After two outstanding performances, I have to say I'm was quite underwhelmed and even disappointed by Barton's performance this afternoon. Yes Villa were more organised than Wolves, but where was the energy and desire that was so evident during his first two matches. Whilst it may appear unfair, and indeed we cannot expect a stellar performance every week, a minimum level of commitment can and should be evident from our Captain. His free kicks and general distribution were poor, and I can barely remember him effecting the game in either half. If anything, I expected Tabby to put in less effort once the chips were down; however, he performed well again and was unlucky not to score. Hopefully Joey will be back on track next week.
He was ok in the first half but Villa pushed forward in the 2nd half and Barton was limited to a more defensive role as our attackers became anonymous, he can't be star of the show every week. Taarbs and SWP had little or no impact in the 2nd half...
I dont think anyone stood out today. swp didn't get as much space as he did vs wolves or Newcastle. I'd give our motm to paddy purely for the save from bannon.
Joey seemed to play today like his heart wasn't in it, i understand he left Newcastle with a heavy heart but I would like to see a little more commitment from him
Agree with that. Thought Joey, SWP, AD were all quiet. Also thought that Faurlin gave the ball away far too much (unless i got him mixed up with Joey because i couldn't see that well). Thought Jay B held the ball up well and won headers but really needs to start scoring because a lot of work was wasted. Still cannot moan because i would rather be getting a 1-1 draw with Villa in the Premiership than be watching my team in the championship. Watched 2 games in that league now and hope we never go back. You really don't exist in that league and i must say the standard is so poor. Million miles away now.
Jesus Christ we're not brazil! Get a grip lads. Villa are one of 6 sides never relegated from the prem and for over half the game we mocked them. We took another valuable point and SWP and Barton cant be imperious week after week. Are you 100% every day at work ? Thought not. Get real and support warnock 8 points and 9th is beyond my expectations after the wigan & Bolton games. Unbeaten in 3 and robbed by a **** ref
I think you're being too harsh. He put in quite a lot of effort today and again ran a hell of a lot (he was all over the place, was he not?) but he wasn't as focused today. He was also targeted a lot by the big oafs in the Villa team. I really am starting to see how much he's targeted! Everyone's after him.
No doubt that the team are in a great position, and Barton has been excellent in the two previous matches. Not asking for an "imperious display" every week, no-one expects that; however much Joey ran about he seemed to me rather like his concentration on the game was not there - an abscene that was reflected in his distribution and the amount of time he wasn't on the ball. What I'm saying is that he lacked concentration and focus - not that he didn't dribble the ball from half-way and score - like Brazil. Still, a point against Villa is a good result - though undoubtedly we need to hit the back of the net at home
Bloody Hell, I must have been watching a different game! Inkedupp in particular paints a depressing picture. We're light-years away from where we were last season. Okay we have to be as we're now Premier League but when I watch us now I EXPECT to see good football, link-up play, crossing etc. For the last decade and a half I would've been delighted to see a player find a team-mate 10 yards away! We have a very useful side now that will continue to improve over the months.
It's a difficult one for sure - Bothroyd's played well over the last few games, but he definitely should have scored against Newcastle, and the header today should have been on target. Quite easy to criticize, obviously, but could cost us in the long run. Campbell could get a few, looks lively for sure: not sure which way to go though, Bothroyd looks like he desperately needs a goal
Perhaps I was a bit harsh - and we've definitely got a team worthy of the Prem nowadays- I just felt that in comparison with Faurlin and Derry, who managed to maintain their level of performance a bit more Barton was pretty anonymous. Obviously he can't dominate every week, but he seemed out of kilter too me at any rate.
agree with playing DJ but that would mean a formation change. Too small to be upfront on his own (IMO). I really like the midfield at the moment and it would mean dropping one of them and play 442. Was thinking about that today, i hate not using DJ because he is a proven goal scorer at this level and that's whats needed but i think atm our midfield is top stuff.
Didn't Blackpool play with just Campbell up front in a three? I'm not quite sure. It may be worth at least a half as an experiment, at the very least. Perhaps his pace would add an extra dimension to our attack - certainly Adel can play a decent through ball. Overall, however, I just think we need to shoot more!! Pretty basic statement but look how many goals get deflected in: Lampard's made a career from it!
Very basic statement. But it couldn't be closer to the point. That's exactly what we need to do. Well spotted mate.
Some of our play particularly in the first half was very pleasing on the eye, Villa were as solid in defence as Wolves were woeful last week. Small margins make such a difference in the Premiership, their pen isn´t given, the handball by Hutton is and we could have had all 3 points. As it is, satisfied with a draw and pleased the boys kept going and earned their just reward.
You just have to look at Luke Young when we got our equaliser (which he himself made happen with a great run into the box and applying necessary pressure on their defense), the way he celebrared, bare in mind this was against the team he's just left. No political correctnes with the non celebrations, but a real sincere joy when it went in. Just wish Joey could show the same happiness of being a hoop
