Nine out of 12 points have moved Villa up the table as you might expect, and this marks a great start for the Gerrard era. Now it’s Liverpool at Anfield, and a homecoming for the new manager. He’s said all the right things, which you like to hear. And you’d like to think Villa could get something from the match if they can bring their second-half intensity into the first 45 minutes.

While loads of plaudits are being thrown Gerrard’s way in his short time in charge, the one nut he hasn’t yet cracked is getting Villa to start on the front foot. Whatever confidence issues that had emerged under Smith seem to have persisted, which you can’t necessarily lay at Gerrard’s feet. You’ve got players adapting to a different system, and, as he’s said, it can take a little time to understand and be fully committed.

And to touch on that, I never took his comment as “some players aren’t buying in.” I’ve just thought it meant some are a little bit more confused and hesitant than others. Rather than risk glaring errors, players hedge when they’re not quite sure of positioning, responsibility, or where everyone else is. So, confidence issues, maybe, but for a different reason.

However, we do know the squad can start fast, which, when on song, Smith’s teams liked to do. This often resulted in a number of early opportunities, and goals, too, in the first 20 minutes.

Free-scoring Liverpool will probably not make Villa want to go full tilt from the whistle. Caution will be in a lot of minds. But, as with any of these juggernauts, the best way to get a result is to deny them the space and time to start moving through the gears. Get up into them from the start, maybe get a goal, then keep it up with a bit of discipline and organization. Frustrate them, don’t let them dictate terms. But Liverpool aren’t +32 on goals by luck, and Becker’s already got eight clean sheets.

Of course, the other approach is to sit tight and compact, make it hard to play through, and try to nick something on a break or set piece. If they’re going to have more possession, make it largely meaningless. Given I rarely see Villa play like a pack of rabid terriers, I tend to default to this approach when dispensing my invaluable tactical predictions. And I’m usually wrong.

In Klopp’s presser, he spoke knowingly of Gerrard’s preferred 4-3-3—or “4-3-2-1, since it’s Christmas.” And you know he’ll certainly have ways he wants to attack it. Probably won’t require much tinkering. Villa maybe get a break with Firmino and Jota doubtful.

For Gerrard’s part, he may well choose not to do anything different since he’s going to want to drill his style against any and all comers, and he’s still getting to grips with what he’s got. This might seem like inflexibility, might just be common sense. We’ll see who he selects, and how they actually deploy. I can see Targett (or Young) staying home a lot to deny Salah acres of space to run into. Same with Cash and Mane. Both Alexander-Arnold and Robertson are in fine form, so Luiz and McGinn will more than have their hands full in Gerrard’s system. Cash could be staying home more than usual as well, but he does have an engine.

Basically, I see this match largely being decided on the flanks, and I don’t really see any changes in the side.

Naturally, we’ll want to see Villa start with intensity and aggression but not overdoing it, especially in the middle. And if they are pinned back early, we’ll want them to weather the storm and find some of that second-half form before they find themselves chasing. We know Liverpool will press hard…Leicester were pretty relentless. If you can break it a few times, they’ll back off a bit. If you don’t break it, just get it clear or long, foul high up the pitch, knock it into touch: play smart. Klopp will be betting Villa can’t yet handle the pressure.

Gerrard ought to have the right insights, but the players will need to listen and be brave. A fair few were there for the 7-2, so they shouldn’t be in awe, and they did give City all they wanted for 45 minutes. A rocking Anfield is its own beast, though. A big part of the match will be whether Villa can take the crowd out of it, maybe even get them a little frustrated and restless. You’ve got a chance if you can get settled in and playing on relatively even terms sooner rather than later.

Clichéd and easier said than done. But with the January rumor mill starting up in earnest, SG’s no-nonsense thoughts, his lack of attachment and noises about being backed in the window, this might be an opportunity for one or two to really step up and make their case.

Over to you.

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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 129

  1. Mark King

    Thanks JC, 1st up I don’t think SG returning works for us, they will be courteous to him no doubt even sing him a song or two but it will fire Liverpool up, Klopp will not want to lose this one.

    Secondly we are now top of the set piece goals table, Liverpool as you say have more than twice as many goals as us and have conceded exactly half as many, the two teams we beat lately in Palace and Leicester are top of the goals conceded by set pieces. I think City were top so its no bad thing and Brentford with there specialist approach are up there which should be no surprise as they did it last season in the Champs.

    I think we have to sit tight, we lack the real pace on the pitch to bother them with long balls although Watkins was a royal pain in the 7-2. Wolves Who have the same goals conceded as Liverpool nearly did it but rode their luck at times.

    Sadly I don’t see a win or a draw if I’m honest for us and when you look at what not buying in did in the 352 after Wolves you can begin to understand the without Jack effect and how fragile some are.

  2. Plug

    Cheers JC. Today will be a good indicator of things to come. If we are competitive, I’ll be satisfied whatever the result. I’m hoping Salah and Mane are not on song.

    Four games ago we were part of the relegation fight but that’s not the case now. All eyes are looking up the table.

  3. Mark King

    Plug you have think that it was a false position, even SG said we didn’t deserve to lose all of those 5 games . I think we are what we always were this season a middle table side with the potential to land anywhere from 6th at the wildest to 10th. What SG does in Jan will be a better indicator of his true thoughts so far he’s backed them all.

  15. John Clark

    Not a bad half…disciplined, kept most everything wide. Emi on his game, Klopp frustrated, Anfield frustrated.

    Just have to get more happening going forward.

  17. Plug

    It’s been a case of soaking up the pressure for 45 minutes. Emi is on his game as John says, and he needs to be. Not much going forward from us so far. Naka and Ollie need to be careful now that they’ve been carded.

  19. John Clark

    Yeah, I’ll be curious to see the changes if it stays like this. Is it keep what you’ve got, fresh legs, or more adventurous?

    And Nakamba will have to be careful, yes, which is tough in the middle. I’d keep trying to get Ollie 1v1 with VVD, see if he can force a second yellow.

  30. John Clark

    What I liked was the discipline. Clearly we were going to soak and frustrate, and we did it well. Nice composure and understanding.

    Obviously a very tough side defensively, they cut things out well, but I thought it was largely encouraging.

  33. John Clark

    Yeah, Sanson’s a good player. I can see him getting more and more minutes. Seem to be managing him well, he just needs to be able to get some starts, really find the game.

  35. Frem

    Bit disappointed actually today.

    I thought Watkins gave Matip and VVD way to much time time on the ball.

    Sanson is a good player

    VillaM. Ye. I’ve never rated Luiz. He always plays like he’s stuck in cement

    Certainly shouldn’t be starting games for us now with Sanson fit and Marvelous being better than Kante

    We need to beat Norwich now. Have to

    Utv

  36. Plug

    Think it’s fair to say the Bindippers deserved the win. But we were definitely competitive and resilient. Certainly no push overs. We had Clipperty bricking it.

    We are defo moving in the right direction now. And crickey, did I see Trez on the subs bench? MK will be turning cart wheels.

  38. James Gill

    Not an unexpected result,we gave it a good go,matches like this we need the baileys traore fit
    One major gripe is the officials in all games at the minute involving big clubs its all one-sided including ours today Watkins got Very soft booking yet ref let 2 pool players off for earlier
    Looked a clear penalty to me when pool keeper swiped at ings leg
    Another thing is klopp and peps behaviour on the sidelines always in officials faces moaning

  39. James Gill

    Match ratings
    Martinet superb one best in world
    Cash poor first half big improvement 2nd half
    Konsa super
    Mings not holding penalty against him though he was also super
    Target diving block in 1st unlike him ,super game even looked brave
    Marv excellent even with Luis getting in his space
    Luis another below par performance, ducked out of challenge near end leading to a pool breakaway
    Mcginn another super energy performance
    Ramsay below par worked hard but maybe due a spell on the bench
    Young experience critical in big matches another good effort
    Watkins worked hard
    Subs
    Sansom hopefully due a start next week looked good
    Beundi another who should start next week some nice touches
    Ings could / should got pen hopefully will keep fitness busy run of games coming
    Manager
    Picked vest side we had made good subs only negative is tippy tippy at the back from kickouts especially against top sides

  40. Ian

    James, I imagine the intimidation game re: refs and managers, plays a big part of a game. Especially if the manager is considered “World Class”.
    I read a brief excerpt from Mark Clattenberg’s book and he spoke of intimidation from both coaches and players and how hard it was to keep it together. One player and I can’t remember who, squeezed his nuts in the tunnel just before a game.
    It’s unfortunate that winning a penalty has become part of the game. Playing the rule book as written and not as intended in my opinion. The swipe on Ings legs? Not a penalty for me. But that’s the way it is. I’m happy when the ref says play on.
    The ref is part of the game. Teams should have a book on the refs like they do on opposition players. Learn the ins and outs of his game calling. (Well, maybe they do). What one ref sees isn’t exactly the same as another and that’s part of the game.

  41. James Gill

    Ian
    I am hoping stevie g reputation helps us get some of these decisions
    Wolves manager complained last week about ref scared to book pool players,today van dyke elbow was flying about after he was booked yet ref never once said anything to him

  42. r0bb0

    I wasn’t able to watch this afternoon but having read a few reports, it seems we ‘could’ have had a penalty. How clear was it to everyone? I see that you’ were pretty clear which way it should have gone JG!
    I see that Liverpool gave away more than twice as many fouls as us but were punished with half as many yellow cards. This seems to be a recurring theme. Are we too soft. . . . in the absence of reliable referees, do we need to recruit a ‘foul play’ coach?

  43. Ian

    It’s easy to see that it is easy for a ref to tell Norwich or watford players they’ve been booked. But a top 6? Much less likely. Because outcomes with the top 6have much more at stake re: champions league, europ, cups, etc. He doesn’t want to be the one who scuppered a season. Not so much for the bottom feeders. And that starts at at least 10th spot.

  44. Heroes-and-Villans

    Thank god that’s out the way. Whenever we are away to city or pool it feels like a int break to me, there just too good. Proper elite in the world. Just impossible to gauge anything from. Glad the goal difference didn’t get whacked

    Now we have a run I’d like to go unbeaten on. Let’s find way to draw instead of loosing. 4 points from next 2 will be lovely

  45. Mark King

    Mixed feelings about today, many fans happy to have lost 1-0 and to a pen (potentially Salah through himself at Mings by the way). Now SG said after the game that the plan was to stay tight then make changes on 65 and presumably have a go, we managed 4 shots 0 on target.

    Now that’s being looked at as acceptable because clearly this team the common wisdom goes are not in the same ball park as Liverpool. And clearly we have players out that could make a difference to the attack. This was virtually the same team that dismantled the champs last season bar 3 players, and have taken them close in other games.

    Where I do find it acceptable is if its a plan to build some structure into the side in order to build habits to build on.

    You have to say that they mostly frustrated Liverpool to begin with then got very lucky not to concede more after being 1 down, it could have been 4-0 and we never laid a glove on them but as I say if its an exercise then fine.

    Going on SG’s comments it was a game plan and ended in the same way it usually has when we have tried to be the plucky underdog, we lost. Find that strange after the to much respect comments against city but can understand and really didn’t expect much today anyway.

    Sanson and Beundia beginning to look very decent players and the god-man that is Trez is waiting in the wings.

    Mings has had the usual abuse for making a mistake when he had to make more blocks than a worker at Lego. That means we conceded an awful lot of shots today and Liverpool clocked up 2.71 xg to our 0.14.

    The question I have is if that had been Smiths team that started the game leaving all that talent on the bench what would have been the response? was this more about not losing badly than trying to win?

  47. r0bb0

    Having watched the first two games on MOTD I now have no idea at all what should and shouldn’t be a penalty. In the Chrlsea game there are two penalties where the defender touches the ball first then makes contact with the attacker who goes down. Two penalties were given. The same happens to Ings. . . no penalty.
    Salah very clearly steps across Mings and gets a penalty.
    Now I’ve seen the Man City penalty which clearly shouldn’t have been given.
    Is it referee bias. Yes of course it is. It may not be conscious bias but it is bias.

  48. r0bb0

    I didn’t think it would happen but I’m starting to feel sorry for Grealish. I’m (almost) sure it will click for him again sometime but at a human level I can’t help imagine how he must feel right now. We’ve seen the times his personal life has got him into trouble so know his personality has the potential for self destruction and at a personal level I hope he just gets his head down and turns things round for himself.

  49. Ian

    R0bb0
    grealish is a poor man’s Georgie Best.
    He was told in no uncertain terms what it would be like at MC. I know we did on AVL. Lots of alliteration here: you reap what you sow, you made your bed, now sleep in it.
    I’m ticked he left especially now that I’ve heard the lad go back on what he’s said.
    Too bad so sad.

  50. VillaMD

    We played Man C, Leicester and Liverpool and got 3 points, based on performances it could have been 5 points.

    Next 2 games against Norwich and Burnley are key to us finishing in top 8 and SG influence. Will be curious to see lineup vs Norwich. Might be worth resting Ollie, Young, and SJM (who looks like he needs a rest) and play ings, Buendia and Sanson. Sanson for me has to start. Also maybe Carney for Ramsey

  51. VillaMD

    DM is going to be a huge hole when Nakamba goes to African Nations. Douglas is nowhere close to him for stopping danger and cutting out passes in front of back four. For me Nakamba is outstanding player under SG followed closely by Mings (even with the penalty mistake today). I think Mings has been outstanding since SG took over and back to the player we had on loan.

    R0bb0, MK – not sure why he seemed to not care under DS

  52. r0bb0

    Ian, the poor man’s George Best comparison had crossed my mind too, both in footballing achievement and model looks. Hopefully he’ll not go down that path, and it possibly only needs a killer goal to turn things round for him but I don’t believe he’d have missed yesterday’s sitter had he still been at Villa. It looked like a clear symptom of someone who doesn’t fully believe in himself right now.

  53. r0bb0

    VillaMD, you have a point about Mings under DS. He was at times ‘too’ relaxed in his play and seemed to have lost his edge. When playing for England he appeared to be far more focussed and careful. Southgate does sap flair and independent thinking from players and sees them more as cogs fulfilling a defined role and Mings has benefitted from that by cutting out the occasional silly mistakes (yesterday’s penalty was not one of those btw. . . .Salah cheated and the ref was duped). Although it was denied by both parties, there’ll always be a question about whether there was some conflict behind the scenes between DS and Mings towards the end of DS’s reign.

  54. r0bb0

    Was anyone else surprised to see a one-sided, one nil game appear second on MOTD last night?
    I suppose that’s part of the reason that Gerrard was appointed. . . .to raise the profile of the club. I must admit I still feel very uncomfortable that we are being used as a stepping stone in someone’s career but he knows that he can only achieve his dream job if he makes a success of Villa so I guess we have to swallow our pride and accept where we currently are as a club. At this point in our joint histories, Liverpool are a much bigger club than Villa. Hopefully the tides will turn again in the future. We were bigger than both Chelsea and Man City not so long ago so it really isn’t just wishful thinking.
    A few years ago the club was chasing Thierry Henri for similar reasons and I was against his appointment too. It’s beginning to look as if I’ve been half right because as wrong as Henri would have been, Gerrard is showing signs of being right. He’s never going to be a long term manager for us but he just may take us to the next level from where we can appoint another good manager who’ll move us to the level where we can compete against Steven Gerrard’s Liverpool.

  55. Frem

    Ye we definitely need a DM in January. Luiz isn’t good enough. Marvelous needs competition.

    Mings has been fantastic since Gerrard took over. It wasn’t a penalty.

    I can’t wait for Traore and Bailey to be fully fittin this front 3 role. Both can provide more width and pace in games

  56. Frem

    Ye Norwich we might start Ings and rest Watkins. Sanson will start to over Ramsey.

    Buendia will start

    I just really want Traore back. Ge will be fantastic in this system playing narrow of the right

  57. Frem

    Gerrard admitting he left the subs late and set us up to defensively

    Fantastic to hear a manager admit that

    Smith would have just blamed the ref

  60. Mark King

    Robbo- I have no doubt SG’s heart is in us doing well and Smith left a great job for Villa no different. What worries me a little is he has his own staff and a lot of then that will also likely vacate. Fine if we have others learning off of them like Brentford do if not all that Knowledge for success is gone.

  61. Plug

    On the question of whether I find yesterday’s result acceptable, the answer is that we were competitive but not much more. Not happy with the result, but acknowledge the effort put in by the team. The starting 11 was only 2 players different to our last game at Anfield in April. We lost that one 2-1 to a poorer team that had 6 consecutive defeats at home prior to beating us. In other words, the opposition that day was less than what we faced yesterday.

    Deano has gone, like Jack. So not much point in discussing them. It’s what happens going forward that I’m concerned about, and yep, we have a date with Deano on Tuesday.

  62. Plug

    I expect to see some rotation for the next game. They are coming thick and fast and the midfield needs recovery time. Hopefully see Buendia, Sanson and maybe Chuk. Heck, even Trez could make an appearance from the bench. What do you reckon Mark?

  63. Mark King

    Plug I accept it was a good Liverpool side but it was pretty close to the one we thrashed 7-2 and Brentford managed a 3-3 at Anfield and Brighton 2-2. Its like suddenly the team that has had £200-300m spent on it and not long back was good enough to be top 6 with a good manager apparently, (not Smith though) has now gone backwards or are actually very much less than thought.

    Or is the thought that having lost Jack the team has to be rethought and retaught? exactly what I have said all season. We are now advocating patience where there was none, admittedly Smiths style was to attack and SG appears more cautious and Smith probably should have been but you can see the irony. Are we now Burnley and happy? we have approached every game this way and the difference the competence of the opposition. Maybe SG just does not trust them fully and going on some games this season you can see why, still one half poor to average and one good.

    As for Trez its a no brainer, if fit he will get on, we have next to no pace a long standing problem and he’s Quick.

  65. James Gill

    Our midfield is our problem,Luis marv not near good enough ,sanson untried as yet ,we haven’t time to wait for ramsay or carney to be ready
    Really hoping Gérard has players in mind ,
    Hoping now that Gérard changes it about for next few games

  69. Heroes-and-Villans

    Mark

    It is very very very early in sg reign

    Very excited about the little tweeks and improvement but make no mistake his first task where we are currently at is making us harder to beat and play against. The rest will come in time and with a few of his own players in

  70. Frem

    Mark. I don’t get what you think Trezeguet will offer.

    He’s not even that quick.

    He will be gone in January

    When Bailey and Traore are back he won’t be anywhere near the squad

  71. John Clark

    Lots of interesting thoughts again. Not going to do a post-match so as not to interrupt the flow (which I haven’t been doing anyway for the same reason).

    Overall, was it disappointing? Yeah, losing by a single penalty is disappointing. Probably could’ve had something from it.

    SG, there’s a manager who finally did what I’d have done! Worked well enough…Klopp and the Kop frustrated. But the peno undid us and we couldn’t find an answer.

    On the one hand, you’d like to see more adventure. On the other, I liked the pragmatism. Like I thought, SG wanted to stick with his system, and the players looked pretty comfortable running it in defensive mode. As I mentioned during the game, the new marking responsibilities were very clear since the game wasn’t stretched.

    To hear SG tell it, just about got what he wanted: shorten the game to 30mins, and then come out. But, he did leave the switch a little later than intended, and Villa succumbed on 67. It seemed to be working, and he was riding it. He’d have taken a 0-0.

    Don’t think he was any more honest than Smith, and questioned the peno decisions like Smith would’ve. Most any manager does. And there’s legitimate debate around both.

    I saw Norwich play Smith-ball after, and looked as deserving as United, tbh. Maybe not high praise, but they were open, adventurous, brave and really should’ve had something from the match. And that’s how Smith would’ve had Villa play. Would it have gone well? No idea.

    So, I found it rather interesting tactically. Perhaps SG was a little cowed by the occasion. Perhaps he didn’t have full faith in the players…or faith in these players in his system. Most definitely a learning experience.

    Villa did look to cause problems when the shackles came off, but it was a little late, they were chasing, and Liverpool are positionally excellent in defense. Yeah, the score could’ve been worse, but that’s the way yesterday’s situation pans out. You commit, you leave space.

    I do agree the MF needs at least one faster, rangier ball winner. There are players who combine what Naka and Luiz bring. I don’t dislike either one…I don’t think Naka is Kante, and I don’t think Luiz really wants that role. He’ll take it if it means playing, of course. Either way, we need more legs in there, and a different personality. Think Sanson has the edge required, but that isn’t what he’s about, overall.

    Don’t know that Ramsey and Young work great flanking Ollie, yet I understand why they’re out there. Bailey and Traoré will see a lot’s changed. Don’t know that they’ll bring more ‘width’ as that’s not really SG’s system. But they will bring pace, etc., and are obviously more dangerous.

    Young is like a coach on the field. He’s still very fit, but he obviously doesn’t have the pace and endurance of his youth. Ramsey’s spent all his time learning the single-10 role and being central. Yes, it’s fluid up front, but this is a big departure from the comfort zone he’d found.

    If SG is going to be here for a bit, then I’d expect we’ll see him going after players that fit his system. Like everyone, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Targett lose out, and at least one of Naka and Luiz.

  72. John Clark

    Far as Targett goes, I think it’s a bit unfortunate. He doesn’t have great pace, but reads the game very well, and isn’t afraid to throw in a tackle. Defensively, more sound than Cash. Don’t think it’s a coincidence that most teams attack down our right flank.

    But Cash is more what this system calls out for.

  74. John Clark

    Frem,

    Jumping in, but Trez will offer what he always did: He’s just dogged, tries to get close and at least disrupt, injects energy, and runs all day.

    Not the most skilled player, clearly. But in a team that hesitates to really get up and in, and doesn’t have a lot of pace (without Bailey and Traoré), there’s probably a role for him in the short term.

  75. VillaMD

    I would have Guilbert at RB ahead of Cash. I’d love both of them on our right overlapping.

    Nice to see how much Ashley Young cares about Villa. I’d almost use him to organize and keep players focused when we’re 1 up in last 20 mins. Quality player

  76. Mark King

    Frem- the great Trez, yep Trez has pace is certainly dogged and a trier and so far has been played in a team that barely stayed up in which eh still scored some important goals. Now players can be bad or they can be made to look worse than they are. He’s very willing to run and cover and lets face it there were not many that were, so you have to say the bloke had to do the work of two for a start. Second season he was an ever present when we were flying and kept Traore out, the only thing that stopped him was that waist high Volley that went over from a yard out, he then got the jitters in front of goal or at least every shot he had was miraculously saved on the line or by a miracle, then injury etc and the rest is history, he was looking pretty decent until his knee went.

    When he 1st arrived at age 24 he was described by all the villa pundits as having searing pace and he clocked up one of the fastest time that season in the prem. He’s two footed too and He’s now near his prime.

    Anyone that has seen his recent 60 minute cameo in the U23’s will know that he didn’t just turn up for the fitness. He absolutely ran the show, dropping deep and picking the ball up and running at players, playing perfect passes into peoples runs, making those very intelligent runs into the box that the 1st rarely picked up on while in Jack mode. And he left people for dead at times, he is still quick. What stood out was he linked up with the other players seamlessly, not the erratic headless chicken we have seen at times at all. I am not surprised because if you watch his pre-villa days he did all of that. Maybe having Jack run the show put him on the back burner with a new home, club, league etc but I have seen more to this lad than he runs a lot he can bring something different too.

    So put a solid outfit around him where he isn’t the only runner and the chance to break at pace I think we will see a different animal, SG would have to have seen the U23 game and if he wasn’t impressed I’d be amazed.

    He better be good now eh 🙂

  77. r0bb0

    Once again, there are very divergent views about player performances. Douglas Luiz is this week’s marmite player and although he has his detractors (I’ve had my own doubts) these are some of the headlines:
    Douglas Luiz impressed against Liverpool.
    Douglas Luiz impressed despite defeat to Liverpool
    Steven Gerrard uncovers Pep Guardiola mistake as he begins to unlock potential of international star
    Personally it still feels too soon to judge which players are going to make it under Gerrard and which aren’t. If you believe that Gerrard is indeed trying to instil new training regimes, techniques and playing patterns then the players will need some time to adapt to these and it could be that our previous views of them will be ;roved wrong.

  81. John Clark

    r0bb0,

    It’s one of the things that does my head in (the differing views). As we often say, like watching different games.

    Haven’t checked the accuracy, but seeing this on Luiz:

    – 100% Dribbling success
    – 12 Duels (9 won)
    – 5 Tackles
    – 27 Pressures
    – 4 Progressive passes

  82. John Clark

    And I don’t mean having different opinions, overall. But sometimes the views on individual players is a bit baffling.

    Like Mings. Yeah, mistake on him, but how many headers does he win, how many blocks, etc., generally has much more handling/passing responsibility than Konsa, and is often given the ball under difficult circumstances. Konsa brings a different style, had a fabulous game yesterday, but they complement each other very well.

    Are there better CBs in the world? Yes. But he’s pretty damn good.

  83. Mark King

    Robbo put it like this players have been good and bad during our recent seasons sometimes in the same week, what we need is consistency from the majority I think. Gerrards stuff will suit some and not others for sure and that’s only natural. From what I have seen so far we are organised defensively while being still a bit Gung-ho attacking wise where it all gets a bit sketchy but then can also be effective as it was under DS. Its really early days.

  84. Mark King

    Villa have the Covid, a few staff and a player apparently but shouldn’t effect Tuesday unless it gets worse. If its omnicron robots in disguise it will be over in a flash.

  86. r0bb0

    Mark, agreed we would benefit hugely from more consistency from the players (provided they were consistently good rather than bad!) I guess the fact that we had the youngest squad in the premiership may have played a part but as the players are maturing we should be able to expect to see more reliable performances.

  87. r0bb0

    JC. It’s so hard to be objective about individual team or player performances when, as fans, we’re so emotionally involved. I guess that’s part of the reason why we see such differing opinions. . . .and why a blog like this is worth visiting!

  89. Frem

    I find it funny people think Trezeguet will off a sudden be better than he was when he was fit

    His stats are absolutely horrific for the minutes he has played

    He won’t be getting anywhere near the first team ahead of Buendia, Young, Bailey, Traore.

    I imagine Ghazi and Trezeguet will probably be shipped out in January

  90. Frem

    You just know Sanson will be the one wkth covid

    Tomorrow is a big game. We need the 3 points but it won’t be easy. Smith will be right up for it and our record there is crap

  93. Frem

    H and V

    You might be right, i think it’s not as bad as I thought

    I remember gabby scoring 2 there in a 2-1 win in 2013 I think. We beat them there 5-1 a couple of years ago.

  96. Mark King

    Frem, its not funny its just the fact he wasn’t as bad as you seem to think in the1st place. And if Nakamba who was yesterdays whipping boy is now 1st on the team sheet under SG what’s the chances Trez won’t follow, SG can do wonders.

  97. Mark King

    H&V , No excuses now, covid has no affect on football results that’s been scientifically proven and SG said they had been really careful at BMH. So absolutely nothing to fear from Norwich its only good old DS the no tactics, no idea manager.

  98. John Clark

    r0bb0,

    It is very emotional, yes.

    So, I’ll get very heated in the moment (or left in despair), but usually it helps (and I think lots of folks have this happen) to step back, wait for a day or two before really drawing conclusions.

    Buendia’s one of those, for me. Watching a highlight reel (just Villa games), and he’s a sublime passer. Incredible vision, lovely weight, very unselfish. Easily our best player on the ball, and the most creative. But he gets loads of abuse. Not here, but…He could easily have 6 or 7 assists already but for finishing, saves, or just great defensive plays.

    Now, of course he’s been guilty of taking too much time and getting caught out, but that’s just his internal clock needing adjusting, which it seems to be doing.

    That said, I don’t know what this blog would be without Frem, MK and Trezeguet.

  99. John Clark

    Frem,

    Trez will be a very interesting situation. I’d probably agree with you that he and Ghazi will be the depth only. That’s what I’ve said, anyway. Then they move on, get replaced, and maybe it’s Bailey and Traoré fighting for playing time.

    But for now, with Bailey and Traoré out, Trez will be a viable option because of his work rate and knack for showing up in the right places. He’ll probably have more impact than Ramsey in that front three. My guess is that SG will value that, if nothing else.

    And I also wonder, once he’s fit, whether he’ll start over Traoré if Bert’s ever fit again. Not because he’s a better player, but because he does more for the team.

  100. John Clark

    MK,

    Very fair point about how much Mings has to do…and I agree. I don’t think we’re that improved defensively. The players are still the same, but they’re being deployed more narrowly and clogging things up.

    What I’m seeing is more like Restart when Dean focused on not conceding, and Villa were less expansive.

    Not saying SG’s focus hasn’t been smart or fundamental. But I’ve not seen a revolution in players’ ability or anything, and I really doubt anyone should be expecting one just yet. Mings is just doing what Mings has done, and some are now taking all that for granted and focusing on his occasional lapses.

    With Naka, we also saw him excel at times in this exact role before. I’m certain Smith didn’t play him more because Luiz is a more progressive player, and was the most improved and probably most valuable player in Restart.

    And, as Villa have changed round their off-the-ball organization, there’s been less high pressing, and I’m assuming the number of turnovers/recoveries in the attacking third has declined as well.

    Nothing you don’t know, but yeah, all those interventions from Mings have implications.

  101. John Clark

    In the spirit of dispassionate analysis, up-thread I’ve said Cash is the lesser FB defensively. But here are some stats:

    – Tackles (3rd)
    – Tackles won (5th)
    – Blocks (4th)
    – Interceptions (4th)
    – Crosses (4th)

    Now, I think that’s probably also reflective of how much traffic seems to go down Villa’s right flank, and it doesn’t include number of times beaten, or crosses conceded, etc. But, offered up in fairness.

  102. Mark King

    Cash does get through some work but does have lapses and get caught out, another factor is a lot of teams seem to have strong left sides or is it me when ewe play them?

    Trez will prove it to you all soon, why do you think Traore keeps calling in sick?

    Looks like Nakamba is Fnucked, out until after crimbo with a crocked knee

    I see SG won’t divulge which players are not available either 🙂

  104. r0bb0

    JC, yes it’s always good to wait until the emotion has settled a bit before trying to draw more reliable, fact based conclusions. It’s often irresistible to vent emotional responses in the immediate aftermath of a game though and that’s fine as long as we all recognise that’s what they are and the more ‘thoughtful’ responses will follow in due course.

  105. r0bb0

    JG. yes, a fantasy team watch isn’t a bad idea. So which two players would we ‘least’ like to be on the covid exclusion list?
    I think I’d go for Martinez and Watkins. You’d hope we’ll see more of the ball and create more chances tomorrow and we know that Watkins can score goals. Norwich are going to get some chances and I’d like to see Martinez there as that last line of defence.

  106. r0bb0

    Such a shame that Nakamba is out and by the sounds of it, could be out for a while. Maybe those negotiations with the Zimbabwe team may prove to have been unnecessary after all.

    I guess Sanson may now get his chance and, reading between the lines, he’ll be wanting to prove something to DS. Let’s hope he’s motivated, but clear headed tomorrow. The last thing we want is to be playing with 10 men.

  107. Mark King

    Robbo- I keep seeing people making out Sanson and Smith didn’t get on? He played him until he had his 1st injury and he hasn’t been really fit in what was a bad time for Smith, find it all a bit baffling as Smith was the worlds most likable manager.

  108. r0bb0

    Mark, Agreed, There doesn’t seem to be any firm evidence in the public domain . . . .it’s just one of those ‘no smoke without fire’ things.

  109. r0bb0

    I’ve just seen ex referee Hacket’s analysis of why it would have been wrong for Villa to get a penalty when Allison brought Ings down in the Liverpool penalty area:

    “Look, football is a contact game. If you’re going to put your body in there as your forward and the goalkeeper is coming out, then contact is likely to take place. That’s football.”

    . . . .and that’s his reason for it ‘not’ being a penalty!?

    Bizzarre.

  110. Frem

    Trezeguet has 2 assists. In 55 games. A forward. A forward has two assists in 55 games of football. Someone brought in literally to create chances and score goals

    Has two assists…… In 55 games

    What the hell do people see in this bloke to think he’s anything but a bang average championship mid table player at a push?

    Do you guys remember his two misses in our first season? One was away at West ham which was absolutely horrific. It would have got us a point I think. He also missed an open net in one game soon after at Villa which cost us the game to.

    There weren’t just a missed chance. These were both absolute glaring open net misses

    He cost us points that would have got us closer to safety that season.

  112. r0bb0

    JC, Those stats you’ve quoted for Mattie Cash (3rd for tackles, 4th for blocks etc) are for the whole of the Premiership rather than just Villa’s back line? If the former, that’s surprisingly impressive. . . . .if the latter, not great!

  113. r0bb0

    Mark and H&V. I’m looking forward to seeing what Trez can do for us too. he’s not been the most cultured on the ball, but his speed, energy and ability to be in the right place at the right time could be a real asset. We’ve seen how Nakamba has developed over the last 2 seasons and what’s to say that Trez might not have managed to smooth out some of the rough edges too. From what we’ve seen so far, none of our wingers have yet proven that they’re the complete package, each of them having their own virtues and faults. It seems almost certain that one or more of them will be offloaded in January so I guess it’ll be those who are most successful in ironing out their weaknesses and adapting to the SG style of play that are most likely to be retained.

  114. Heroes-and-Villans

    feels like a big week. do we pull off to safety mid table or get suckered back in.

    not a great start with nakamba out our only specialist cdm and i guess its who ever the other 2 is!

    he has called up chrisene maybe a clue?

  122. Plug

    I’m not sure what team SG will field tonight against Naarwich. If Covid has forced a couple of changes, I’d take that as a positive. With games coming thick and fast at this time of year, we do need to rotate and use our wider squad.

  123. r0bb0

    Plug: That article about Cash is a really interesting one. His stats show a real determination to win the ball and work hard which will be great assets that SG can exploit. The stats don’t seem to show great creativity though so I tend to agree with H&V that just now, maybe he doesn’t have what it takes to be a midfielder for us. I guess you had in mind the Nakamba position and let’s face it, prior to this season we had doubts about Nakamba’s ball distribution too so maybe it’s possible that Cash could adapt to that role. Dean Smith points out in the article how keen Cash is to learn and improve so you can bet he’d put the effort in if given the opportunity.
    The article does demonstrate that we fans can be guilty of only focussing on the negative aspects of a player and then being blinded to the good things that they do. I was surprised though to see just ‘how’ good Cash has been at his defensive duties, and let’s face it, that’s a key part of his role.

  124. r0bb0

    If you put a new type of nut feeder up in your garden it’ll take a while for the birds to recognise it but once they do they’ll return to it again and again. If you now put a similar nut feeder in a different part of the garden the birds will almost immediately find it because they know what they’re looking for.
    We have a tendency to do a similar thing in our own brains. When we think we’ve recognised a trait in a player we tend to look out for it and if we’re not careful, before long, that’s ‘all’ we see about that player. It’s perfectly natural, but it’s also lazy thinking and if we’re not careful we get sucked into a whirlpool of ever more extreme views about a player and become blinded to any positive attributes that they may have. A good manager can rise above that and see the good and the bad and decide how he can best utilise the good and, hopefully, improve on the bad.
    It’s worth remembering that no player who has been picked to play for a premiership team is shit, crap, hopeless or whatever other adjectives a lazy thinking fan may throw at them. They’ve reached this level because they are good footballers. They may not have the skills needed by a particular team in the position they’re being chosen to play at a particular time but that’s a bit different.
    I know you can only get so much from statistics, but from what I saw in that article I’m thinking that maybe Matty Cash is better than I’d credited him and I’ll try to just concentrate a bit less on his wayward crosses in future and see everything else that he brings to the game.

  125. r0bb0

    Not so long ago there was a good debate on here about Douglas Luiz and I must admit, I’m still not sure which side of the fence I stand on with him. As for Trez, for some reason he seems to be even more polarising, but one thing you can be certain of is that he’s neither crap, nor a footballing genius. Whatever his skills and failings though, I can’t help liking him and I do hope that SG can unlock his full potential and find the perfect role for him.

  127. jbd656

    Can’t wait to see SuperTrez come on and stick it up the neurotic psycho-haters. Hope Gerrard will have a look at Freddie. Don’t know why Smith seemed to have a problem with him. Was he too psycho?

  129. John Clark

    So, fresh page is up for the match.

    Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett, Ramsey, McGinn, Luiz, Young, Watkins, Buendia

    Archer, JPB, Ings, Marschall, Iroegbunam, Trez, Axel, Chuk, Hause

    UTV

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