After a draw against Cardiff City, it is hard to know how to feel. Do we feel sad that Gabriel Agbonlahor was unable to finish off what was the best chance of the game? Should we feel relieved because we managed to avoid defeat?

In reality, how we feel is likely to be as much a factor of our own propensities for positivity or negativity. For me, the game was one that is best summed up in one word – frustrating.

Before the game, the fact that Ron Vlaar was starting was a welcome boost given that Aston Villa have won zero games without him in the team this season – a statistic that is frankly alarming.

I spoke earlier this week about the fact that Villa are in danger of becoming a one-man team. Whilst I am reticent to use such a term – given it plays down the value of teamwork and overall contribution – it is hard to argue with such statistics.

The big question is what that statistic proves. Does it prove that Nathan Baker and Ciaran Clark are unable to be an effective partnership if either Vlaar or Jores Okore are injured? Or does it prove that Villa – as an overall unit – lack the leadership that Vlaar provides?

In my opinion, the latter seems the most likely. Yes, I have been open with my criticism of both Baker and Clark in defence, but I don’t think they are that bad as players – nor do I think Vlaar is so outstanding individually – that it is simply a case of ball skills.

Instead, Vlaar’s absence does make me ask questions as to else is a leader on the pitch, and the honest answer is nobody I can see at present.

That doesn’t mean people can’t grow into the role – Villa are a young team after all – but that lack of real organisational leadership is notably absent.

Yes, the likes of Agbonlahor or Marc Albrighton are committed and put in 100% effort, but effort alone is not what makes an effective captain. For example, Baker – a player always willing to throw himself into danger to protect the defence – can’t be accused of lack of effort, but leadership means a little more than playing hard.

Quite how I feel about Villa’s lack of leaders is a bit of a difficult question to answer. Knowing Villa’s recent history, it is just about explainable – even if it is less than palatable – but looking at the overall stature of the club, it is almost embarassing.

In fact, I would go so far as to say that Paul Lambert – assuming he is in post in the summer – will have to add a leader in the summer. That player doesn’t have to be a defender per se, but I would expect them to be central to play, whether in defence or midfield.

Perhaps this missing link is that commanding defensive midfielder we’ve all been pining for, though one has to wonder just how palatable a move to Villa will be for a player of sufficient quality to make a difference, unless the team somehow manage to put together some momentum.

So, as we reflect on one point from two games – a double header where some expected six points – the mood will understandably be low. How that mood will change will undoubtedly be a factor of how Villa get on against Newcastle United, a team who are one of a small number in no-mans-land, stuck between the top six and the bottom 11.

If we’re to finish on one positive, it will be that the next game is an away match, though making such a statement feels saddening to state. However, all is there to play for and the 12th place finish I expected at the start of the season is achievable, though the question will be whether league position obfuscates the real issue – that Villa are in danger of becoming another faceless team in the bottom half.

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