Well, the first game came and went…don’t know about anyone else, but I was a little disappointed. And, yes, I know it was only the first game. I was obviously disappointed in the result, but I was more disappointed that there wasn’t a change in play. I thought, believed, or was led to believe there would be. We looked sharper and everything looked a little prettier, with lots of passes, but as usual it all resulted in nothing. The same old problems are there, the same issues we have had for ages, and I honestly thought that bringing in what we were lead to believe was an attack-minded manager would bring us something different.
We went to West Ham and played our tried-and-tested 4-5-1 formation, which provides nothing but isolation for the sole front man—who is hardly renowned for his off-the-ball work rate. What happened to the PR we had been fed? What happened to the brave new attack-minded Villa?
If you do what you have always done you get what you always got.
4-5-1 is not the answer. I hate the formation. However you try to spin it, it is defensive—logic tells you that when there’s only one striker on the pitch. WBA played host to Liverpool. They fought fire with fire and stuck three up top, and look what they got. Matt pointed out their goals came from a number of outlets, and that is my point: We only have one on the pitch at the minute and that outlet is being marked out of the game.
The point I am trying to make is that while we may be a little light on numbers we still have the recruits to play a decent, traditional 4-4-2—or even diamond 4-4-2. I don’t want to see my team being shackled time and time again, and I honestly thought we would see the shackles come off. Is that just my expectation or is caution still the way?
What am I expecting this weekend?
I am expecting us to have ago, have a proper go with what we have. Not interested in playing 4-5-1—it doesn’t work, evidence proves that, so please accept it and change with the times. We are at home for the first time with a new manager. While I expect the team to play their part, I expect the fans to do their bit. Everton will be on a high, and this will be a tough game, but let’s raise the roof…let’s let the Scousers know they are in the Midlands now, in B6, and we won’t be getting walked over.
I expect to see an attack-minded team. I would go with:
Given
Lowton Vlarr Clarke Lichaj
Holman Ireland Dutch Nzogbia
Bent Weimann
Dutch may have his work cut out in midfield covering Ireland, but in the words of the SAS: “He who dares…”
What would your team be? And am I being harsh, or expecting too much?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The Author
