Greenfly

I genuinely think most of them aren't even football fans. It's just an excuse for them to get tribal about something.

His main qualities that make us rate him are those that bring other players into the game. I don't think there was much hope of that happening today. There were times when he was actually able to get the ball where it looked like they were never getting it off him.

I don't think there's much point in moving really fast if the rest of the squad is slowing the game down. I really don't think we can judge him on this game at all.

Jota is a good footballer, but he's way too slow. It's a shame, really. Konsa pretty much shut them out when he came on. It shows the gulf in class between the first and second string. Watkins had a great chance as soon as he came on, but never really received any decent service after that. I don't really know what to say about the rest.

He made some good passes, but overall he wasn't brilliant. It could be down to the lack of quality around him though.

We need more quality in that second string. I can't imagine any one of those players being game changers off the bench in a league game.

Not the best tenner I've ever spent so far.

I don't get the logic of Elmo being used as a CB either? He just seems to lack every quality required of one. Am I missing something?

Neither did I. Shows what I know.

This is making me realise how much of a direct upgrade Cash is over Guilbert. Same sort of player, but superior in every way. I still like the guy, but damn.

At least they won't likely ever be in the pitch at the same time in the Premier League. Hopefully there's enough quality in the first team to mitigate since of their drawbacks.

On the plus side, this is the second string team. On the bad side, THIS is the second string team.

They seem to have a lot of respect for us actually. I didn't think Stoke fans liked us, but apparently they do.

How so? I don't get that impression.

I think we all wanted a "marquee" signing, however you want to define that, as a statement of intent. Since we've signed Traore, who arguably fits that bill, and captured Barkley on loan, who certainly does, the need for Rashica is not as dire. Other than that, he quickly became something of a meme on here at least. I don't think everybody who was hyping him up was being all that serious in truth.

I wouldn't be surprised if he slides back into midfield at some point this season; because of the improved quality around him he may not need to be shoved out wide to help him find space. The likes of Barkley, Watkins and Traore should be able to take some of that burden off him. That is the only reason he was moved to the wing in the first place after all, right?

It's just banter really. Shit banter, but banter all the same. That sort of behaviour doesn't alter my opinion of the club as a whole, or the majority of its fan base, with whom I tend to have great discussions about football for the most part.

Then again, upper bottom half still counts as midtable. I think most of the fan base agrees that at the very least we should be out of the relegation picture and pushing up the table.

To be fair to him, his initial comment was a valid observation. Since then he's just been replying to all the comments that have been made since.

He seemed to have learned that by the restart. That's largely why our defence has improved I think. Konsa looks like he might have the quality to be a ball playing CB though.

Taken from Dick's Sporting Goods: 8 – Central Midfielder (CM): Often considered the most hardworking role, this player has to be ready for action and can play both defensively and offensively, depending on where the ball is. They are responsible for distributing the ball to other players, so it’s vital that they have exceptional ball handling and passing skills. When on the attack, they often take long shots on goal to help the offense. To fit a team’s strategy, they will sometimes line up with the 6 in a more defensive position or with the 10 in a more offensive formation. 10 – Attacking Midfielder (AM): The attacking midfielder sits between the midfield and the offensive line. They must know how to score goals and dribble well to avoid the opponent’s defenders. They should attack the ball when the other team is in possession and not hang back like other positions on the field. This position is often seen as the conductor in offensive plays, directing the ball and creating scoring opportunities. They are the playmakers.

Exactly. Squad morale is so vital, and at the moment it is high. By all accounts, Lansbury is well liked, has a good attitude about his situation and is a part of those good vibes, so disrupting that would be a very bad idea.

Wait, that guy isn't Hogan? Does the fact I didn't know that say more about me, or his overall contribution to Villa?

Oh yeah. I forgot about that.