Well, it was disappointing against West Ham. Some (me included) believe we were tired, some don’t. Whatever the take, Villa came out worthy 1-3 losers. So. What does Deano do against an improved Arsenal on a short turn?
A busy day in the league, and another important match for Villa. They’re all important of course, but, like Newcastle, we’re facing one of those games you sort of “have” to win to stay in the top half. That said, Sean Dyche’s Clarets have started to wake up and lay claim to the their generally mediocre destiny. Which isn’t to say they don’t punch over their weight. They make the most of what they’ve got, as the Liverpool result shows.
After a few days’ research into an offside rule no one quite seems to understand, much less agree with, Villa will pick themselves up from the 0-2 defeat to City in their first post-Covid match, and look for a better return against struggling Newcastle and once-again-under-fire manager Steve Bruce.
Off the heels of Villa’s dramatic, injury-time victory over a dogged Wolves side, it’s time for Burnley. Which is never really a game anyone wants to play. But, they’re in the league, so you have to.
Brighton & Hove Albion today, the first Saturday 3pm kickoff in 270-some days, I’ve read. Coming in, you’d have to favor Villa. But that’s exactly the sticking point. There are no easy games in the PL, apart from Liverpool and Arsenal, and after the international travel and exertions, the players have to hit the ground running against a side it might be tempting to overlook.
