18 Jun 2020 18:10:16
Couple of points, regarding the goal that wasn't, if we were to survive by a point or Sheffield miss out on Europe all we will hear at the end of the season that hawkeye's error changed the outcome of the season The incident was in the first half, nothing to say Villa may have been far more attacking for the rest of the game and may have scored to get a point anyway and maybe gone on to win it. So if it had happened with the last kick of the game the arguments would be valid otherwise its pure speculation, so that should be the end of it (doubt if that will be the case though) . Secondly like many I was looking forward to the resumption of the season, hoping foolishly that things would improve, I can honestly say that I am dreading Sunday, Chelseas 9 on the bench will all be better than our starting 11, there can only be one outcome, pessimistic? definitely not, realistic almost certainly.
18 Jun 2020 18:45:09
Great point about the timing of the goal that wasn`t Scotty, and I totally agree mate.
On your second point, last night was a big let down I felt, and as soon as I heard the team news the writing was on the wall in my eyes.
We all wanted something that it appears will never happen, changes.
So yes I think we are now in big big trouble, I will remain hopeful as long as there are points to be won, but confident I am not.
18 Jun 2020 19:21:08
Villadave I agree for once with you. we don't get enough players in the box we play players out of place all the time and I would love smith to do well but his just not good enough kortney house should be know where near a premier league team his crap. Why didn't he play elmo instead putting a left footed player at rbk. Grealish not a winger! Time to plan for next year!
18 Jun 2020 19:48:39
Dave, I'm with you and I think fans need to take a bid dose of realism and prepare for the season to finish far from that we had hoped for back in August. Money doesn't appear to have worked so I hope that the owners look at a three year plan to include an emphasis on younger talent, with a complete review on coaching staff at all levels .
18 Jun 2020 20:19:07
Yeah Scotty, I think so mate, It would not surprise me, if the wheels are not already in motion.
It will be interesting if nothing else, to what route is taken.
20 Jun 2020 11:49:07
We've had a great opportunity to reinvent the way we play and it's been totally wasted - Yes we looked slightly more robust defensively but it's the same formation that we have played all season - Smith will not change, I love the guy for what he has done for us but at this level you need a manager who is flexible in the way he approaches each game.
I still believe we have enough to stay up if we change our approach - Diamond in midfield with 2 up top would cause teams problems, I'm convinced.
Nyland
Guilbert, Konsa, Mings, Targett
Douglas
McGinn, Hourihane
Grealish
Samatta, Davis.
20 Jun 2020 14:28:10
Yes BK, I agree mate, the difference in my team would be Lansbury for Luiz, I can`t be asked with him, for me he is 6 hours late with a pass.
But we need freshness introduced at some point, we are very predictable, 2 or 3 youngsters on the bench, the opportunity is there take it.
20 Jun 2020 17:57:35
Worst defence in the league!
What does Smith do?
Plays 4 at the back with no one available to get back behind the back line. Leaves us with just 4.
Three at the back plus two old fashioned full backs, not wing backs, would make us tighter.
Smith is lost, he is unable to change his style on the fly.
The team played oK, not well, just OK. Tested the keeper a few times but as usual had no luck.
Have we got a hard man for the defence?
Have we got players that look for space?
Have we got players that would "die" for the shirt?
Have we got many players with passion?
Too many "no's" for answers.