V Stoke

[bbvilla]

Interesting comments re Championship v Prem. The Stoke game was a fair yardstick cos they are still basically a Premiership team and on the day should have won. Ince and Allen were really good plus the likes of Berahino, Shawcross, Butland, McLean etc impressed. We showed resilience to come back twice and the match looked more like a lower 10 Prem game, probably better than Burnley Huddersfield, Newcastle Fulham or Cardiff Brighton, bit more like Watford Palace maybe? So I do believe Villa could survive in the lower reaches of the top league but you can't dismiss the demoralisation of getting murdered by the top 6, not a nice experience.

I also agree about Jack. He doesn't help himself by seemingly looking for the fouls or not wearing shinpads but there is no doubt the cavemen of this league will kick his career to an end if we're not careful. And do we need him! Real lack of creative spark on Saturday, there are good players who can perform consistently but predictably and then there are special players who will look for the unexpected and unpredictable. We have one of those.

[bongosdad]

I would take an ugly 1-0 right now. Good game apparently

[bongosdad]

Maybe 2-1 now. Great start to the 2nd half 😕

[bongosdad]

I would take a 3-2 win now. Running out of time!

[westcountryvillain]

I would take a 3-2 win now. Running out of time!

I'd take a 3-2 win anytime Bong!

[bongosdad]

Disappointing not to get the win but overall we can't complain to much. We're showing heart and character to bounce back from behind and seem to have a never say die attitude.
I'm sure we can claw back the lead over the top 2 but it might be slow and painful.

[TrianonDave]

Unless we sign Messi, a play off place is all we can hope for. The Gap is too big, yesterday was another game where another 2 points were lost, albion stoke forest!!!
Got to get Jack fit and a new defence of Santa. Bloody awaful at the back and everyone knows it.

[bongosdad]

11 points is very possible Dave

[freer]

11 points is very possible Dave

Bongo are you aware ?

We have dropped 6 points in our last three games, consequently a sizeable gap is developing

We ain't gonna mount a meaningful challenge at this pace

✓ Yes we can score goals

✕ Unfortunately we just keep “hanging our chins out”

Until Smith recruits reinforcements we are way too susceptible to defensive lapses in concentration


As we’re only at the half-way stage next weekend, some may not view this with concern

My opinion: Villa need to turn these draws into wins

Starting V Leeds next Sunday

[TrianonDave]

Beat Leeds and then maybe....