Another day, another game. These three games in a week are a bit silly, but they do favor deep squads and teams with deep pockets. So, advantage Villa.
Wednesday’s 0-2 win against Preston was a good result…obviously any win is. But as I’ve chirped on an about, wins against the teams around you obviously count for a lot. PNE were definitely handicapped, but you can only play the side in front of you. Villa did, and came away with the points needed to keep pace. So, it was a big match, and it was a good result, even if PNE were fielding a much weakened side
What do we take from that? Having been on the road and only seeing the highlights, it didn’t look particularly impressive, but I’ve been seeing the team given a lot of credit. As I always say, I’m a results guy, and can have no arguments against a win and clean sheet on the road. We’re starting to look like building some momentum following the sad display against Wolves. And taking all the points against PNE and Fulham said something about the side.
However, and I hate to sound churlish, the home-picked highlights didn’t necessarily say a whole lot.
And why would I care if I’m a results guy? Because the side still does not seem to be playing to its potential. And so I’ve no idea whether this is as good as we get. You’d like to think not…rather, that we’re just starting to kick into gear. Which could very well be the case.
Nevertheles, since Wolves, Villa have responded. Nothing has seemed terribly convincing, but we are getting the results.
So, funny one for me. I like the the resilience, I like the points. I like seeing the pass to Snodgrass and the finish. Yet, I remain a bit troubled that the highlights weren’t terribly impressive.
Doea it matter? Not if we keep winning. It’s very hard to argue with winning.
So, while my thoughts inevitably drift to lingering questions, we’re on a decent run now. And all that counts is finding a way to continue. As I said, beating the teams around you is what really counts, because those are the wins that erase doubts for Villa, and raise them for opponents. Keep stringing together results, and you start entering the territory where the players feel good about themselves and start expecting to get a result.
We’re back in fifth, and while a win would see us climb up to fourth, potentially, it would also signal that we might actually be making progress.
Nothing profound, then, other than “winning is good, and losing might be a habit we’re starting to drop.”
We beat Sheffield W, and we’ll continue our belief that we sould feel good about the run of results. It’s there to be made, the argument.
Must-win? Sure, you can call it that…bottom line is that we need all the points we can get, and need them to take them from our rivals. So let’s keep the run going and show the league, and ourselves, that we mean business.
Over to you.
The Author
John Clark
John is co-owner of AVL, and has followed the Villa since the '70s. A journalist by trade, he is, by most accounts, a very nice person. You can follow me on Twitter @JClarkKohoutek. It's an astonishing experience. Or a complete waste of time.Comments 79
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Blimey JC, you’re a bit of a night owl as well [unless you burn the candle at both ends].
Thanks for the writeup, I can’t disagree, so hopefully we can win our next 3 home matches this month.
Even an odd draw wouldn’t be a disaster, as you say we seem to be changing the losing habit slowly, not there yet, but the momentum is there but needs strengthening.
Thanks again for the write up John, even if (unusually) I only agree with about half of it.
Of course we all love it when we’re winning and confidence breeds ambition and improves results.
We will however lose some games and we will probably go through at least one bad patch between now and the end of the season. The key thing is how we respond to it.
Wolves have drawn with Bristol city and lost to Sheffield United and Cardiff. . . . . the teams around them.
The key thing is that they bounced back from those losses and look likely to be one of the teams fighting for automatic promotion
I believe that the most important quality is having the self belief and determination to fight back when you lose . . . . whoever you lose to!
Villa players and fans haven’t had that in recent years, but you sense that it’s creeping back. The one place it is still lacking is online, where every loss (or even draw) is greeted with howls of despair, self doubt and negativity.
We are going to lose games. After that, the fans should sing even louder next game.
We have enough quality players, a deep enough squad and a sufficiently capable manager to gain promotion this year.
It’s beginning to look as if the key factor however could be John Terry.
Can you imagine what it’s like to have a player like him in the Villa dressing room?
He’s a player who ‘expects’ to win and I imagine he expects 100% effort from those around him
I suspect that when we lose a game that makes him even more determined to come back and win the next one.
That attitude should give us a real chance this season.
r0bb0
‘The one place it is still lacking is online, where every loss (or even draw) is greeted with howls of despair, self doubt and negativity.
We are going to lose games. After that, the fans should sing even louder next game.’
Sounds a bit like one of them bluddy evangelistts.
If you say so sir…
Hahaha
Fair comment IanG
Hey, it’s possible to get carried away whatever your viewpoint
Dawkins is with San Jose Earthquakes. I watched him play 2 weeks ago. Not that I noticed it was him.
JC,
To be frank, the only comment on this thread that has truly made sense to me is r0bb0’s.
I say we spend too much time gazing at our navel and not being happy that at least we’re making progress – including a run in excess of 2 points per game over the last 12 matches (of 15), in 7 of which we’ve not conceded any goals.
Yes, it’s probably on the attacking side of things we’re at our weakest, but robbo’s point that having Terry being the so-strong fulcrum is spot on – and a total backline that has amassed a huge amount of Premier League experience between them.
But despite the doubt about the attacking element, we still manage to score 1.5 goals per game. Not great, but probably good enough.
Today? Well we should win, but if we don’t then, hey, again r0bb0’s point that we should pick ourselves up and go again is the relevant one, not another set of acrimonious words.
It’s a long hard season.
Hey John, thanks for the comments. I think that IanG did have a bit of a point too though . . . I did get a bit carried away. I generally prefer facts and honest opinions and did lapse into proselytising.
Looking forward to today’s game even though I’ll only be able to follow it through online text feeds today.
Ps. We love the Sky money, but for travelling fans, the change to iur Boxing Day fixture is taking the piss
Will be off to VP soon, and hope our defensive fortress will see us through, and that the front line will build in confidence.
JC
Thanks for the thread. I see where you’re coming from. Guess lots of us lost the faith in Villa to win games, so come across as cynical instead. Notice how there’s a lot less willing to predict scores for the matches. Like you argue, keep winning and the faith will return. That would be Steve Bruce’s biggest contribution to the club, restoring the faith.
Some have kept the faith more than others. A big Hallelujah! to Robbo. We’ll have to go out and do some door-to-door sometime, mate. You’d be a fine evangelist.
I don’t think being logical is churlish. We know propaganda is a fact of life. You reach logical conclusions based on experience and observation. A long dose of failure has given us a sense of realism and tested our loyalty. That’s a good thing, I guess.
Iana: “A long dose of failure has given us a sense of realism …”
I see it that the “long dose of failure” has given us not a sense of realism but apprehension! 😀
Hogan starts (with Davis)!
Grealish and O’Hare on the bench…
And for the record, I don’t think today is an actual must-win. Was very late, and typing on the phone, on the fly.
But, I do think a win today, following the one midweek, might very well signal a turning point for the side and season.
Lose, and it comes down to the manor of loss…we will of course lose again, can’t recall what the mark was from last couple years in terms of numbers of losses for top two, but for me, simply about not getting shredded. We shouldn’t be getting shredded by anyone in this league. It’s a good year for going up, judging from teams so far.
Villa were excellent against Preston. More of the same will be expected today.
Time for Hogan to put in a performance today. I would have preferred O’Hare to get the starting position.
Come on the Villa
For me the Norwich game was the turning point… 12 games ago! 😀
What, the one where Bruce stumbled onto his best side?
(That was supposed to have a gently twinkling wink attached)
Whoops!!
ay ay
Well, it’s clear that to get anything out of this match Villa have to play their best of the season.
Jack? Will you orchestrate that?
Disappointing first half, but not really surprised, third fixture in six days!!
Its all about how we recover, either in the second half or next game. Dont forget we’ve won seven, win another twenty three and we’re promoted…happy days.
Thirty games left
JL Here you go it’s Jack
I couldn’t make much sense of the match from av audio as it’s so dry with only one commentator & no one to give an opinion or expand on what we are hearing.
We seemed to perk up for the last 15 minutes.
Hope Terry’s injury clears up before the next match.
Hard to say anything. AVTV once again was a fail, and of course being pulled in many directions. But at least O’Hare and Grealish got run-outs, and we did pull one back.
IanG,
We flung Samba up front for those last 15 minutes when Jack came on. At least Samba ascored!
I have to say that Hack looked pretty good. He’s given me a bit more confidence. O’Hare still not there yet I’m afraid. Davis sometimes poor in basic distribution, but battled well. Unlucky to get his ‘goal’ disallowed.
We need an in-form Codger back i.m.o. Hogan did little.
Wel, two weeks to get these players fit:
Terry,
Codger,
Onomah,
Snodgrass,
Lansbury.
Green we could do with as well. I feel that Adomah has gone off the boil again.
Teams around Villa didn’t fare well either so perhaps this is like a draw as far as the table is concerned.
2 weeks to get fit. Good to see O’Hare get a go. Now that the first game time monkey is off his back he’ll find his feet. I’m looking forward to his next game.
What is Davis worth weekly $$$ to the club? Should the team sell to secure his place?
JC,
I think you may be right about this match being a turning point – but for different reasons than you intended!
It might just have got Villa to get themselves both fit and ready (mentally as well as physically) this next two weeks to tackle the next big block of games until January.
We did start the turnaround against Norwich (I’ll ignore the SB remark) and now perhaps it’s time to ratch up a little more.
With a smart-looking Grealish and also Codger fit we could really start to go places.
Ian,
I’ not too happy with Davis just now. He misplaces too many basic passes for me (though he works very hard) and he’s playing for more in his contract.
It might just be better to sell him. And I’m not joking, though I’d love to see him stay at VP and make good.
O’Hare looks a luxury to me just now.
jl
o hare a luxury how many headless chickens do we need in team, some one to put foot on ball pick a pass
why did bruce put hogan out wide what purpose did it bring to team, as another question why start snodgrass if he wasnt fit ,like bruce has only signed 15 players so it can t be short of options
and more bad news rumours terry has broken metersal in foot 12 weeks out
A broken foot would suck. If he has, hope it’s a crack and not an outright fracture. Of all the bones to break in ones body the foot and ankle are the worst. Can’t stay fit to any degree and you still use it as a weight bearing joint which delays healing.
Well, samba, DeLeat, and Bree will be getting a go.
O’Hare a headless chicken?
There have been several sell offs at Villa only to see them shine somewhere else. Sell him maybe but not yet.
ian
didnt mean ohare as headless chicken he looks like a footballer ,not bruce type
Phew!
Davis is a diamond in the rough. Might make it, might not. But he’s energized the side, drawn attention from the big boys. Sign him if you can and develop him.
Davis as the finished article? Costs more than Hogan and McCormack combined. He’s here, he’s playing. If we can’t develop him, we need new coaching.
Ian
Yes Terry has broken the 5th metatarsal apparently.
Don’t know how many there are, but having done the same one twice it’s a rebuild of fitness, & a struggle to find an equilibrium within that again, & as you get older it gets harder.
We’re going to miss him, but as you say Samba, Bree & De Laet are going to be involved more [sounds like a musical salad].
If Adomah has a change from left wing or is rested, then Taylor will probably be back instead of Hutton, if not before, which would possibly better defensively with Terry missing.
It’s a big challenge with Terry out for quite some time, and – let’s face it – he may never be back. He’s 37 next month.
Let’s hope that he’s been here long enough for his attitude to rub off on the rest of the team.
We can do it without him – and Samba may turn out to be player of the season! 🙂
Snodgrass with broken ribs too – and he started the match!
Another below par performance not helped by giving the opposition a goal start. I accept that the lad would not hit the net 9 times out of 10 but Whelan did give him the freedom of VP.
Those who did not think yesterday’s game was a must win may look at the table this morning and decide for themselves how we might achieve promotion. Last 5 games are W2, D1, L2 = mid table bang average. Perhaps any future shortcomings will be explained away by JT’s absence.
And if Villa uses JT’s absence as an excuse for failure, they’d be a limp bunch, anyway. His absence might be a blessing. Chester is more than capable as captain. Another young player will move up a rank. Shame about JT, but it wasn’t long ago people were highlighting his weaknesses, not the biggest loss because he’ll still be in the dressing room and now someone has to step into his boots, so to speak. I hope they keep developing the young guys.
Agree with Ian. If they can’t develop Davis, they need new coaches. Who said O’Hare is a luxury? Give the guy a chance.
Iana, on O’Hare.
The issue, mate, is that we don’t really have the time and space to give youngsters the chance if they don’t pick up their role quickly. Green and Davis were clearly of a different level – they are strong players that made an impact. O’Hare to me is not of the same calibre, as yet.
Giving him opportunities may be good for him but not for the fortunes of the team, which is the more important issue i.m.o.
More youngsters of the force of Green and Davis – most certainly. I have no qualms with that.
I am, however, pretty happy with how Jack was shaping yesterday. If Bruce intends to build on him then judging by his attitude in those last 15 minutes he looks a much better prospect to persevere with than O’Hare.
That’s as things are, in my view.
Youngsters To Persevere With i.m.o.
Green (when fit), Davis and Grealish.
Supported by Onomah who has, i.m.o. shown enough to indicate that he’s capable of making a significant impact. He’s had one or two off days but the match at Preston proved that he has the ability.
john l
why can other clubs use their youth but not us,bruce yesterday made massive error starting snodgrass crazy 2 broken ribs and he plays,samba is a joke signing from a joke manager,
and as for preston match you are taking too much from that ,today is the cup final in ireland preston started 2 took another 1 on at half time and then with a quarter of game to game took on 4 th player who was playing league of ireland less than a year ago boyle centre half,maguire centre forward oconner defender and horgan wideman what standard would they be equal to our signing of bideau laast january
James,
No-one said “not” to using youth but the problem always is that they usually need more time to ‘bed in’. There are exceptions – like Green and Davis. I wish they were all like that.
But what from the Preston match am I “taking too much from”? I was merely speaking about Onomah, who has impressed in other matches, not just the Preston match.
James,
I think the point is that which we’ve often talked of – that the chairman has set this season as the promotion year. If that wasn’t the case there’d be every argument for building from youth and doing it over a proper amount of time.
But we just don’t have the luxury of enough time.
john l
a year on we are only 5/6 points better off at this stage,so i dont see any reason for sticking with bruce,5 matches since last break 3 really poor performances and 2 average to good performances,todays papers saying bruce listening to offers for hogan lansby and bree now this time last year and up to janaury these where best players in their positions yet have turned to garbage since joining up so someone is at fault and the buck has to stop at manager
I guess Plan B will need to put on the field.
Keeping spirits up with two players out for some time will be the story over the rest of the month.
James G—you can lump those games in with the first 3 of the season then look how much better the stats are. We can do that as JL says that’s the way to look better. 🙂
Playing someone with broken ribs? I can’t imagine how that would hurt pounding up and down the pitch and I’m sure breathing would be compromised. Fraidy cat decisions by the manager must really build confidence with bench. Knowing you aren’t good enough to replace a man with broken ribs in the manager’s eyes. Good call Bruce.
Confidence is a funny state of mind and Villas is still fragile. Getting through the month will be a test of Bruce’s man management skills. Right now I don’t see too many on the fringes being too happy. Other than Alan Hutton who seems to listen to himself and produce quite consistently regardless of his place in the team. Don’t expect a smooth transition with Terry and Snodgrass out for the time being.
And James, you are right Bruce has the unenviable ability to turn a silk purse into a sows ear with a few of the players he’s chosen or inherited. DeLaet for instance. Wasn’t he part of a premier champion defence and now he can’t make a dent in the championship? It’s going to be interesting .
Xia is too anxious to get back into the Prem. I’m sure he has a lot to say regarding how the team must gather points. With him throwing down demands I would think that upper management and Bruce do have a difficult time putting a team together and producing results. In some regard it does force Bruce’s hand on who he plays. He was fortunate with the Norwich game when he found the key to some success. Now he has to do it again—and quickly.
With the number of injuries right now two weeks off must be a blessing but expect a totally different look next game. I hope it’s not an exercise in survival but a chance for Villas unsung players to step up and win a few. They have the skill, give them some confidence.
Ian,
I don’t really see a selection problem.
Ononmah and Kodhia will probably both be fit in 2 weeks, plus Lansbury.
And Grealish – who surprised me a bit yesterday. He looked pretty good.
In defence I think Samba will continue to play.
The defence has been pretty sound, and Samba has deputised well if I recall correctly when he’s been called on to put in a stint.
Well, I now have time to share my thoughts on yesterday’s game, which was all about a certain Barry Bannan giving a masterclass again, in how to run the mid field.
Make no mistake their first goal was not lucky at all, but a planned move. I suspect that Bannan had pointed out that Villa, at home, are not bothered about the kick-off, but always want the choice of ends, and do not really prepare for the quick strike straight from the kick-off, and of course it worked with Whelan, Snodgrass and El Hommady being totally unprepared.
Snodgrass, of course, should never have even been selected. How crazy to play a guy with broken ribs in an important home game.
Terry’s injury was sad, but had occurred in the first moments of the match, and eventually he went off. Bruce should have been prepared for it, but was not, only re-organizing the defence properly after the second goal, another masterminded by Bannan.
Villa then settled a little, and O’Hare coming on did make a difference. It is a pity that the many times he calls for the ball, and could do something with it, he is ignored by those around him.
Villa instead of using the skills of both Hogan and O’Hare, playing ground balls into the final third, relied on their old fall back of lobbing the ball into nowhere, or the goalkeepers hands, so no real fight back was forthcoming.
Hourihane and Whelan need to read the game better and pick out passes. Once again it was only Hutton making a real effort.
Once Grealish came on and Samba moved up to centre forward the impetus improved. Grealish and O’Hare could be really effective behind the strikers. The goal of course was scored with the first really good ball on the ground into the box.
Really do not understand your comments about O’Hare JL. All he needs is a little recognition from the rest, and then see just how much he does. He and Hogan would work well together,
JL
Your argument is specious. What you’re actually saying, based on one game, is that O’Hare doesn’t cut it, cobber. Your argument about the good of the team goes for any player, not just the youthful ones. In the past, O’Hare has played well for Villa and was selected against Wednesday on merit. Bruce thought he was good enough to be there, and doesn’t the manager know more than the rest of us? O’Hare had one poorish game. That doesn’t mean he’s surplus to requirement, a luxury, and should be dropped. The only way he will develop is to remain in the squad, That will also push and help Grealish, who isn’t that young and inexperienced, anymore. That would be good for the team, wouldn’t it? That is what Bruce is thinking. Afterall, Bruce wanted to build the team around Grealish, even though, some had deemed Grealish a luxury.
Nobody’s saying O’Hare deserves to play a major role, yet. He does merit opportunity to develop and be managed competently. He doesn’t deserve, based on one game, to be told he’s not good enough. That doesn’t help anyone’s confidence, neither individual nor team. Bruce would agree with that and he wants O’Hare to put a bit of pressure on our enigma that is Jack Grealish.
watched chelsea v man u
so glad to see jose beat, 3/4 utd players kicked hazzard just after half time
cesc hazzard morata could turn on a sixpence bruce side couldnt turn in a week
kante does he ever stop running and always near the ball ,the lad lad with blue hair bruce would fine him 2 weeks wages for been so far up the field and finally the goal what a cross by probably most underrated defender since denis irwin
some difference watching that and bruce villa
JG
Don’t watch Manure or chelski if possible, terrible clubs & owners.
My son would like it though, he’s a traitor in the ranks.
me either but sunday afternoon nothing else to do,chelsea where a delight morata header a thing of beauty
Hey Ian,PP,and Iana,all well constructed,thoughtful points of view.Ian hope to see anpther leader from you soon.Paul and Iana why don’t you have a go at a leader?Your standard of writing certainly merits one.Have a good week all.
ian g
one thing about chelsea they dont settled for 2nd best bruce would been gone long ago
Iana: “Your argument is specious. What you’re actually saying, based on one game, is that O’Hare doesn’t cut it, “
Specious? Mmmmmm.
Well, as you *assume* I’m making my observation on one game, then it might be.
However, I’ve watched him over several performances, pre-season, FLC and League, and I don’t see anything in him that indicates (to me) he’s going to provide much.
Yet, that is.
The point I’m trying to make is that in my view he’ll take too long to get up to speed to help in the promotion bid. Base on the several games I’ve seen him.
If we had more time, *then* perhaps I’d try him.
Now is that specious? 😉
john l
we are not pulling up any trees as they say so instead of sticking with failed old pros a bit youth wouldnt go amiss
elmotaylor snodgrass whelan have not really stood out at this level remember they played premier leajue last season
Iana: “Bruce wanted to build the team around Grealish, even though, some had deemed Grealish a luxury.”
You’re getting very naughty, meboy! 😀
If you couldn’t see the lack of contribution Grealish was making before then I don’t know what.
I was certainly very doubtful about him before yesterday, but I think he came back with a spring in his stride and some appearance of determination to make good.
Let’s hope his revival isn’t just a 15-minute one-off.
Hello Paul,
A happy belated birthday, btw. Did you spend that day reading my book? 🙂
As to your comments, being at the match, they seem pretty well on the mark, but I’m not at all happy about O’Hare’s ability as you may have read. He may well come good though and I wish him all the best.
Of course, it could be that the difficulty is Bruce’s system that he can’t readily adapt to, but if we (the chairman that is) want promotion this season I don’t think it too wise for Bruce to change tack too much at this point.
I thought Snoddy did much better than O’Hare before he was traken off.
Sorry JL,
But me, and the lads around me, felt that Snodgrass was awful. His job with Whelan and El Homady to stop the two goals…..
O’Hare never gives up, and if he loses the ball will always fight to get it back, and usually succeeds.
It is not the system but senior players not including him.
Have not watched the highlights yet, but will check how many times he moves into space and asks for the ball. Not his fault if he is ignored.
Looking forward to reading your book in the near future, but have one to finish first.
I see Dr Tony has tweeted that we are six points behind his target and Terry will be out for 8-10 weeks.
Not an overly happy man…….
Paul,
I totally agree with O’Hare’s willingness to be there, but then it’s a question of what he does next.
Again, I’m not so much criticising him but the timing of fitting in a player of his ilk.
Will he contribute enough to help get promotion? I say not but clearly others think differently.
As for Snoddy his was about the only Villa shot on goal that had anything threatening about it, and considering he was playing with cracked ribs he did pretty well.
… and why should it be Snoddy’s job to be so much involved to stop the two goals?!
The first was completely out of the blue anyway! I’m sure Jimmy MacEwan would be upset to hear that he didn’t stop goals against Villa! 😉
Talking of whom, Jimmy has not been at all well of late. Chest pains etc. He was OK until last week.
The two goals that Wednesday scored were beauties. Does look as though Barry Bannan ruled the midfield. I think Hourihan was a bit hurt early on and Whelan, might not have had the legs. I was impressed with Wednesday’s snappy accurate passing, yet Villa only lost by a goal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bb4c-FZ1Cc
JL
“You’re getting very naughty, meboy!”
Well if we ever meet you can put me over your lap and give me a good spanking.
We all saw Jack’s lack of contribution, but the talent and skill are evident. Bruce claims Grealish will come right with the right attitude. When Grealish hurt his kidney, Bruce actually stated that Villa had planned to build Villa around Jack Grealish. I suspected at the time Bruce was being disingenuous, but he said what he said. I rest my case.
“The issue, mate, is that we don’t really have the time and space to give youngsters the chance if they don’t pick up their role quickly.”
That sounds like a plausible argument, but it is specious regarding O’Hare because it is such a general statement, it doesn’t tell the whole story. How many off games has O’Hare had for Villa to justify denying him any more game time? Villa, as a team, didn’t do well against Wednesday. That includes the experienced players.
It’s pretty strange O’Hare was played the way he was and Hogan was on the wing against the Owls. Surely, it would have been more logical to have Hogan up front and O’Hare providing. That’s the manager’s decision to make. It seems odd, though.
Iana,
No, not “specious” at all. You used that word before believing my thought was based on seeing him in one match. And now you use it because you think I’m generalising!!
What b***** rubbish! 😀
I refuted that (and told you why) and what you’re now saying is that you don’t agree with my argument. I could use the word “specious” against you and other bloggers. But I don’t. I just see yours and theirs being their opinion and leave it at that.
Fair dos. If you don’t agree with me then so be it. But please don’t use that word “specious” when it’s plainly incorrect. Thanks! 🙂
=====================
The point about Grealish – and O’Hare – is that if they don’t contribute enough when the season’s outcome is so important to the chairman, then their inclusion is wasted. They can *seem* to show any talent they like, but if they don’t combine it with grit and determination it’s wasted. But based on that 15-minute showing on Saturday, it may well be that Jack has learnt his lesson.
I’m simply looking at it from the chairman’s p.o.v. because it’s his target that’s the nub of the issue.
As far as where Hogan and O’Hare should be playing I’ve not seen anything of Hogan to indicate to me that he’s worth his place anyway, and O’Hare is (as I’ve said) on the fringe anyway.
Both players – to play it as Bruce wants – need to have more grit and determination.
Another time and another manager it could of course be different. Time and place.
Good summary of the game PP, my thoughts too.
Dr X stating we’re 6 points off the pace is relevant. He’s working on 2 points per game average to reach 92 points and get P1 or P2. SB should be aiming to make up the shortfall asap but I’m not convinced his team selection will deliver it.
QPR away next. Tight pitch, fans on top of the players. Proved too much for Wolves and Sheff U so a difficult game. I would like to see Onomah and O’Hare in the midfield together from the start. Along with Hourihane, Adomah and maybe Jedi as holding. Just Davis up front. However, if Jedi is off to Aus for internationals, then forget him for this game. Same goes for Elmo, use Hutton and RDL as full backs instead. And load the bench with some young legs like Doyle-Hayes, Lyden and co. This is a game that we’re going to have to run and scrap for the entire 90 minutes.
JL,
No, specious is an apt word to describe your thinking on O’Hare. I can’t believe you’re talking about dropping him and selling Davis too on the idea that they’re not fast learners. It’s their dream to play for Villa and they deserve a fair go.
Don’t take it so personally that I disagree with your view because I think it is flawed, and I’ve pulled you out on it. My words speak for themselves. I know what specious means and it is exactly what I intended to write. I stand by that.
“What b***** rubbish! ”
I wouldn’t continue down the path of being patronising, either. You’ll just dig yourself a deeper hole.
Plug: “And load the bench with some young legs like Doyle-Hayes, Lyden and co. This is a game that we’re going to have to run and scrap for the entire 90 minutes.”
Those two young players you’ve last named are exactly who I’d see on the bench, but in preference to O’Hare, who I see as not the player for just now. He’s one for later. Grealish will be in the team though, almost without doubt, so O’Hare stands no chance.
I think you’re entirely right about D-H and Lyden, and I am surprised that those two haven’t been brought more to the front.
Iana,
If we have differences of opinion, then why not leave it at that? Why start to make it personal?
Anyway, perhaps it’s for the best as you’ll probably see later when I’ve put the words together.
Iana,
Incidentally, I did try to introduce some humour by using the laughing thingy against the “b******”, but you clearly are not in the mood.
If you think I’m patronising then you clearly haven’t been on other blogs. 😉
JL,
I am really surprised that you do not view O’Hare as a greater potential at VP, than Green, or Grealish. For such a small player, he has everything in his game, and could become a David Platt, Gordon Cowans or Brian Little. The last thing we want to do is let him go, and he obviously impresses Chairman Xia. The main thing he needs now is game time. He has already proved himself in the under 23’s .
JL
Those two young players you’ve last named are exactly who I’d see on the bench
Which begs the question. Which 2 players do you see keeping them on the bench?
Paul: “I am really surprised that you do not view O’Hare as a greater potential at VP, than Green, or Grealish..”
Nooooooo! 😀 Please don’t get me wrong!
I’m just talking of this season. I’m sure he is one for the future, but to rely on him this term is not (i.m.o.) a good option in view of the chairman’s target.
I see Davis’s’ strength being his big plus and why he’s needed now. Grealish I think is just about coming up to what we expected 3 years ago.
No, I’m all for youngsters being given a chance, but it has to be a gradual thing for most of ’em, I believe.
Plug,
Good question.
Whelan for one (though I can’f much fault him these last 2 games) and maybe the l-b position.
JL
Whelan for one (though I can’f much fault him these last 2 games) and maybe the l-b position.
Not sure I follow your logic John. Lyden is a defensive midfielder so Whelan chosen in lieu I understand that logic even though I disagree on the choice. But Doyle-Hayes a midfielder kept on the bench by a LB? Surely Mitch Clarke and Oscar Borg are the LB’s down the pecking order after Hutton, Taylor, DeLaet and Bree and not Doyle-Hayes.
Plug,
I think Lyden has played at full-back and did well? Or am I thinking of someone else. Maybe Toner.
D-H is clearly a midfielder with good vision and would operate in lieu of Whelan for me. It probably means that the Jedi would have to be in the same team though.
One final question JL after reading through all the above comments, you’ll be happy to know it is about O’Hare.
Taking your opinion that now is not the right time to develop O’Hare, can you advise when is. To my mind if a creative player like O’Hare isn’t given the chance to play now rather than later, we risk losing him. In addition, there can be only two outcomes this season promotion or staying in the division.
If we get promoted does it become too risky to play him next season as we’ll need experience to ensure we don’t get relegated back or staying in the same division which would just repeat your argument that next season has to be the one for promotion and he’s too much of a luxury.
The reality is there is neither a bad time or a good time to play the youth but they need to be given their chance to prove themselves or else we are left with not knowing and that is worse.
O’Hare could be the creative spark for a set of games that contributes towards promotion or found out as a flash in the pan, either way it contributes to how Villa should be managed with or without him.
Darren,
After 67 years and 3 months watching Aston Villa FC I simply have formed my own idea of what works and what doesn’t! 😀
In my view, given that Steve Bruce is i.c. right now, O’Hare will not fit in. That’s the situation as I see it. His selection could even harm the possibility of promotion this season. That’s not my target, but the chairman’s, of course, so I’m only looking at what the reality of the situation is right now.
Now that would be unfortunate for O’Hare, of course, but c’est la view I’m afraid.
You have your view and please have it! 😀 I don’t expect to be proved right, necessarily, but I will say that I suaully am! More by luck than anything else, perhaps.
Bit of a mishmash, but some post-match thoughts are now up.