I would actually argue that the criticism after today highlights how too much is actually expected of him. He battled and created space for midfielders all game in my opinion. I think he has been poor in a lot of games but today he was fine.
I do think he should have scored though.
Oh definitely just his style and not because he doesn’t care. Be he got caught a couple of times as expected too much time. He will keep learning and improving so not a concern. Just an observation.
I think Smith has accepted he comes deep and drags defenders around which is why El Ghazi is getting in to the middle so much using the space Wesley is creating.
Why? We were cruising. You don’t always have to make changes!
He could have made a substitute and Newcastle scored. He’d then be getting hammered! Crazy.
He should have scored but I thought he did ok tonight. Was a constant nuisance and although he comes deep too often we are countering that my Anwer dropping in to the middle and it’s working.
Screw you doubters! Jack is back and so are we! Well done lads. Could have been a lot more comfortable but a clean sheet and end of a losing run. Well deserved. Smith got team selection right. There’s no way we are finishing below this Newcastle team.
Well done Villa.
Please don’t blow this. Sadly can already sense some of our fans on here sharpening their knives waiting for us to concede. Get the third lads so we can relax.
Mings has been poor. He needs to sort himself out or he is going to risk getting dropped with Engles returns. Konsa has been good. Luiz and Grealish bossing the game.
They are awful. Bruce playing a team that is 17th and parks the bus!
If we up our game a bit and get the final pass right we can make a statement in this game. Must not let them score.
I’ll relax when we get a 3rd.
I reckon Nakamba rested because of 90 minutes in 2 qualifiers. Otherwise he one of those players that should always start.
edit: looks like they were two important games too.