jackflap

Would take 20m for him, he has some great attributes and could thrive in the right system but don't see it happening here, like Longstaff think he's the type of player that needs a run of games, can be scruffy on the ball. Himself and Joelinton dovetailing on the left was one of my favourite things about 2 seasons ago but not likely to see that with Gordon and Barnes in situ. Too breezy and streaky a player for Howe in general IMO, lacks aggression and decisiveness, the header he missed against Brighton being a prime example.

Not to be clogging up the rumour thread with conjecture but I wonder if Barnes retains his place for the rest of the season and somebody comes in with a big bid for Gordon in the summer would they be tempted. Chelsea is the only side I could see that might throw a bid in just because they're Chelsea and not out of any great need. Perhaps Liverpool if Diaz who's always linked away moved. It's a fairly well stocked area of the team with a lot of players who could do a job there, maybe even Sanusi could emerge as an emergency option next season. Feels like having 2 top class players competing for one position is a luxury they're a few years away from being able to afford given the deficiencies elsewhere in the side.

Villa had to win whereas a result for Newcastle would've been a bonus. Great manager, vocal support and a battle hardened and embittered side(towards Newcastle probably and after midweek) all played a part. There's a reason managers are paid handsomely and yesterday showed why. Positives are no injuries, an ideal fixture next week to negotiate. Get Howe back hopefully and go all out for next 3 games that are all winnable.

Think Villa will be full of adrenaline early, start fast and then tire, hopefully they ride the early storm. Great to be involved in games like this late in the season.

Can picture Tonali running home after the game.

Only win the home games and Chelsea have to win all their other remaining games to finish one point above.

How does Tonali make relentless pressing look elegant

Cue Chelsea selling the club to themselves.

Could see Howe been interested in Cunha for his versatility and the tactical flexibility he'd offer. I'd love to see them signing a 10 to give the option of a Bruno/Tonali double pivot but doubt they'd invest to sign a specialist in that position unless they could also cover other positions and Cunha's probably the best example of someone who could do that. Could see them being interested if they thought they were getting value but would depend on what other clubs are in for him.

Looks like a striker that would be ideal to introduce out wide and bed him in but he doesn't look comfortable on the right and the left has too many bodies as is. Think he just needs to slow down, there is something there though. They're very unbalanced with right footed players in general though which they could do with addressing in the summer. Burns was the only lefty on the pitch Monday.

This is the 2nd season in a row without a meaningful relegation battle later in the season. Really mucks up the battles for the other spots as there's a good chunk of the league without much to play for.

Villa winning the Europa League next season feels like one of those things destined to happen.

Be shocked if TAA isn't out for a while. Physio made the call to sub very quick. Ankle ligaments be my guess. Bradley injured as well evens up that side. Diaz gave Hakimi a tough time of it so I'd be fearful of what he'd do to Trippier on the other side. Jota, Nunez are shot of confidence and Gakpo been struggling with injury of late. The performance against City really sapped my confidence for this one but there's just enough of doubt to keep me plugged in.

Would love to see them beat Real in the semis.

Seems to have more composure in front of goal than the other options despite his inexperience. More goal contributions are needed from midfield so that alone is a good argument for starting him especially in games they're expecting to be on top.