The College Dropout

Wouldn’t mind a 343

We have zero 10s in the squad. No quality at RW. No depth at CB. Squad is wielded to 433 pretty much.

It’s not really working for NUFC and Tonali. Definitely worth a try. I have concerns about his ball retention in that area. Passing can be loose.

It’s not really working is it ?

We are a small investment for them anyway (financially). Which has its pros and cons.

It’s very questionable like.

He wasn’t even the best player in the tournament or a major game.

Games gone.

The ‘we spent £40m on Gordon 6 months earlier but he wasn’t good straight away so we spent another £40m on Barnes’ argument is a bad one.

IMO that was the players doing. Finding their own patterns. when the personnel changes we stop doing it or something really discernible. Our 8 push high and wide when we get the ball and we try and play the ball in those pockets. We often looked bereft of ideas going forward.

Been this way for ages. Eddie really does need to switch things up. Compounded by the transfer policy. No proper options at 10.

Isak and Gordon at least have credit in the bank

Do you see patterns of play? Now?

I don’t think people realise our FFP position - that we carry salaries and amortisation costs.

I don’t think Howe is a heavy ‘patterns’ guy. Not like Ange and co. anyway.

I’ve defended Howe recently but consistently we don’t look a well coached team and have not done all season.

Only scored 2 tap ins all season. Been really poor in front of goal.

Why are people so keen to change manager mid season? Give him the season. Assess at the end.

I do agree with this. Villa have only recently pivoted to a more youth and bargain focussed setup. Vila are on year 6 of their journey or so. Been through a couple managers and DOFS

I think that partly comes from needing immediate results. But aye a big part of that must be Howe tbf.

I’m hoping for the best. But I think today could be a turning point in our fickle fanbase.

And his replacement needs to be someone capable of club building over 3 or 4 seasons. Thats not Tuchel or Allegri.

IMO The targets for the season are too aggressive for our budget. Howe’s not allowed to develop players over a couple seasons. The club isn’t looking to rebuild the squad. That’s how he’s being shafted. If the club wanted a younger, cheaper team with less ambitious season I’m sure Howe would be up for it. That’s what he did at Bournemouth. But he’s clearly under pressure for immediate results which is why he needs improvements to the XI today not next season.

You’re acting like this stuff is ordained by God. Levy is actively pursuing and reinforcing his position. He didn’t inherit a cartel position, he was instrumental in its formation. Our owners have just as much agency as Levy. ———— one constant thing among some fans since the takeover is they think the owners have done everything right. PIF are 3 years in - mistakes have obviously been made. At some point I think they will realise they need to pivot to succeed.

Think the move has been great for him. He’s getting regular PL time as a#10. He would’ve have that here. He would’ve been getting 15 minutes off the bench.