West Ham 1 - 0 Aston Villa - 18/08/2012 - Drab, but not bad.

West Ham 1 - 0 Aston Villa - (18/08/2012)

A match with spurts of quality (not from Villa) fizzled out into drabness with West Ham the happier.

The first 20 minutes gave no clue to the rest of the game, Aston Villa passed well, drew West Ham out and ignored the physical capability of West Ham's outfit.
Yet 4 minutes later West Ham clearly felt Villa's passing game would not take them into the final third and they pushed up accordingly.
Long balls to the effective Cole allowed Nolan to be a nuisance and Villa never worked out how to crack their shape. As soon as Diame found his feet the midfield was closed leaving Villa out of ideas.
Set pieces had West Ham invigorated and on the 40th minute a flick on ending up dropping to Nolan who wasn't wasting his opening day gift.

To be honest there wasn't much to toast from a Villa perspective; they looked stifled and lacked a plan B, they used the long ball a little more in the second half, and big hearts helped them get up the pitch but there was no real consistent working of a plan.
Ireland was involved and look lively, El Ahmadi was insightful but always on the back foot and N'Zogbia spent much of the game allowing West Ham to get back in defence. Changes to the line-up did little to stimulate the Villains, Gardner had a horrible 15 minutes, Bannan tried but had no runners and Weimann, like Bent in the first half had nothing to feed off.
The passing was fine, the attitude was excellent but without wingers, or players who take on their defenders the staleness were evident.
Albrighton and Agbonlahor were real misses, both create space and drag defenders and this should be a thought for the future, perhaps Carruthers future.

West Ham were well drilled, strong on the ball and played decent football, they closed the game and the fans were even treated to a goal line clearance from Nathan Baker when Maiga rounded Given.
Vaz Te was a constant thorn and constantly worked the Villa defence, even Demel felt his position as defender was safe and made the right wing his own.
Whether this ploy will work all season is a question for 37 games time but West Ham start with 3 points and a good blend of characters. Nolan, Noble and Diame certainly make up for any defensive concerns.

James Collins left with a smile on his face, with his opposite numbers pondering the next game; Clark looked nervous and Vlaar over exuberant.
Allardyce probably expected a tougher game, and was surprised to come out with a clean sheet and 3 points, I don't think Lambert will be too concerned, this was always a test and certain tactical changes will take time, perhaps with a signing or two.

A deserved 3 points for West Ham, but as a Villa fan it was great to see the team passing even if these first 5 games might be a hard watch.

McLeish away! Are we similar to the Browns? Can Shurmur unlock the Scots potential?

Randy Lerner has sent Alex McLeish to the US to exchange ideas/learn from Cleveland Browns coach Pat Shurmur. The exchange will see Big Eck monitor a coach with similar troubles and pressures.

The Browns have had an average to poor season, haven’t excited too much and concerns about tactics have always been in question.
Though both managers share similar sporting disappointments there is one clear difference to their style; Shurmur has the fortitude to share examples of his own failures and recognise his development potential.

Comments from Shurmur such as,

"We have to play smarter" and “We can't be our own worst enemy. That's an important thing to learn.” 

echo in the opinionated minds of Aston Villa fans; McLeish so rarely criticises his team and is yet to recognise his own mistakes with tangible actions.

The recent Man City defeat was an apt example of Aston Villa’s play this season and even post match questions to McLeish exampling his lack of attacking ambition did little to encourage the manager to recognise his errors.

“I thought the players executed the plan really well and the discipline was fantastic”.

“We were never going to go gung-ho against City because we just don’t have the players to do that.”

Dwight Yorke politely disagreed with McLeish in the post match analysis and his studio colleagues offered no disagreement to the Villa legend.

This has been a problem with McLeish, he has little faith in his own players and even less in his tactical aptitude.

But why send McLeish  to the US? Match reports suggest the managers shared similar problems and a critical article from the Bleacherreport compounds the fans opinions.

'The team was terrible, especially on offense where he was the man in charge. The play-calling—his play-calling—was confusing, boring, unimaginative, and ultimately unsuccessful. All in all he looked lost many times trying to run the team.'
(http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1001827-pat-shurmur-hot-seat-ranking-the-hcs-biggest-blunders-in-2011)

The similarities in on-field play are agonisingly close but structurally they probably end there, Shurmur had little off-season, no offensive coach and limited offensive talent whereas McLeish had a whole pre season, a selection of coaching staff, old and new, and two England International strikers, one with a tremendous league record. 

Presumably he also had scout report from his most recent Premiership adventure if he did want to add any potentials.

So what can such a fresh coach teach the wise Scot?

Shurmur has gone through fan turmoil but through honest appraisals and some experimentation he seems to have won supporters over in a way that mirrors McLeish’s much slower progression.

Shurmur is able to reflect on his own management technique, something McLeish has shown little of; on his coaching technique, play calling and staffing Shurmur is quoted as saying,

"More than anything, I think what it will do is allow me to just step back and look down on some things and some areas that I may to be able to contribute more"

McLeish on the other hand has had many years as a manager, he has at his disposal a much respected Kevin McDonald as coach and a less loved Peter Grant as assistant but is neither able to use them beneficially or take a step back to work out where he/they are not contributing enough, or contributing too much.

Shurmurs inexperience may be beneficial to the wise head of McLeish; and give him fresh perspective in changing old tactics/views and trying new ideas to improve team harmony. 

Something is awry at the club and rumours are Peter Grant is not a player favourite.

As well as coaching this is something that could apply to players; on 25 year old Colt McCoy Shurmur is supportive,

"I think he throws the ball well enough. There’s so much more that goes into playing quarterback than just pure arm strength. I think you’ve seen through the years examples of guys that No. 1 have had extremely strong arms and couldn’t succeed and guys who have been very efficient and had not very strong arms and have won a lot of games."

Like the Browns Aston Villa have their own talisman but unfortunately at 32 years old Petrov, who releases most play from midfield to attack, does not have the time to develop or the mentality to do so, and in his case it’s up to his manager to change the way he plays.

This is a problem that Shurmur faces when appointing an offensive coach; he needs to get the best for his team through McCoy and he realises his new starter needs support, games and the right tactic; most of which he has been given.

In soccer central midfield is much like the quarterback position and demands a real edge of team and enigmatic play, this season McCoy began his first Browns season as a starter (replacing Delhomme) and has found his plaudits and support. Senaca Wallace who has been a pro for 9 seasons is a steady replacement but when fit McCoy is much preferred.

Aston Villa also have their McCoy/Wallace combination in the way of Petrov/Gardner but they have only recently been a preferred partnership and Petrov is yet to be removed from the equation.

McCoy has spent the year learning his trade whereas Gardner has watched his elder youth colleagues get only odd minutes before crowd pressure forces the managers hand. 

In the case of Gardner it is difficult to see how fans didn't have an influence and they have been shown astute in their passion for him to get minutes. 'Barry for England' comes to mind.

As Aston Villa fans we will take any improvement we can get for our team whether it be a physical improvement for the players or a better ideas for team morale but what we really crave is a manager who recognises football and sport is evolving and so should he.

It seems both managers will be allowed to continue for another season and perhaps the cross in sports will develop their own managerial confidence. McLeish is now stepping to the edge of his technical box a little more which has been encouraging, and Shurmur is conscious that he may need someone to call some of his plays for him.

From my own perspective I hope McLeish looks at his own technique; he needs to fully assess the quality of his coaches, look at the type of decisions he makes/could make in game and see them as brave and not a gamble. He needs to work with his players to give them sustained chances, learn how to work with particular players to get the best of them in individual and team play and develop tactics that stifles teams instead of setting out a tactic to stifle them in the final third. 

Apart from Hutton he has done an good job in the transfer window, and even Hutton is beginning to look like he is a footballer; I firmly believe with reflection and support McLeish can do a great job for Aston Villa and like Shurmur he needs time and patience.

Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 – 3 Aston Villa (21/01/2012)

Sighs from both sides showed the fans know best as a cautious Aston Villa team came out with all three points thanks to the player that had Wolves fans fearing the worst.

Starting brightly Villa looked offensive and full of purpose; some loose passes from either side allowed some younger players to settle and the opening goal from a penalty on ten minutes delivered a black country present to the claret and blues.

Darren Bent did well to win the penalty and score the first goal, but it was a gift that he literally stole from the foot of Berra who went to kick the ball but instead connecting with Bents foot as he nipped in the steal the last touch.

Full of confidence some managers may have continued to push with a high midfield and linking Irishman but Aston Villa showed nerves and panic as they protected their lead and spent the next 35minutes pinging balls over Keane’s head. Clearly nobody had bothered to do their homework as an insightful Wolves went about slicing the Aston Villa defence apart and pulling their players from their positions thus allowing space past midfield and on the wings.

Clark at left back found Kightly impossible to track and was given no support by a disappointing Agbonlahor; Kightly made the most of his space and showed why the Wolves fans have been holding out so much hope for the injury prone winger. The warnings were not heeded and Kightly spent 45 minutes skipping past defenders, delivering quality crosses and corners and finding the back of the net. His lovely equalising goal for Wolves had a Villa backline stationary and full backs scrambling, Given couldn’t get down quickly enough and Kightly duly drove across the defence and found the corner of the net with a low curling shot.

The warning signs kept coming for the Villa as an excellent Kightly caused them problems in open play and serious issues from set pieces; ultimately Albrighton’s clearance off the line fomr a Wolves corner was an omen as Edwards headed the ball into the net from a Roger Johnson corner flick on. Wolves could have been 4 – 1 up at half time but they would have to settle for 2 – 1 as a beleaguered Aston Villa traipsed off the pitch with no doubt a managerial tirade coming their way.

Wolves came out unchanged but McLeish made a brave move by taking off Agbonlahor and putting on Warnock to quell the danger of Kightly. Clark goes to midfield, Albrighton to the left and Gardner moves to right wing. The second half starts the same with Aston Villa giving the ball away and Wolves teasing them with possession play.

In truth the second half didn’t really start for the Villa until Keane took control and Frimpong came off after Petrov kicked him in the eye; diving headers are for the brave. Keanes stunning on the turn shot curled past Hennesey and the Irishman bowed his head to the supporters as a gesture of respect. It was a great goal only surpassed by his stunning second and winner in the 84^th minute. Once again he showed great respect to the fans even after controlling the ball beautifully and lashing the winner into the net from 25yards.

Throughout the game Wolves played well but the problems at Aston Villa were evident; their fortune today came in the shape of two excellent solo strikes, the injury of Frimpong and the 76^th minute sending off of Henry for a stamp on Marc Albrighton.

Petrov played slow backward football, Gabby was ill (for the last 5 games perhaps) and Collins and Hutton made every attempt to give Wolves all the space and time they needed.

McCarthy was no doubt gutted that he took nothing; clearly today luck was against him and very much for the Villa. 

Wigan Athletic 0 - 1 Manchester City (16/01/2012)

A typically confident Martinez stood proudly as his Wigan team stepped onto the pitch to battle a strong Manchester City team; with Man City needing a win to pull clear again Wigan faced an uphill battle in a top vs. bottom clash..

As the game began Wigan seemed off the pace and in the 4th minute saw a glimpse of things to come when Dzeko, who was strong in the air all night headed just past the post. The away team only needed to wait until  the 22nd minute for him to make up for that miss when an excellently placed glancing header flashed past Al-Habsi and found its way into the corner of the net. 

Martinez will no doubt be furious as a smart Dzeko was allowed to wander about ignored and come back from an offside position just before the set piece from Silva was struck. 

This ultimately gave him the edge over the Wigan defenders who were mostly looking forward unable to see where Dzeko was going to spring from; a great ball made things even simpler but a brilliant headed nonetheless.

After that Wigan used the ball well but some good covering play meant they were relying on individual skill and not team support. Moses caused the Man City back line the most trouble and regularly used his pace and strength to manoeuvre past opposition players, Rodallega however seemed frustrated at the lack of quick return balls but added very little when he did get the ball at his feet.

The game became very open in the second half and this was almost Wigan's undoing; an annoyed Aguero danced through the Wigan defence before Dzeko stole his shot and tested Al-Habsi with a limp effort; Mancini also had a part to play when Figueroa misjudged a header on the half way line and proceeded to stop the ball with his hand. Mancini threw his arm in the air suggesting the ref should have given a red; he might have been right but it really wasn't his place to say.

Al-Habsi made a string of saves throughout the match and showed why a few clubs were after him at when the season began; he definitely wasn't helped by Caldwell who gave the ball away on a number of occasions.

Wigan tested Man City throughout the second half with a battling display or pressing football and brilliant determination but the link that allowed them to play past the high line; or dropping attackers didn't really pay in the final third and crosses either hit the first defender or were hit low. 

Stam could have changed the game for the home team but blew his opportunities to put the ball in early or kept hitting the first defender. 

The introduction of Watson and Di Santo pushed Man City back further with the latter looking cumbersome and poor in the air; Watson controlled the midfield well and was at the heart of many late quality Wigan moves; McManaman came on late and also showed he had some ability with simple passing and good drive with the ball.

Ultimately this was Man City's day; Wigan played well but need someone to help the ball into the box if they are going to stay in the Premier League, Man City of course showed everyone that in any given moment they can turn defence into attack, especially with Aguero on the pitch but the loss of Toure is one Man City are struggling to come to terms with; this weekends game against Tottenham should be fascinating but for now Mancini will be happy he left the DW with all 3 points.

Newcastle United 1 - 0 QPR (15/01/2012)

Mark Hughes was the centre of attention but two less popular sorts in Best and Guthrie made his first game in charge a little harder than he'd have liked.

QPR started brightly but lacked midfield support and found themselves with early chances but nothing to show from them. They hit the woodwork twice in the first half and pushed on well; unfortunately a lot of their attacks came from a quick Shaun Wright Phillips carrying the ball, or some excellent but lofty passes by Buzsaky; this allowed Newcastle to get back into position and while they were threatened never looked too concerned after the early flurry, especially with an excellent Krul behind them.

Shaun Derry's slow witted tackle on Cabaye saw the midfielder injured and this was the future of Derry's game. He looked off the pace throughout and this created time for the Newcastle players to eventually take control of the game. 

Jamie Mackie looked in excellent form and continued to make strong runs through the centre of midfield, unfortunately at times the rest of his team acted like onlookers rather than supporting players and by this time Guthrie came into his own and silently closed and broke down many QPR attacks.

In the 37th minute a solid Taylor dug the ball out with a nice pass and Leon Bests well taken goal sent Paddy Kenny the wrong way. 

QPR had better use of the ball in the first half but once again the fortress that was St James Park stayed firm. The second half saw QPR continue to play attacking football but Ameobi managed to slow the game up front and allowed the Newcastle midfielders to push QPR back.

Ben Arfa who had come on for Cabaye continued to test the QPR defensive players with excellent footwork and passing ability but showed he is lacking match fitness in the last 15 minutes as he laboured about the park a little.

QPR's Mackie took more responsibility with the ball was but ultimately left alone as Newcastle broke up attacks and  used the ball well. Apart from the first 25mins when QPR had new manager syndrome and Bothroyd, Buzsaky and Wright Phillips made space with individual skill Newcastle took the points in the way a solid team does.

The Championship Manager (now Football Manager) story that Pardew is living continues and his shrewd purchases continue to come good. Hughes must be gutted as QPR deserved something from the match but then again going to the now Sports Direct Arena has never been an easy task for anyone.

Aston Villa 1 - 1 Everton (14/01/2012)

As the teams lined up there was a silence amongst the fans that gave us no clue the match was about to begin. The 27,000 Aston Villa fans were clearly expecting the worst and in the main the team didn't disappoint.

In the first half drab football from the home team and a high line by the away team just made things worse and as the second half whistle blew friends were still chatting to each other.

The first half saw Everton pushing on and playing the ball through midfield with good confidence. An intelligent Petrov and defensive Clark stayed back and found it difficult to come forward with the ball, or receive it in the opposition half.

Fellaini however was enjoying the defensive Villa midfield and played balls straight between, or across them. Everton used the wingers well and the insightful running of Landon Donovan dragged defending players out of position giving his team mates a lot of room. Good defensive support from Drenthe neutralised Albrighton as a threat, Gibson looked out of practice and Cahill isn't a striker but yet Everton still made things very difficult for the Villa back line.

At the other end Bent was dragging defenders very well but his passing was woeful as Aston Villa spurred many counter attacks and rarely troubled Everton. The first half also saw a poor Alan Hutton getting away with a penalty; it was a good job Saha made contact with the ball; Hutton might not have been so lucky if Saha had missed it all together.

Slow passing from Villa, no desire to play one touch football and a quiet Agbonlahor summed up the first half, one which Everton easily won but couldn't put the ball into the back of the net. (despite Warnock trying the most ridiculous back pass ever)

The second half saw a shift of momentum, but only until the 56 minute when Bent scored a great tap in. I say great because Aston Villa showed no signs of effort until that is Albrighton got his wish to play sharp, one touch football. Not blessed with amazing physical attributes he worked well with Ireland to move the ball around quickly and create space against backward running defenders. This proved the reason for the goal as an Albrighton cross caused trouble in the box and Ireland was able to take advantage of a loose ball and cross for Bent to tap in.

At this point perhaps Aston Villa would have been better to try and seal the game rather than protect the lead but they returned to the slow, safe football that ultimately cost them.

Landon Donovan who had played excellently continued to stand out from his team mates; a now yellow carded Fellaini looked quiet but his simple passing was allowing play to move forward; unlike the backward passing Petrov. Donovan ghosted past players with ease and an excellent pass through the middle of Dunne and Warnock (Collins had typically charged forward to make a tackle) found Anichebe who slotted the ball away nicely. Albrighton was sure he had kept Anichebe offside but that is why he is a right winger and not a left back.

The rest of the game saw Aston Villa push forward always looking vulnerable to the Everton counter; they stopped using their wide men and the very late introduction of Keane continued to show their ineptness as a slow Keane found space but had nobody to support him.

A fair result and a good one for Everton who played with midfielders in every part of the pitch but still managed to look the team with the better understanding of their game.