Boxing Day Breakdown and Brighton
Another Boxing Day, another breakdown. Naturally it was disappointing, as was the officiating that contributed to it. That’s been much more the focus than the match itself, which is never a good thing.
Villa in America: So Far So Meh
First off, most everyone likes to say preseason is meaningless and that the games are just to get minutes in the legs. While both are somewhat true, you actually do want to play ‘well’ in context. And Villa haven’t really so far in America.
So Long, Dougie, Moussa and Jhon
What to make of the movement? Seems to me Villa have been boxing smart with Monchi wheeling and dealing and he and Emery getting young players in whom they see potential. They’ve cleared the PSR hurdle and strengthened in depth.
Here we go! Let’s All Do the Speculation
Now that the dust has settled and the links are flying fast and furious, it’s probably time to turn our heads to the rumors gaining steam. It’s also probably not overly dramatic to say this may well be a crucial summer for Villa’s and Emery’s project.
Where Should Villa Spend?
As Dean Smith plays out these final matches, it’s clear he’s taking a long look at what he’s got and basically auditioning the squad in advance of the summer. I’m not expecting him to unearth any surprises, as I’m pretty sure they know what they’ve got. But, you keep faith with your players by giving them every chance to finish what they started. And there’ll be some big decisions to make. It’s a tricky moment. Stalwarts and ever-presents may becomes substitutes in three months.