birdman

Another scan to see the extent of the healing more like. If its positive news he'll be back on the training pitch I should think. EDIT: Jack has just updated his Instagram story showing use of red light therapy on his leg.

Shin splints seems likely or at least part of the problem. I dont think anyone knows the exact detail although rumours are hes had an operation on it and a subsequent scan to see if it's healed. Dean is bullish he'll be fine for the Euros so got to assume he will get a few games in before the season is out. Looking to next season, if it is something that Jack has to live with long term then surely Dean will have to rest him where possible or sub him off occasionally on 70 mins if the game allows. We all know he hates being subbed but if it helps prevent him being out for months at a time...

As long he's playing for England I think he'll be happy with Villa. Gives him the best of both worlds. Playing for the best club in the world and playing with or against elite players. That and Call of Duty lol

Hyperbole statement. Did you miss the lovely backheel pass which helped setup the move that resulted in a pen?

One of those players who can be outstanding with better players around him playing more intelligent passing, which is what we lack. Get him on the ball in dangerous areas and he can do damage... otherwise will struggle to make an impact.

Good to see a big effort from Ross. That's the minimum you can ask for but he involved and trying to make things happen. Fact is we were very poor in final third with bad passing decisions. Still we rescued a point and the hope for better goes on. Pleased for Davis who should have been on much sooner and of course big Wes is back too!

Things I don't want to see tonight: Slow, laboured passing or unnecessary passing sideways or backwards when not under pressure. Switching off/standing still after completing a pass. What I want to see: Working hard off the ball and moving into a positive position once a pass has been completed. Showing some controlled aggression. Determination to provide service for Ollie. Not much to ask surely!

Shit on the Blues?

I dont think Targett has made many mistakes this season and is certainly now our most consistent player. Even more so than Martinez so I think Targett could easily get player of the season for us.

I'm not saying all his play was bad but his defensive work rate and desire to try and win the ball back is pretty shocking!

Difficult to judge him on this one really. Would still rather be play than Ross. Overall our work rate and movement off the ball is lazy af! Trouble is playing a team like Man City magnifies it ten fold.

He's giving Hourihane a run for his money in terms of a fair weather player. Absolute sloth!

Proper brain fade from Matty. Tackle was out of pure frustration as Foden was running rings. Won't hold it against him though and quite honestly his absence isn't going to make a whole lot of difference now. Im almost done with this season.... until West Brom that is lol

It's weird because this is probably the least excited and the least I've looked forward to a game all season. The way we've been playing lately has put me in a proper negative frame of mind! Hopefully ill feel better about it later when I see us passing the ball around with speed and confidence!

I already assumed this after "the setback" lol

This is true that regardless of our recent struggles we are still difficult to beat and we are safe and we have improved from last season. What gets me though is because our midfield have forgotten how to pass properly we seem in constant peril of dispossession, thats if we haven't already given it away with a thoughtless hoof. We have played teams recently who haven't been great themselves so I'm just concerned if Man City turn up we'll get steamrollered unless we can keep hold of the ball a bit. I will try and keep the faith though!

Unless we can sort out our diabolical passing and have an actual game plan I don't hold out much hope. And I'm usually one of the optimistic ones!

Yes exactly, out of form and fitness perhaps. He'll probably spring into life as soon as Jack is back.

We are desperate for a strong player too

Start integrating him with the first team ASAP. Can't see any reason not to. Looks like he's bulked up a bit too which is good!

He will never have the physical side just like Hourihane. Hes lightweight, light on his feet, great skill but can easily be knocked off the ball. For that reason needs to work on being clever with his body position and trying to protect the ball to at least win more fouls like Jack does. I like Traore though and I'm sure he'll get better. As a team though we are badly lacking a big strong player in midfield. We could do with a Toure or a Vieira. Don't make em like that anymore!

Makes you wonder what Dean sees to chuck him on when you have Davis who busted a gut the other week to help earn the win? Baffling. I don't suppose we'll get an explanation. Ive always supported Ross in giving him a fair crack but it's increasingly difficult when you see clips like this. I know videos can be edited to look worse but even so...

Looked like he jarred his left knee badly near the byline. His reaction is concerning but hopefully it's not as bad as it felt initially. Almost scored a cracking goal too but looks like Ollies bad luck has rubbed off on him!

Traore will always struggle when we play teams who have all the possession and he has to go chasing (or not). In a way he's a better version of Hourihane in that when we are on the front foot he is much more effective. We weren't even trying to get the ball to him in the first half. In fact I don't know what the plan was! That observation aside he wasnt great today regardless however nor were the rest of the team so I don't think he should be taking a larger proportion of the blame. Had we been even luckier today (if you can't be good be lucky) we could have won let alone draw. A frustrating game but we're still difficult to beat which is one positive.

Lacking a bit of confidence perhaps. When the team goes through a period of struggles even the basics seem to very hard to get right. Just look at how poor we are with passing the ball! First half of the season that wasn't an issue.