21 Nov 2020 17:07:19
We really need to be smarter, especially at home. We look like we've got to win the game in the first 30 minutes. The wins against Liverpool, Leicester and Arsenal are then wasted with results like this.
Excuses? Grealish looked tired, so did one or two other returning internationals. Barkley going off didn't help. It's s why we need to strengthen in January.
Never a penalty. Correct decision.
We had enough chance first half to have won this comfortably. When those don't go in it adds pressure when they take their chances. Then we're chasing the game. Who's up next? West Ham. Probably turn them over. So frustrating.
21 Nov 2020 17:20:02
Disagree on the penalty mate, for me it's 100% a peno! But that's why we love this game :-)
For me we need to look at a left back, Targett is so soft, almost afraid to put his foot in, we need warriors (see Matty Cash)!
On to West Ham, that game will suit us better as West Ham will come at us, need to regroup! Been a great start but no points from Leeds, Brighton and Southampton (AT HOME! ) is simply not good enough!
21 Nov 2020 17:20:45
Sorry but this shows why the regular posters have issues. Yes, we were naive defensively one or twice. Mcginn wasn't at his best and it showed why Jack shouldn't be central as he didn't have space.
The main thing is that while we missed a few chances, we did play well and in the end the refs stole a penalty from us.
As a former referee that is almost 100% a penalty. The connection with the ball is neither a block or controlled tackle and if not for the follow through we would have maintained control of the ball. Poor decision does not even begin to describe it, especially when he had the benefit if the review.
21 Nov 2020 17:31:29
Agreed RK, definitely a peno for me! Also, spot on regarding the game - Similar to Southampton, lapses of concentration and some world class finishing have cost us. It's not good enough losing 3 in a row at home to teams we should be beating but the performances (bar Leeds) have typically be good. We need to get a win against West Ham to Kickstart the season again!
21 Nov 2020 17:33:21
I think you have to remember the incident shortly before Lamptey was red carded. Trez clearly elbowed a Brighton defender in the face and the ref missed it.
Perhaps the VAR team mentioned that to Oliver before he looked at the replay and changed his mind.
21 Nov 2020 17:55:55
Totally agree on Trez, got away with that. At the same time Targett was elbowed right before his yellow ard also.
21 Nov 2020 18:01:39
It is what it is-a sluggish performance. Ok going forward, not at the races when defending, a few loose showings today. We can blame meaningless international breaks (which they are) but we can't have things both ways. We want better players, we get them then invariably they get called up for international duty. The clever ones are those that pull out because of injury but are fit again for their clubs and will still get selected next time. Maybe a stronger supporting cast may of allowed Deano to freshen things up a bit. Saying that Luiz has jetted to Brazil and back but still looked one of our better players today.
21 Nov 2020 18:08:58
Doug had energy and was decent overall but I really feel like he is the defining factor in the defensive naivety.
He showed at the back end of last season his strengths as a defensive mid who drops into the holes and covers the spaces. This season he is pushing further forward and leaving those gaps.
21 Nov 2020 18:17:09
Think he’s trying to do McGinn’s job as well, who was a passenger for large parts of the game. I’m amazed he wasn’t substituted.
21 Nov 2020 18:31:29
Mcginn was definitely off it tonight and think Smith should have brought Conor on for Barkley and left Traore as the impact sub.
I still think any other day we have 4 or 5 and win the match. Too many glorious chances to bemoan the performance, just didn't take them for once.
21 Nov 2020 18:31:35
McGinn was poor today, gave the ball away cheaply on numerous occasions and you know it's not your day when Jack does the same. I observed Mings closely today and in one 5 minute period every ball he played to his fellow defenders was behind them causing them to turn back and slow our movement forward. I know its probably picking flies but one day it would be nice when Mings and McGinn, great servants that they are, no longer see themselves as being untouchable and it may stop the sometimes lacklustre performances they put in.
21 Nov 2020 18:49:42
Think RK has hit the nail on the head with every post here.
21 Nov 2020 20:15:53
Think everyone watching agreed judging by socials, not just Villa fans, everyone, it was as clear cut penalty as you’ll see! Just because you touch the ball, if you don’t “get†the ball, if you take the man after, it’s a foul. The ball stayed directly infront of Trez, if the player doesn’t clip him he gets a shot away.
Plain and simple by the rule book it’s a foul everywhere on the pitch.