Aston Villa 1 - 2 Spurs : BBC Match Report

[CrazyHeart]

Well, Poch has to bite the bullet as the two said captains are not performing, and performance is what counts.

I'd say it's performance AND leadership. I see leadership in Kaboul, but none whatsoever in Ade.

 

[Block D Spurs]

The villa goal was bad defending by Capoue, let the player run away from him. Again we are carrying 2 or 3 players, Ade, Ericsson, Kaboom. Ade should have scored the chance when through onto goal, he made bad effort, Ericsson no impression really, Kabul, too slow.

 

[TimJ]

I thought we were very average. When I look through the team and compare it to what we had just a a few seasons ago I suppose I should not be surprised. We have average players all over the pitch and on the bench. None of Naughton, Kaboul, Capoue, Rose, Chadli or Soldado would have had any hope of getting into our team of a few seasons ago ... and even our best players are not as good as our best players of before, Lloris asside.

I know there were some good moments and Kane coming on to win it at the death was a super result, but the truth is I am not enjoying watching the team as much as I did a few seasons back and actually fell asleep and missed 20 mins of the second half. That never would have happened before.

 

[ginola007]

I thought we were very average. When I look through the team and compare it to what we had just a a few seasons ago I suppose I should not be surprised. We have average players all over the pitch and on the bench. None of Naughton, Kaboul, Capoue, Rose, Chadli or Soldado would have had any hope of getting into our team of a few seasons ago ... and even our best players are not as good as our best players of before, Lloris asside.

Before, when we were behind, we'd say: "give the ball to Bale." Now, there is no one, and frankly, aside from set pieces (from which we scored the two goals), it was hard to see where our goals could come from.

 

[DEFchenkOE]

Totally agree. Townsend can be infuriating but at least he is a presence. He can press high and has the intensity, pace and desire to afford the full back some cover.

Mason and Kane are the first names on the team sheet right now for me.

I would be tempted to try and bed these lads into the system with Bentaleb and use the season as transitional. We just look so lacking in fight without them.

I definitely think Bentaleb or Stambouli should be given a run next to Mason. We need someone that can sit while Mason helps get the team ticking and makes those late runs into the box which has proved very effective.

Capoue does't seem to have enough urgency or determination about him.

 

[beuller]

Before, when we were behind, we'd say: "give the ball to Bale." Now, there is no one, and frankly, aside from set pieces (from which we scored the two goals), it was hard to see where our goals could come from.

We would have had Modric constantly playing forwards and getting the ball in difficult positions. We'd have had vdv looking to for slide rule passes. Bale and Lennon breaking fast.

The bottom line was we had players who understood how we were meant to play.

That 442 yesterday was so ill-disciplined.

 

[parj]

For my two pence worth....

Capoue - he's not a destroyer, can't pass to a high level, isn't quick and doesn't create. I just don't understand what he brings to the team. While I completely understand midfield is about balance and partnerships but with Mason being very progressive and active in his play he does need a sitter along side him. Something that Benji can do and at least effect the game in a positive way.

totally agree on Capoue. I was watching him very closely because when you get over run in midfield so often you need to have a look at the DM and CM.

in the 14th minute there was a typical Capoue moment. so 14th minute, players should still be fresh and lots of energy. Villa are attacking. Soldado, Chadli and Eriksen are in our defensive third and no sign of Capoue. 2 Villa players run into the screen followed by Capoue jogging back. No urgency at all, not determination to get back. 16th minute, same again and doesnt have the common sense to see the centre back doubling up so go fill in for him - GOAL.

The Defensive Midfielder is such an important role, and its the one that keeps the team fighting and bullys the other team. Capoue does not do that. Any defensive midfielder strolling after 15 minutes should not be playing. If anything, this is the tactical brain, he can see all the play, he is involved in all the play so needs to be aware of the players around him. there is none with this player. There is a reason PSG and Monaco didnt sign him.

The problem with Capoue is, he actually has good football ability, but just doesnt get stuck in. This actually make Mason look even better.

 

[tomo]

The defence is the main problem and that includes our defensive mid. Kaboul, Rose, Capoue and Vertonghen are all liabilities. Lloris is world class and naughton, compared to Dier, is ok at right back until Walker comes back.
Not sure what he can do with Kaboul after making him club captain but I would think about starting Davies and Stambouli for a few games

 

[TheChosenOne]

totally agree on Capoue. I was watching him very closely because when you get over run in midfield so often you need to have a look at the DM and CM.

in the 14th minute there was a typical Capoue moment. so 14th minute, players should still be fresh and lots of energy. Villa are attacking. Soldado, Chadli and Eriksen are in our defensive third and no sign of Capoue. 2 Villa players run into the screen followed by Capoue jogging back. No urgency at all, not determination to get back. 16th minute, same again and doesnt have the common sense to see the centre back doubling up so go fill in for him - GOAL.

The Defensive Midfielder is such an important role, and its the one that keeps the team fighting and bullys the other team. Capoue does not do that. Any defensive midfielder strolling after 15 minutes should not be playing. If anything, this is the tactical brain, he can see all the play, he is involved in all the play so needs to be aware of the players around him. there is none with this player. There is a reason PSG and Monaco didnt sign him.

The problem with Capoue is, he actually has good football ability, but just doesnt get stuck in. This actually make Mason look even better.

Perhaps Capoue doesn't realise that every time Rose goes forward he is going to give away free possession of up to a quarter of the playing field because of a howler/unforced error ?

 

[parj]

Capoue should be shielding the defenders. its his job. The full backs are the ones that bomb forward. Capoue is always out of position. and thats fine, if he's going to bust a gut to get back, but if you are going to jog back then stay in your position and protect the defence.

 

[Mullers]

We spent 100 million pounds and don't have a player who can win the ball in midfield??? Jesus christ! Sherwood's idea of bringing back Livermore and getting rid of Capoue, doesn't seem so silly now.

 

[sak11]

I have to admit that I was pretty unhappy with lamela and mason in their behaviour leading to benteke red card... We are so disjointed - Poch has a lot of work to do

 

[Gaz_Gammon]

I'd like Poch to give Bentaleb a chance alongside Mason. Either that or Mason and Strombo. Poch cannot continue with Capoue in my opinion. As for Kaboul, well don't even get me started on that useless ...............

We really have no clue what to do with the ball once it goes out to the wing and though Townsend comes in for a lot of stick he and Harry ran at the Villa defence when they came on. Depending on the opposition i would start Mason, and Strombo, with Chadli and Townsend on either wing and rotate Lamela and Eriksen depending on who we play. Kane simply has to start.

I'd bring in Davies, hopefully we get Walker back and then pair Fazio with Verts. Kaboul can play ball boy and EL footie from now on.

Poch simply has to change that back four who were again left wanting.