In the Birmingham Mail, Mat Kendrick wrote a very good piece commenting on the lack of accountability of some of our players. Multiple players have taken shots at Gerard Houllier in the wake of last season’s disappointing campaign. While Houllier undoubtedly could have handled several situations in the changing room more effectively, it would be reassuring to see more of the players raise their hands and say “I should have done better.”

The football club has undoubtedly dealt with a lot since the end of last season. A new manager was brought in, he has implemented a new system, the club’s two best players were sold, and new players were brought in and have struggled to settle in. Additionally Villa’s relatively thin squad has been tested by a fair amount of injuries so far this season. These excuses may be valid, but they are still excuses. Given all of this the performances and results on the pitch have been somewhat disappointing.

Going into this weekend’s match with Wigan a number of injured players are expected to return. In their absence other players have been given a chance to make an impact and break into the first team. This is an eminently winnable game and the time for excuses is over. The manager is able to pick his preferred 1st XI. The new players have had ample time to settle in, and with the return of so many first-team players there is competition for almost every spot on the pitch.

If the time has not yet arrived, it will soon for underperforming players to be dropped. Charles N’Zogbia and Marc Albrighton have both underperformed this season. If the manager dropped the former and sent the latter to the stands this weekend he would be justified and now has the depth to do so. The club was given an easy start to the season and needs to start turning draws into wins before they meet the iron of the league in December.

The second half against QPR, the club played the most inspired football it has in a long time. The team looks like it is finally grasping what Alex McLeish is trying to get across on the training pitch. With the return of several attacking players the club should continue to find that balance between being solid at the back while still being creative going forward and generating chances. With any luck, the unfortunate late own-goal will not halt the momentum from the second half. If they can replicate that performance, with Darren Bent returning to the side, that should be more than enough to find that elusive second win.

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