VillaParkAvenue

I didn’t see yesterday as an improvement either. The reason I have had some hope for Gerrard have been the games where it’s seemed as we have some attacking plan starting to fall into place, like in parts of the Man U games, the Southampton game and first half against Spurs. Yesterday was a return to no pressing, sitting back and hoping not to lose. Much like the earliest Gerrard games against Brighton and Palace, where we concentrated on keeping the shape and had about 30-35 percent possession.

One of my very few accurate predictions. Still not happy since BG is at the wrong club.

Maybe not fat but I’m concerned about the fitness level of McGinn. Early this season he looked healthier than ever and talked about how he’d worked on getting fitter and eating better. That increased fitness seems gone now and it looks like hard work for him to run. Some other Villa players look slightly out of shape as well, Bailey and Ings to name two and maybe Martinez also. I’m curious about the current fitness regime for the players.

At 18 he should have learnt enough to be able to go out and gain experience elsewhere. Having more basic facilities for a while won’t hurt him imo. Being around the first team would also be good experience but I’m not sure Gerrard is that involved in the actual coaching. A loan would probably be the best if Villa sign a first choice DM this summer.

People have noticed Purslow’s fascination with star players when he was at Liverpool and how he enjoys being in their company. One would imagine it being awkward for Gerrard to be idolized by an older man, but it can obviously be beneficial for both parts. So no, they’re definitely not mates. The best description is probably Purslow being Gerrard’s sugar daddy.

Or give the players a proven manager so they can be fairly judged? Whichever comes first, I guess.

Low possession stats are usually a consequence of not pressing much, allowing the other team longer possession sequences. The midfield is only one part of it.

The good thing about pissing Buendia off is he seems to be the type who is motivated by that. Also, he’s unlikely to have better alternatives right now.

Yeah that’s the type of situation he used to be very realiable in, but not now. Playing out from the back has never been his thing and maybe never will be.

One of our best players today. That’s not saying much but still.

There may be some similarities to United. United obviously are a crap team now, but it’s not for lack of investing. They have for years signed players and then let their individual development stall or even crash. No player development or coaching means once talented players deteriorate. Don’t want to see Villa and Gerrard repeat those mistakes. A player’s quality isn’t set in stone from birth, it must be maintained and developed. I’m starting to question Gerrard’s ability as a leader. A good leader must be able to bring a group together, but right now those players don’t look like a confident or determined group at all.

He would probably do better if he was in better shape, but you’d hope they could work on that between games? It may be harsh but it’s up to him to work hard, get in shape, and grab the chances off the bench.

Happy to see someone voted for Nakamba as MotM!

West Ham are often rightly praised for their physicality, but they’re also proof you need more dimensions to be a really good team. Being physical could be more effective against lesser teams, but less so against quality teams with players who can avoid and get around you. Also not sure Villa are that nice to play against (except for the fact we don’t score goals…) I don’t think Cash, Mings, McGinn or Ramsey are nice to meet.

Still surprised so many want to see Buendia and Coutinho together. The last three games they started were Arsenal, Watford and Newcastle. My memories from those is congestion around the box, players trying to thread a needle.

We have though! I know Olsen played those behind the scenes games against Molde and Brentford a month or so ago. We’re undefeated with Olsen! Ben Chrisene is obviously undefeated with the senior team as well, but that may be a weak argument to start him now if he’s not ready.

Best news this week.

Quite a few defenders on the list responsible for moving the ball up the pitch. Defenders who aren't on the ball as much, like Konsa, don't risk making as many errors.

I'd say starting a youngster without preparing him enough could be a bigger reason to be critical (don't think it will happen). Hope he gets some minutes later in the game though.

So he could be back in time to beat Man City. This injury is a real pain. Young has done well many times this season but at left back he's a liability, opponents target him.

I don't have a clue about the intensity here or there, so it's not "gospel". Targett could be telling it how he sees it, or trying to please his current employer or whatever. I noted that SG could see it as Targett implying Villa's training isn't as intense. Maybe SG doesn't see it like that, he may have other things on his mind. And I don't care because that wasn't the point. It was an article where Targett was praised, leading to a discussion about what a dig is. You seem to scan everything for hints in this battle between Gerrard loyalists and haters and it's tiresome.

Long article about Targett in The Athletic today as well. Main takeaways: Newcastle fans want him signed, Howe may still be undecided. Article commenters suggest it’s tactical play so Villa don’t up the price.

If he thought Villa's training was equally intense, why would he have noticed the intensity of Newcastle's training? Why mention it then?

Yeah, agreed. The main thing is that Targett will sign permanently.

It's true players and managers are media trained almost like politicians and only say what is expected. Targett may not have meant to say Villa's training isn't as good. But Gerrard, his staff and Villa players will definitely read his quotes. Like when Grealish arrived at Man City and kept talking about how amazing it was to have such brilliant team mates.