Afternoon all. No need for Diaz, we need to strengthen the defence if Farke doesn’t like Cresswell, Cooper beginning to fade and with Ayling being phased out. Need a left back, another right back if Djed is as injury prone as he seems to be and probably a centre back to cover Rodon / Struijk.
Norwich achieved back to back that season (Southampton the following) and wouldn't say we were in top 2 all season Lichaj, Bannan and Livermore in on loan and Andy O'Brien on a permanent. Ken did his best but just wasn't good enough
Starting back left : Sabella,?, Hird,Parlane,Lukic,Eddie,Cherry,Connor Graham,Flynn,Hart,?,?, Harris. Feel I know the 3 unknowns, but my 68 yr old brain matter is failing me.
Watched a lot of Newcastle that season and I'd say they were still playing well, however for some reason they just weren't able to get the results their good play probably deserved. No idea if that was down to tweaking the team or just the pressure of being leaders though.
Regarding strengthening in January this is how it seems to me; Darlow - waiting patiently for his chance. Spence, Firpo, Shackleton, Cresswell, Cooper & Ayling - all no doubt desperate to play. Gruev - same as Darlow, a new signing showing patience but will want to impress once given the opportunity. Gnonto, Bamford, Antony - pushing hard to get in the starting eleven. That's 11 players who are not getting starts but are training hard and are ready when needed.
Yeh it’s football - form and luck comes and goes. That side was great going forward but not the best defensively and at some point it catches up with you. I’m sure the pressure had a lot to do with it.
Hopefully @Eireleeds1 hasn't chosen tonight to message his Villa supporting son-in-law to tell him how much better life is in the Championship
Actually without Dean Smith, Grealish & Tyrone Mings the Villa are just about bearable at the moment. Good luck to anyone taking on the oil clubs and giving them a good kicking
I’m struggling to convince him. Must admit I’ve watched bits of a few of their games. Emery done a great job
....never minded the villa back in the day with Andy gray,Brian little and Peter withe etc (probably to early for you) and to be fair it's a good old ground with a proper atmosphere, always liked going there.....spoilt by the knobs you have mentioned though
They still have the time waster-in-chief Martinez in goal though. Can’t stand the arrogant twat. Good keeper though tbf.
