Ah, Villa. I could leave it there and everyone would know what I’m talking about, but I’ve got a few more words to spend.

So. How to spend them? Was Saturday disappointing? Yes. But I also don’t disagree with the cliché that says first thing, don’t lose. We failed to open them up, but Villa held on to a fifth clean sheet to stay on a four-game unbeaten run.

Now of course you can look at the competition and say that should’ve been four wins. But as we’ve seen in recent years, there really aren’t any guaranteed wins in this league. Ask Liverpool.

That means I’m going to be okay with not losing and being in 11th place. What does that make me? Answers on a 3×5 card with £50 attached. (Have to account for the exchange rate and possible damage to my self esteem.)

But really, I think, as I’ve always been, it makes me a pragmatist. I think Paul Lambert was right in saying that it’s the sort of game we’ve lost earlier on, and not losing those sorts of games is a kind of progress. I know it’s not what everyone wants, but it’s better than losing, if not better than kissing your sister. Six points off of seventh and eighth-placed United (in terms of points, not goal difference), six points above the drop zone. Five points and a spot behind Spurs. Welcome to the Premier League.

This isn’t a case of me papering over the cracks, or at least it isn’t meant to be. We’ve talked about scoring woes, the various positional needs. Many will say the table doesn’t lie, and for those like me who saw us finishing around 12th, it is what it is.

I don’t know what to make of tomorrow night’s clash with Southampton. I know they’re six points above us, which is as little as two goals instead of two 0-0 draws, but it’s still six points. And they do look a better side. But I don’t think I’d be wrong in saying they started their climb a fair few years further back than Villa.

They looked good in the first half against Chelsea, and then didn’t look so very clever when Chelsea got serious. Of course, we’re not Chelsea. But the point is that when a big side picked up some steam and intent, Southampton didn’t look any more polished than Villa, and seemed equally bereft of ideas. The margins are pretty fine.

Of course, we’d like to see Villa playing better football. At times, especially when they don’t seem to be thinking, they show some flashes. More often, not so much lately. I do think Villa are better off for having Delph, Luna, Gabby and Andi back from injury, but whether it adds to up goals is open to debate. It probably really does hinge on Benteke rediscovering some form.

As I’ve noted in a couple comments, I really do think just two players—a smaller forward who’s good on the ball, and a true attacking midfielder who’s a goal threat—would vastly improve this squad.

So, nothing terribly profound from me. I know it’s not a thrill ride right now, but it’s about where I thought we’d be, and I can’t be terribly upset about that.

Over to you. I’m off to find something to eat that isn’t soup.

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