Aston Villa (A) | PL | Post Match Thread

[Phil1]

Linking up with O’Reilly well, Gvardiol and Dias at centre back, Nunes at right back. But, no Pep needs to tinker, it’s what he does best.

Well, that and winning trebles, copious amounts of league titles and more silverware than most in the entire history of the game. But yeah, tinkering is what he’s best at.

 

[hilts]

Definitely one of Pep’s worst games today. Can’t wait to see Foden, Cherki, Haaland and Marmoush get a run - just hope Pep feels the same

Wouldn't mind seeing this with rodri and nico g behind, nunes and Oreilly/Nouri providing width.

 

[nico04]

Think the frustrating thing is we all knew today was a proper test of whether we are up for the title challenge after the last 5/6 games or are we still a fair bit off. I thought we would be, but we aren’t and still a long way to go.

Funny thing is I dont think we're that far off because our close competitors aren't great either. It's just injuries that's costing us and some of weird line-ups, I said yesterday a draw would be a good result at villa park.

 

[Blue Hefner]

We need to (re) start buying players that match the stated ambition of the team. Donnarumma, brilliant signing. Just need 3 more of him rather than fannying about with 50mil squad players

 

[Paul79mcfc118]

Yes I was, don't be ridiculous. The days of Merlin, Yaya, Sergio, Sane, Sterling etc was a joy to behold. Then the Kev, Gundo, Mahrez team excellent. Fast forward to this now and it looks a million miles away from where we were, it just isn't exciting to watch

Dam right it's boring lethargic robotic football
Might as well have a squad of Elon musks robots playing

 

[Norbert D]

Nico g did well. Tried to match them physically

And he got a busted nose for his troubles, one that cheating shit bag Oliver didn’t see from about three feet.

 

[blue whippet]

Disappointing result and performance. I really thought pre match we would take all three points.
I should have waited before casting my vote until I had seen the lineup, a slightly built and not particularly pacey midfield was always going to struggle against a feisty and physical Villa.
We played well for the first 10 mins without actually managing to create anything but it all fell apart after that. The midfield was out fought and out run, everyone struggled to pass, there was no creativity and the defence was all at sea.
Once Gonzalez came on the midfield improved, Marmoush and Cherki made a difference but by then it was too little too late.
Our set pieces continue to be awful and our lack of urgency with 5 mins to go was odd, we really can't stop passing it back or to the side.
We really need a settled defence, midfield and forward line, also need no more injuries so we can have that.
We still need shooting practice - everyday for the rest of the season - for everyone.

 

[madloaf]

Well, that and winning trebles, copious amounts of league titles and more silverware than most in the entire history of the game. But yeah, tinkering is what he’s best at.

Seriousish question, has pep ever had a squad as bad as this?

 

[hilts]

Michael oliver allowing martinez to lie down with the ball way longer than 8 seconds... ****. dippers got a corner yesterday when kelleher only had it for about 5 seconds

He had it 13 seconds why make shit up.

That ruling hasn't been used anywhere near as often as it should.

 

[Phil1]

Dam right it's boring lethargic robotic football
Might as well have a squad of Elon musks robots playing

Ironically your username is the most bot of bot usernames on here.

 

[hilts]

Seriousish question, has pep ever had a squad as bad as this?

Last season?

 

[mattcity5]

Yes I was, don't be ridiculous. The days of Merlin, Yaya, Sergio, Sane, Sterling etc was a joy to behold. Then the Kev, Gundo, Mahrez team excellent. Fast forward to this now and it looks a million miles away from where we were, it just isn't exciting to watch

As great as our old players were, none of them had to come up against packed defences every week. It's become more normal and teams defend deeper and just protect the space.

It was brilliant back then, but I don't think we can get that back, and I don't think even those players would find it easy to create against teams the way they set up against us now.

 

[deano ou812]

Whats everyone's take on our current performances etc, players not good enough wrong team selections or tactics just dont work anymore?

Mix of all those ..

 

[Phil1]

Seriousish question, has pep ever had a squad as bad as this?

I think he once took charge of an under 11 team from the Faroe Islands that might just edge it but it’s close.

 

[Norbert D]

Well, that and winning trebles, copious amounts of league titles and more silverware than most in the entire history of the game. But yeah, tinkering is what he’s best at.

Former glories count for nothing. He’s been AWOL for the last eighteen months.

 

[madloaf]

Last season?

You're getting ahead of my next question!

 

[hilts]

Pep said before the game that the medical team advised him Nico couldn't start the game. But apparently he should have just ignored them?

He healed himself during the first half? :-)

 

[OB1]

So you think Phil played well?

He was one of our best players. He can do better.

 

[hilts]

He was one of our best players. He can do better.

This

 

[Big Joe Corrigan]

We are so slow moving the ball forward that it is really easy to defend against.