomes apparent to me I have had a limited view of what constitutes greatness.

Well, I'm up and ready to watch us live. Excited to rejoin the support as I missed the Sheffield United game. Can't say I'm overly confident about this one though. I guess it just depends on how well we've prepared and anticipated key factors and how committed to the contest each and every Villa player is over 90 minutes. We can do it, I'm just not sure we're there yet. UTV.

Before my time but an absolute mainstay of Villa's history and some of this clubs most glorious memories. I made my vote but I think there would be a number of ways to remember his legacy that we could embark upon.

I disagree. I'm not saying we hold that lead, but I think we play with more patience and composure. That makes it harder for Leicester to capitalise on errors in play that lead to costly turnovers, like when Wes played them in. If you think about it, it was one very clinical and well executed counter attack in transition that gave Leicester the lead and upper hand in the game. Until then it was Villa asking questions of Leicester's ability to keep us out just as frequently as Leicester knocked on our door. Grealish played in multiple passes towards the left-side byline and as a consequence a threatening pass was made either across the face of goal or with a cut back. In the end, yes, they could have scored more, and were the better team over 90 minutes. What I'm saying is that once hey score that first goal, which Wes gifted them, momentum shifts and the tactics and dynamic of the match changes. Say we score the chances we created in the opening 20 minutes of play, I count at least 3 decent scoring opportunities including hitting the woodwork, what then? Instead of chasing the game against a side that is well versed and full of quality, we play things on our terms, that is if we are capable of doing so, which the jury is out on. EDIT: Just to add, we averaged 7 players in the attacking half over the 90 minutes, and Leicester averaged 5, for their attacking half. I think the fact that we go down after 20 minutes instead of taking the lead, meant that with our approach we committed men forward and consequently allowed Leicester to play into space with only a few men and few quality touches or passes in each phase of play.

To be fair though goals change games. First half we easily had as good chances as Leicester, and what happens if we go 1-0 up? Leicester were just as lucky not to of conceded more in the first half.

Good questions. As I said it's just my observations and understanding of how we seem to approach games. Every chance it is flawed as I am in no way whatsoever privy to Smith's thoughts and discussions, whether tactical or regarding recruitment.

Not even if the outlay for them gives us a much greater capacity to retain our status as a Premier League club?

Mind over matter.

Reasons I think Wes was purchased (I don't pretend to have insight or be an expert, it's a theory from my observations and reading): Strong and imposing physical specimen capable of holding his own and winning duels from direct long balls and clearances. Can and does make good decisions regarding where and who the ball should be played to, however basic and unspectacular it is, coaches love this. Brings other people into the game and attacks as opposed to running into space behind opposition as a final piece in the build up puzzle. Brings other players into attack and once the team has established enough men forward, Wes can either assist with ball retention or make a run to receive for a finish. Decent record in a decent European league for someone his age. Unfortunately I don't believe we are seeing any of the above qualities mentioned on display with enough frequency for Wes to be effective. I think what appeared in Belgium to be a player who was quite impressive and could be developed has turned out to be too slow both on his feet and reading the game. He's not up to this level yet.

Upon reading the suggestions for who we might play alternative to Wes, I don't think people entirely grasp what Smith wants to do.

Growing up implies maturing and developing as a person, learning. Growing old means becoming tiresome and being jaded with life.

Being half Greek yet having inherited my Irish skin is not ideal for Australian summer living.

I'll take growing up over growing old any lifetime!

We played well without getting results at the start of Smith's tenure in the championship, we played a very similar tactical approach to now. It's easier to do nothing that to excel at something. I think that's pretty obvious, as I'm sure you would too. Same as it's easier to be a critic than an advocate. Success requires belief, ingenuity, imagination, trial, errors, learning, energy, effort, all sorts of qualities to be present and enduring. To do nothing requires no prospect, no progress, nothing valuable. It's the same with complaining when things don't go your way. Don't get me wrong, I could be wrong, and others who have doubts may have greater insight and analysis of our trajectory under Smith. But I have faith, I really think we're going to survive this season.

Pedro would be absolutely fantastic.

I fear he's just too slow for this level. Apart from his efforts to close down the passing options of the opposition, he did next to nothing. Oh, except put us 1-0 down in a game where we had looked just as good as Leicester