Just Look at the League Table and Enjoy It - Notes for Aston Villa Friday, 24th Nov 2017 11:18 by HarryFromBath HarryFromBath assesses the mood in the opposition camp ahead of Saturday’s game at Villa Park by delving into their forums. “These are pretty happy times considering the last couple of years”, “This positive feeling is weird and unfamiliar”, “We don’t look like a fourth-in-the-league team, but we are scrapping away in every game and that hopeless feeling is slowly being forgotten”, “That is eight wins in 11 games now.” Villa go into Saturday’s game fourth in the table, having had back-to-back wins this week at QPR on Saturday and at home to Sunderland on Tuesday. Many West Midlanders are struggling to equate their elevated league position with the quality of the football they have been watching. “Our recovery is far from complete. We are stuttering and disjointed”, “Close your eyes, cross your fingers, count the points and repeat after me: ‘A win is a win’”, “Good teams win ugly occasionally when they happen to have a bad day when a lesser team would lose. We play ugly every week.” Many fans were scathing about the manner of the win over Sunderland, but this provoked a reaction from others. “Oh look, a win, ‘but it’s not the win we wanted’. It’s Bruce-ball and it’s rarely going to be scintillating. The last thing I am interested in right now is whether the football is pretty enough.” “You have to battle in this league”, “We have had years of turgid rubbish on the pitch and ownership problems off it, making us a laughing stock of English football. I’m amazed that people aren’t buzzing with the way things are progressing. It’s not perfect but we are winning football matches. Regularly.” Steve Bruce“There are plenty of fans who would enjoy the games more if they didn’t dislike Bruce so much”, “He has got numerous teams promoted from the Championship playing exactly the way we are playing now”, “This is a results business, and Bruce has got results so far in the way I expected him to do.”  Steve Bruce with Mick“Slowly, slowly, Bruce is turning the ship around.” The 56-year-old took over at Villa Park in October 2016, replacing Roberto di Matteo who was sacked after a brief and ill-fated reign. Claret and Blues appreciate the team’s stability and new-found sense of direction but still don’t trust their manager. “I find Bruce really frustrating. He has done goo work getting the defence solid and organised but against that we play uninspiring football. He has done well to find a first team formula but he has no Plan B”, “His tactical decisions and especially his substitutions are confusing to say the very least.” “His style of play is garnering results. Our form in the last 10 games is second only to Wolves who are top, but Bruce is awful and we are going nowhere”, “He is the best man for us right now but his limitations are there for all to see”, “No way would I let him spend our Premier League money.” Some fans recognise the progress he has made. “I understand the thinking that he’s a dull manager, but it is irrational banging on about how awful he is given the form we are in”, “Most games have been mediocre in terms of their entertainment but Bruce has added mental strength to this squad.” Pretty Basic Football“How we play is how Bruce plays”, “Our ball retention is poor and there is no sign of it improving”, “We look like a team that doesn’t trust passing football as an idea. ‘Get it down the flanks or bang it up to the striker’ would be the extent of our tactical discussion based on the Sunderland game.” “We don’t work hard enough off the ball and we allow teams too much space in which to play”, “Our poor off-the-ball movement is the main reason we lose possession so much. There are never enough options. It’s three or four passes, then the ball gets played into the box or it is given away.” “We allow ourselves to get closed down too easily to make a pass-and-move game work. We need to create space and work the ball”, “We simply don’t have much ability in passing the ball. We defend okay and work hard off the ball, but the rest is down to hoping for a mistake or winning a set-piece.” JohnstoneHuttonChesterSambaTaylorSnodgrassWhelanHourihaneAdomahOnomahDavis
Bruce has played with four at the back in recent games, but injuries to strikers Jonathan Kodjia and Scott Hogan have forced him to switch from starting with a front two to using Keinan Davis as a lone striker with Josh Onomah in behind him in the starting XI (above) against both QPR and Sunderland. “John Terry has been taken to hospital with a suspected broken bone in his foot.” The loss of the ex-England captain and centre-half until the new year is seen as a huge blow. He has knitted the backline together with his leadership. Fans have noted that errors at the back have crept in without him. Terry has been replaced by Christopher Samba, who can also drift up front late on if the team needs a goal. James Chester is a solid centre-half but the full-backs carry question marks, namely the speed of Ahmed Elmohamady, the temperament of Neil Taylor and the technical ability of Alan Hutton. Glenn Whelan and Conor Hourihane in central midfield offer steel and energy respectively but many fans feel that they don’t contribute enough creatively. Jack Grealish has impressed fans with his directness in recent cameo appearances after coming back from a kidney injury sustained in pre-season. “When Albert Adomah and Robert Snodgrass are on their game, we can fire from both sides of the pitch.” West Midlanders see their experienced wide players as a vital component in their attacking play, with both players recently contributing goals and assists when linking with Onomah and Davis, who spent time on trial with the Town academy before joining Villa from Biggleswade Town in December 2015. “Davis and Onomah are our two-man wrecking crew.” Fans have been pleased with the energy and physicality of a front pairing who are only 19 and 20 years of age. However, there were concerns over the poor display of Keinan Davis against Sunderland who “had a stinker and looked shattered”. Fatigue“We ran out of energy early on against Sunderland”, “We need to freshen it up against Ipswich. We looked very tired in the last 20 minutes on Tuesday night”, “The team looked leggy against Sheffield Wednesday just before the last international break. We struggle playing three games in a week.” Fans felt that fatigue played a role in their lacklustre display against the Wearsiders on Tuesday and want to see changes. “The players look exhausted playing so many games in a short space of time”, “Several players looked jaded and lacked energy and intensity. Clearly it’s time for some rotation.” Aston Villa 2 — 1 Sunderland“A game of hoof-ball and statues”, “Sunderland look terrible and we’re matching them”, “They were woeful and we were just a bit less awful than they were”, “This is the worst game I have ever seen us win”, “Not vintage, more a supermarket six-pack that gets the job done”, “That was ugly as hell.” “We got away with a shocking performance tonight.” Albert Adomah put the hosts ahead on 10 minutes when connecting with a Robert Snodgrass cross and Josh Onomah added a second for Villa on 49 with a deflected shot. Lewis Grabban hooked a goal back for the Wearsiders on 72 minutes. “Chris Coleman must be mad. Sunderland are one of the worst teams to come here in years.” Villa fans had some sympathy both forvisiting supporters and the new Sunderland boss. “They were woeful. I feel for their fans who are a good bunch”, “Play like that against Ipswich and we will definitely lose.” JohnstoneHuttonChesterSambaTaylorSnodgrassGrealishHourihaneJedinakOnomahElmohamady
“Samba’s up top now.” It’s worth noting Tuesday’s final XI (above) if only to give an indication of the Bruce’s rotation options. Davis and Adomah were taken off to conserve their legs, while Mile Jedinak and Ahmed Elmohamady hope to respectively represent Australia and Egypt at the next World Cup. QPR 1 — 2 Aston Villa“A cracking game, lots of chances from us and we could have won by five”, “The best performance of the Bruce reign, positive, dynamic, aggressive and thoroughly deserving the win”, “We scored, and then we kept looking to score”, “The first 25 minutes were dreadful, the next 65 were brilliant”, Jamie Mackie gave the West Londoners the lead on 18 minutes when he poked the ball home after Villa keeper Sam Johnstone failed to deal with a corner. Adomah levelled with a penalty in first half stoppage time after Jack Robinson handled and he added a second on 58, firing in off the back post. “A seriously enjoyable match.” The consensus among Claret and Blues was that this demonstrated Bruce’s football style at its best. “We were direct but with a purpose, putting QPR under pressure, creating chances and getting players in the box”, “We sorted ourselves out after we conceded.” Aston Villa 1 — 2 Sheffield Wednesday“Not long back, it was one of those days when things didn’t go in any way to plan”, “We were poor in the first half and Sheffield Wednesday took full advantage of it”, “A bad day at the office and I think fatigue played a role in this”, “It didn’t help that the crowd got on their backs in the first half.” Owls were delighted to win at a difficult away venue just before the international break, but Claret and Blues were frustrated with a weary display in which many felt that Bruce got his tactics wrong. Adam Reach gave Wednesday the perfect start, rifling home after only 18 seconds had elapsed. Jordan Rhodes added a second with a shot into the bottom right corner on 23 and Villa pulled a consolation goal back from makeshift striker Samba deep into second-half stoppage time. News that John Terry would be out until the new year with a foot injury added to the gloom. JohnstoneElmohamadyChesterTerryHuttonSnodgrassWhelanHourihaneAdomahHoganDavis
“What’s the point of a squad if you are not going to use it when playing three games in seven days?” Bruce’s starting XI (above) included 10 of the team which began in their 2-0 win at Preston four days earlier. Scott Hogan, now sidelined after stomach surgery, was criticised for an ineffective display. Goalkeepers and Defenders“I know that Sam Johnstone has gone up in everyone’s estimation this season, but the last two goals we have conceded have been down to his inability to dominate his six-yard box.” The 24-year-old is having a second loan spell from Manchester United, after playing for Villa last season from January.  Sam JohnstoneThere is a concern that he may be missing John Terry. “Two games in a row now, Johnstone’s not as good as some make out”, “He has made match-winning saves but was back to last season’s form and showed poor concentration.” “He pulls off brilliant saves but can be very unsure of his positioning.” “Neil Taylor had a terrible game against Sunderland. He looked scared.” The 28-year-old ex-Swansea left-back “looked nervy and Sunderland kept finding space down his side”, “I’m not sure he played a decent ball or got down the wing all game”, “He continually lumps it forward when he’s on the ball.” Taylor was suspended for three matches after “a horrible uncontrolled challenge” against Bolton in September. “He’s either a little reckless or nasty. He has done a few of these and I’m not sure which it is”, “A limited player who is solid defensively and struggles when attacking, hoofing the ball out." “Ahmed Elmohamady has had more ups than downs this season. He struggles against pure pace but I like the way he never seems rattled. He’s cool as a cucumber and comfortable on the ball.” The 30-year-old ex-Hull City right-back “has a decent cross and is good enough against the leagues poorer sides”. “Elmohamady and has excellent aerial ability and can head with the best of them defending crosses and corners”, “He manages a fair few blocks per game and puts in some good crosses. He is not a world beater but a good squad player”, “He has a great understanding with Snodgrass on the right.” “You have to love Alan Hutton’s perseverance. He has the skin of a rhino.” The 32-year-old ex-Spurs right-back “lacks a lot on the skill side but you can’t question his consistent effort”, “It’s good to see a player give his all for a club which was cursed with a surfeit of wage-stealing good-for-nothings.” “Hutton has been safe in his use of the ball rather than giving it away”, “He is committed as always, getting forward and creating, sometimes through skill, sometimes through sheer will”, “He has more energy than Elmohamady but is slowing down and can’t get forward, it leaves him out of position.” “Ritchie De Laet is a decent left-back who can offer something going forward.” The 28-year-old ex-Leicester man injured a wrist in pre-season and has used as a bench option in some recent fixtures. “Bruce is nervous about throwing him into a full-blooded Championship game with so little football.” “I am praying the John Terry injury is not serious.” The 36-year-old former Chelsea man “is slow but he reads the game perfectly and has better positioning”, “His injury is a huge blow as he was really settling in and showing his class in the last month”, “He has given the defence so much confidence.”  John Terry“I know that Christopher Samba is slow and that’s an understatement, but he is a lump of a man and that is still worth something in the Championship.” The 33-year-old ex-Blackburn defender “is just a rock. What he lacks in ability he makes up for in sheer size”, “He gives me the heebie-jeebies at the back.” “Samba is the worst defender in football, a man who can’t run and is way too easily turned”, “Every fibre of my being clenches when he has the ball at his feet”, “His first thought is always to hoof it but makes vital interceptions”, “He makes up for being a terrible defender with his ability as a striker.” James Chester“I like Chester but he’s too slow to be a Premier League regular. For this division he’s fine but his lack of pace has been exposed a few times.” The 28-year-old ex-West Brom centre-half “is not glamorous but he does his fair share of winning the ball and playing it simply. He also knows when to leather it.”  Britt Assombalonga (Middlesbrough) v James Chester“Chester holds our defence together and makes good interceptions. His superb tackles are brilliantly timed”, “He is very composed, but the only small gripe I have about him is that he has it in his locker to under-hit a pass”, “John Terry seems to trust James Chester and that is good enough for me.” Central Midfielders“While I know that Birkir Bjarnason performs for Iceland, he is one of the worst players I have ever seen pull on a Villa shirt”, “A pub player.” The 29-year-old former FC Basel man “is a competition winner having a lovely day out.” “Bjarnason has looked weak on the ball since day one”, “The physicality of this league doesn’t suit him and he shies out of 50/50s”, His touch is always heavy, he does not get the ball out of his feet and his passes are two yards behind players. Everything he does looks sluggish and a struggle.” “Glenn Whelan will never be a man to win fans over because his main strength is being in right place at the right time.” The 33-year-old ex-Stoke midfielder “is a quality player, ugly and hard-working instead of being all show and no substance”, “He is a negative player and seldom plays creative passes.” “Whelan is not eye-candy as a footballer”, “When you were a kid, there was always one player that had no real ability but everybody hated to play against because he was everywhere and always in your face. You would rather have him in your team even though he was awful. Whelan is our man.” “Mile Jedinak nullifies threats and add some solidity.” The 33-year-old former Crystal Palace man “wins everything in the air and is a monster”, “His strengths are his heading and positioning but he is terrible with the ball and doesn’t have the range of passing or the engine to play in a 4-4-2 shape.”  Mile Jedinak“Jedinak monsters the ball and his nearest opponent before it has landed”, “He is suited to bigger games where we drop a bit deep, but further up the pitch his mobility is exposed”, “A decent option to replace Terry in defence”, “He can’t pass, but he makes us resilient and his head is a superpower.” “Josh Onomah is inconsistent but when he makes an impact, boy does he.” The 20-year-old is on a season-long loan from Spurs. “He makes a lot of mistakes, which you would expect at his age, but he wants the ball all the time”, “He provides our creativity. Without him we can only counter at best.” “I have been impressed with the physical side of Onomah’s game. He plays his part with Davis roughing up opposition defenders”, “He always supports the play and gives an option when he has the ball, he holds it up well”, “He has anonymous games, but he adds dynamism to our midfield when on form.” “At least Jack Grealish is looking lively. It’s nice to have him back.” The 22-year-old youth product “was instantly on the ball and trying to make things happen against the Owls”, “He showed a bit of grit to keep the ball, looking forward to make his passes and always trying to take his defenders on.”  Jack Grealish v Luke Chambers“For the first time in his Villa career, Grealish is playing in a side with form and confidence”, “He has to take his chance. There are no more passengers in this side any more”, “He has it in him to be our best midfielder. The only question is if can he bring it out of himself”, “It’s now or never for Jack.” Conor Hourihane“The amount of ground Hourihane covers impresses me.” The 26-year-old former Town fringe player “is box-to-box for the entire 90 minutes. He has a phenomenal work-rate and puts himself about for a man who looks stick thin. His right foot is weak and that won’t improve at this stage. I’m happy with him.”  Conor Hourihane“Hourihane was terrible against Sunderland, his passing was woeful”, “He didn’t shy away from the game, but it was probably his worst display of the season”, “He is full of endeavour and a bit of flair but rarely influences games. He is capable of playing a decent through ball but is not a playmaker.” Wide Midfielders and Wingers“Albert Adomah’s goal return would be very good for a striker. For a winger it’s phenomenal.” The 29-year-old ex-Boro man “has been on another level this season”, “His consistency has impressed me since he settled on the left flank. He is now playing more like an inside forward than a winger.” “Adomah is a player you can rely on to have one or two moments in a game that will win you points. He is invaluable because of that”, “He’s not the best technically but he’s a proper athlete who keeps himself in great shape”, “He keeps getting into the right positions so the goals have started coming.” Robert Snodgrass“The best thing about Snodgrass, apart from his left foot, is how he can hold the ball and fend players off.” The 30-year-old former Canary “is a wily old fox and an important player for us”, “He shows lots of composure relieving pressure and keeping possession. He spreads the play and creates chances.”  Robert Snodgrass for former club Hull“Snodgrass was one of the only people to make things happen against Sunderland and came away with two assists”, “He’s a good crosser and set-piece taker, but has no pace and isn’t a great passer or dribbler. Opponents know he hasn’t got the pace go around the outside so his threat is nullified.” Strikers“No Kodjia, no goals. He must play when he returns.” The losses of Jonathan Kodjia and Scott Hogan have reduced Villa’s options in attack. Kodjia’s technique and his ability to be played in on the deck is a huge loss but Hogan has struggled. “It looks far more likely that Hogan won’t be a success here.” “Callum O’Hare looks lively.” The 19-year-old youth product as been a recent bench option. “He has very quick feet, can play team-mates in and he has a sharp football brain. However, he’s diminutive and it would be crazy to ruin him too early. The Neanderthals in this league would chop him down.” Keinan Davis“Davis starting is a no-brainer.” The 19-year-old youngster “has been nothing short of incredible lately”, “His outstanding hold-up play actually helps Bruce’s kick-and-rush style work”, “His boots are ball magnets, he is incredible at bringing others into play. Defenders are becoming terrified of him.”  Keinan Davis (L) and Scott Hogan“What a player, he’s only 19 but he takes people on, roughs up defenders and wins balls”, “He is still raw and his first touch can be League One standard. He needs to move more to create space, but we must get midfield support to him more quickly”, “We are so dependent on him given how we play.” Claret and Blues’ Views on ITFC and the Game“Did anyone watch Ipswich last night? They look poor at the back but they have some good players going forward. They love a diagonal ball to start their attacks and they like to get it out wide a lot. That is where their danger men are. Martyn Waghorn can also be a handful.” “Ipswich aren’t looking great tonight against Sheffield Wednesday.” A number of Claret and Blues watched our televised game against the Owls and most feel that they will have our measure. “That late goal conceded by Ipswich will have knocked the stuffing out of them.” “It could be a tough game, but I still expect us to win”, “We have beaten better teams and we will need to carry on beating them to get where we want, but this could be fairly tough and they are a solid and physical team”, “Having an extra day’s rest on Ipswich could be a huge advantage.” “I think Ipswich might shock us, a 0-1 Ipswich win”, “Ipswich are quite physical. They are good at set pieces and focus on getting the ball in the box from out wide. I reckon Bruce's game plan will be to let them have the ball and attack in numbers when we nick it back.” “Pragmatic Mick will come to shut us down and play anti-football. Ipswich average less possession than we do per game but despite being quite shot-shy they have scored the third highest amount of goals in the league this season. That's bizarre. “Unsurprisingly they have scored the most of set pieces in the league (nine with no penalties) and, shock horror, they have the largest number of long balls per game of any team. Their pass percentage is consequently very low as a result. “This won't be pretty, but if we can handle the long ball onslaught we can get at them because they are not great at the back. Ipswich pretty much rely on ‘you score, we score’ to get results.” “If Ipswich are as poor at keeping possession as we are, where is the ball going to go?”, “Flying over the midfielders’ heads fairly frequently, with some going into touch for throw-ins for good measure. It’s going to be 90 minutes of hot potato.” “As long as we win I don’t care, I think Steve Bruce has been more successful at hot potato over the years against one of his nearest competitors in Mick McCarthy.” WebsitesThere are a number of active and well-informed Villa message boards. Villa Talk is a straightforward forum to navigate and has some insightful discussions.
Photo: Action Images Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.
You need to login in order to post your comments |
   Blogs 295 bloggersIpswich Town Polls[ Vote here ] |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.We in turn value your personal details in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
