Been a problem for a while that we are set up looking for the perfect, low-risk pass to make to break the lines - and only take more chances with our passing when we need an late equaliser or winner
0-0 HT. Awful match. We've had plenty of possession, but created nothing against a very negative home side. They'll be much the happier team, in my opinion.
I’ve never really seen what a lot of fans see with him. I wouldn’t be massively gutted to see him sold in the future if the club got a big offer
The midfield hasn’t done anywhere near enough, I think Maddison - like Bentancur - has been rushed back, lot of rustiness from a usually silky player. Romero and Kulu also really disappointing. Udogie been very good, Johnson probably having his best starting performance and van de Ven typically good. In total lots of the ball but not tested Martinez once, very poor.
Lots of possession, Johnson is frightening them down the left with Udogie, but we haven't created a real chance. Defensively VdV has been brilliant, but Bissouma is an accident waiting to happen.
No real chances created by either side but Villa will be happier as they have us exactly where they want us. We're a strange mix of some players playing superbly (VDV, Porro, Udogie and Johnson), others who are just not influencing the game enough (Kulusevski, Son, Maddison, Sarr) and others who are a massive liability (Romero and Bissouma). I'm rapidly running out of patience with the former Brighton man. He adds nothing at either end of the pitch and has given the ball away at least 3 times leading to dangerous situations. Sarr started really well but has tailed off since being booked for slipping on the wet turf. Johnson has been superb, and on his weaker side. Son, Maddison and Kulusevski need to step up in a big way. They are supposedly the players with the tools to unpick a low block, but we're just not seeing it.
We’re playing confidently and wanting lots of the ball, but that’s about it. Some sloppy play just in front of the defensive, where we are lucky to have VDV mopping up. But going forward… Villa look comfortable dealing with us. We don’t look quite sure how to break them down.
VDV's performances are showing him up tbh. Stacked up alongside the likes of Dier and Sanchez, Romero could be easily mistaken for prime Maldini. The Dutchman has a much higher ceiling and it is plainly obvious to see.
In his partial defence, there’s not been much to aim for in the box. Could’ve done better with the low cross that went straight to Martinez though.
