When was this, because it wasn't at Villa Park, the first half was mostly the usual laboured passing sideways ending when we gave the ball away and eventually our "dynamic" midfield allowed Tielemans the time and space to pick his pass for their first goal.From minute 2 to 45 we were the better team, playing the better football.
It won't happen with Pep giving O'reilly, Mcatee a chance. He suddenly thinks Gundo, Bernardo will become world beaters again and will continue to pick them. Gundo hasn't had one good game since he rejoined , Bernardo only a couple, both have been utter shit. Not just those two I might add but they'd be the first two I would drop from the teamPersonally I doubt any big money transfers in Jan, however wouldn't mind a couple of decent defenders on loan, even if it meant shipping out someone like Nunes. Any decent LB that allowed Josko to revert to his natural position at CB would do. Also, don't know if it's contractually possible, but why not recall Doyle and Perrone back into the men's squad. They are doing well with their loan clubs so calling them back could be tricky. Bobb is now scheduled early Feb, let's just hope he doesn't need too much time to get his mojo back. Horrible environment to throw academy lads into, but at least give OReilly a chance over Gundo. I know I'm pissing in the wind as if I'm talking to Pep but not sleeping great atm.
This is a very reasoned comment and pretty much how I feel about it all.It looks that way when you are slow , disorganized , unfit/ playing injured and know your time at the club is drawing near.
The lack of pace and physicality on and off the ball the ball and the consequential ease that the likes of Rogers was able to ease past and bully players with ball at toe is embarrassing to say the least.
The realization that we are a spent force is there for all to see , we might see a marginal improvement if all our squad had a decent run without some of them keeling over during games and during training week on week.
I doubt any of our central defenders will be fit to start against Everton so our line up will make for interesting reading.
It will be the lowest total by some margin we accrue come seasons end under Pep so get used to many more losses this season.
They haven't given up I would suggest more they know they are not good enough on mass anymore to compete in the league.
Pep is way off his game as well which doesn't help , he has no answers as to what to do to make us anything but easy fodder to beat.
The last sentence is the most definitive which summarizes our plight.I don’t think we were the better team at any point as we carried no threat. Agree Gvardiol should score but beyond that we didn’t look like scoring. Villa were comfortable at every stage of the game and could’ve scored more but for Ortega. They won every tackle that mattered. We are so easy to play against it’s scary.
What you say is true my friend but, there is nothing wrong with possession and moving it sideways as long as it's done with purpose, we seem to move it sideways not having the desire or courage to make the key passes we hardly ever put a quick cross into the box.When was this, because it wasn't at Villa Park, the first half was mostly the usual laboured passing sideways ending when we gave the ball away and eventually our "dynamic" midfield allowed Tielemans the time and space to pick his pass for their first goal.
Perfect summation of the game yesterday and the current situation in general.Safely back home from Villa Park after taking a scenic route.
We are a soft touch basically. Nobody dared go near Morgan Rodgers all day, and we keep conceding the same goal straight down the middle and our throats every week. Villa didn't really have to do much to win today, they just coasted and it was relatively easy for them.
Our Support was class as always but Pep can't keep asking knackered, old, unfit or talent deficit players to play his system as they simply can't do it.
We need at least 2 Midfielders immediately - one of whom has to be a Hold - and both need to be mobile, physical and be able to actually put in a tackle once in a while.
Walker is a car crash these days and just shouldn't be on the pitch until he's sorted his chaotic private life out, which has to be having an effect as his drop off is so stark. Gundo gets old manned at least 3 times in every game now & it's sad to see. Meanwhile John Stones "45 mins every 6 weeks" routine is a waste of everyone's time. He's been a gem for us and played his best ever game for us in the European Cup final, but the time may have come for him to depart with his contract up in 2026, at his age and with his injury record.
We don't currently have a single player playing well. Not a single one.
Not sure about lack of effort, but we've definitely seen our press diminish in second halves of games. Not just tactically going for a mid-block/press, we just aren't pressing effectively. We seemed to get some success in the first half yesterday but it just completely dropped off.Do that stats back up the drop in effort. I know the results do and it looks that way. But am curious to know if the stats back up the lack of effort.
Better team? Load of bollocks as usual.The voice of sense reason & facts -
From minute 2 to 45 we were the better team, playing the better football.
1 mistake,1 pass,1nil !!
If Josko had equalised with his header it wouldve been deserved.
Our stats were good,Villa couldnt get out but we didnt punish them from good shooting positions.
For the second half Dick changed things for vanilla but Pep didnt make the changes City needed.
Gundo shouldve been replaced by Jack with Dok or Sav playing left against a full back on a yellow card.
They started to over run us in midfield where Jack could've added pace,power and creativity ( remember notts forest 3 weeks ago).
Subs were needed
3 weak challenges preceeding their 2nd goal
We are NOT relying on this lad to “save our season” you fool.
Who else do you suggest should’ve played rb yesterday ??
This is overlooked by the Captain Hindsights, not only would they have been unlikely to sit waiting, their development would have stalled and its very doubtful that they would be the same playerAnd no one even asks if those above would be willing to sit in the under 23’s etc for 2 or 3 seasons waiting on their chance.