Villarocker

I don't see anything that Westwood brings to the defensive part of the midfield three so I'd rather see Gana and Veretout there and play Gil behind the striker. Grealish, Ayew and any of Sinclair, Gabby or Gestede up front. When he comes back, Traore has to fit into that somehow.

The way I saw last night was; Good start, started hitting stupid long balls to Gestede, who couldn't flick them on or hold it up, gave the ball away needlessly, was lucky to go in level. Second half; came flying out, had some great individual performances, scored a good goal, took our foot off the gas, played counter attack, lucky not to concede, wasted good attacking chances by taking it into the corner. I'm not sure Sherwood is being honest about his tactics but he can be happy with the subs he made. I think he's still trying to get his best eleven together and will need a further 5 or 6 weeks to get there.

Very good half from the lad. Like I've been saying for a while now, we'll be great to watch in the second half of the season once all the new lads have settled in.

This lad is the most naturally gifted Villa player I've seen for a very long time. He finds so much space and time on the ball, it's as if he's alone on the pitch. Like my brother said tonight, it's a good job he's a Villa fan because the big boys are gonna come sniffing soon.

It's great to have a left back again

If only they made the net round.

He's worth more now?

Ran past Berahino yesterday, chasing after the ball when another player had already gone after it. Berahino was then left unmarked to deflect the ball past a helpless Guzan. Richards is not a centre back. I'm not saying he can't become one, I'm saying we just don't have the team to afford him time to become one. He is one of the main concerns in the team, for me.

We lost two players. I think Delph isn't a big miss for us at all because Gana will fill that void. Benteke is the issue. He was nailed on to get us goals whilst his replacements look out of place. If anything, I'd give Sinclair a go down the middle and move Gabby back out wide until Traore comes back. Play Gana and Sanchez or Gana and Veretout in front of the back four and we'll be OK IMO. I think the Leicester game showed we will have to attack and not put too much emphasis on the defence because they simply cannot cope.

Until we're 10-12 games gone I won't judge him or the players. They've got a lot to learn. My problem today lies with the captain. He ran past the player who scored. I'm not sure he's a centre back at all.

Gil has to play behind the striker for me. Play Sinclair down the centre with Gil behind, Grealish out left and Traore out right. That front four will kill teams. Play Gana and Sanchez holding and let the wing backs get down the line to support the attacks.

He just lost his head second half. Mistakes were terrible.

Terrible defending for their first two goals and they should have had a penalty before them. Really poor today and needs to be dropped for Ilori IMO.

I've liked what he's tried to do so far but he cost us that game today - absolutely no denying. Gil scores a wonder goal and then he's subbed. He replaces Gabby - people will say rightfully but he set up our second and his a threat on the break - with Gestede. Did either of the replacements touch the ball? They're shocking substitutions and I'm sure an unfit Gil would have been better than a fully fit Ayew. We were under pressure before our second but left wide open after the subs. Also, after Bacuna nearly gave away a penalty, and was being torn apart, why not bring on Hutton? Bad day today Tim. Stop blaming others and stand up and be counted.

You would expect central defenders to win that battle for the third goal but Guzan is the ultimate culprit because he's the last man between player and goal. Why did he end up double punching the smallest player on the pitch whilst the ball ends up in the net? If he comes out with his fists raised he easily clears that ball.

I was told a few months ago that Jack was mulling over the countries because of money. England pay and Ireland don't. I can't be 100% sure but, iirc, the person who told me said that it was Jack's dad suggesting that he plays for England because they will pay him. But, like I said, I'm not certain of that as a I was drinking with the person who told me and could possibly have misheard. I know if it was my son I would tell him to follow the money and think of his financial stability. Only at national level though. He would follow his heart at club level.

The only good thing he will ever do for Villa is leave. One of the worst signings I can remember and a waste of money.

We did. The actual factual Buffalo Bill Cody was at Villa Park in 1887 for a show. I realise that's not helpful but... Did you manage to get his autograph OBE?

Is that in reference to the mandatory facial that Timmy gives to all newcomers?

I think I said 12th at the start of the season and I'm sticking with it. That would be a decent first season for such a new and young side. But, with a year of experience under their belts, I would not be surprised to see a top 10 finish next season.

Well done Tim, I think you've done well this summer with the cards you've been dealt. I'm sure there's still enough of us who get what you're trying to do and who will have the patience to give the new players time to gel and settle in. Just..... use all three subs when it's not going so great - please.

I'll be honest, I'm all for new defenders at the club. We've had Vlaar, Baker, Clark and Okore (partly) for the last 2-4 years and they've leaked goals for fun. I get why they signed Clark and Baker on new deals, it means that they don't leave for free. No doubt Clark will get another shot at the first team but it will be a kick up the arse that he evidently needs after his last two performances. Baker may go and play well and earn another crack at it but I have often wondered about his natural ability to defend without getting concussion. I don't think he's a Premier League defender. Maybe this new lad will show what he's made of now that he doesn't have expensive signings ahead of him in the pecking order.

Welcome to the Villa. Now, go and eat plenty of Balti pies and roast beef dinners - you're going to need them Tough paper round or did you spend too many nights playing FM as a kid?

It's going to be Lescott and Berbatov isn't it? I can see the quotes out of Villa Park right now "These two are very experienced players who will help the younger, new signings to settle in quicker" and "they are solid professionals who will bring a lot of nous to the team. They are not just here to make up the numbers. We were lucky to get them" etc.

Is he a Villa fan? If so, I'm expecting cartwheels if he scores, after seeing how he celebrated against us in his Everton days.