flashingqwerty

Hes not there for his forward passing. Hes there to make tackles and break up play which he did magnificently. And that his passing was better than those around him leads me to think there is more to your opinion that what happened on the pitch. Fact of the matter is, he had a fantastic game and did he job consistently better than nearly every other player. I say nearly because there is a fair argument for Mings, who was also immense, and Targett who did the dirty really well tonight, something we have missed far years. But to say hes not motm material because he didn't excel at something he isn't in the team to do is massively biased.

For who though? (I do agree though)

Beat Shef U mid week and things start to look interesting for a possible euro spot

I think he means this season

Nakamba's pass completion tonight was 89% the highest pass completion of anyone in a villa shirt.

What surprised me most about Elmo tonight was the number of excellent headed clearances he made. Better than either of the cbs

DS made some good calls with the starting 11, but i'm struggling to understand how traore played the full 90. We did tire 2nd half, but that's normal against this Leeds side. For me, Traore the only bad performance. MoM could have gone to a few, but chose Nakamba. He was a rock in that midfield. Chuffed for him!

And the other 8 goal attempts we've had. Created more than leeds

Thigh strain has been niggling him for a few games apparently

Compared to recent games. We've looked solid. For all their possession, leeds have created nothing really

This has been a much better performance. Great to see some subs being made too

If we took yours young players would never play and we'd have to be constantly buying players. Can't have it both ways. We are a club investing heavily in our youngsters. The manager sees him as ready for the match day squad. If he's good enough for the squad, he's good enough to play. If our young players are to develop, we should use them when we have injuries. Otherwise what's the point? Leicester gave a first start to a young fullback against us - didn't seem to bother him did it?

Maybe some, but not me. I want to see the youngsters getting games. Its the way they will improve. Elmo is past it. I'd rather give the experience to a player who will benefit, even at the expense of a poor performance. Look at the young fullback Leicester fielded against us - think he had a bad game? No, he didn't. Our youngsters are of a pretty high standard, and need to be trusted to do a job when we are struggling with injuries. I'm not saying play him every game, but let him play some!!

More ridiculous than a has been who looked completely out of his depth last time out? If we, as a club, are serious about promoting and developing youth, then these are the times we need to be using them. If he isn't ready, don't put him in the squad. Elmo might get injured in the first minute then he'll 0lay the game anyway, so I don't see your point at all.

How long does he need though? Its not like he has only had 1 season. He's our longest serving manager since MON so if the squad is still what is holding him back, that's on him. He's had more than enough time.

I'd be looking to play this 11 Martinez Kesler Konsa Mings Targett Nakamba McGinn Trez Sanson Traore Watkins We need to start winning these midfield battles, and having Barkley in there means that wont happen right now. I'm starting Trez and his work rate should give the fullback more protection than with Traore on that side. I think Targett can handle it. I've gone with Sanson over Ramsey because i think he offers a bit more physically. But i fully expect the same starting 11 as at Leicester.

We beat Leicester a few weeks back?!?! Dude, you're losing it. That was the 18th of October. If football terms, might as well have been a lifetime ago. Fact of the matter is, we've lost 60% of our games in 2021. That's relegation form. We are a million miles from the team that beat leicester 4 months ago.

Thats the thing though isnt it? Its not a hunch. Plenty of quotes from DS, Purslow and others stating that transfers are decided by the transfer team and DS has no more input than anyone else. Same for the Shakespeare appointment.

You saying Smith made the decisions carries no more weight than me saying he didn't. Plenty of quotes out there from the board indicating that transfers are made by the transfer team of which Smith is a part. Also quotes stating that Shakespeare was identified to resolve issues with our playing style, and not from Smith. Theres evidence enough out there to show Smith isn't making all the decisions, but if you want to ignore them thats up to you. Do you honestly think another manager couldn't have done a better job with the same money?

I agree going forward Trez wasn't good, but Leicester had no threat down that side once AEG came off. He just gives that cover that none of our other wide players do

The 11 that finished should have started. Much better 2nd half but massively frustrating that under performing players continue to start. Think a draw might have been fair in the end. But we need to drop a few passengers, and we need to tighten up in midfield

Unlucky there

Sanson the new corner taker?

Done more in 10 mins than Barkley in 75

Good first involvement for Sanson