Yesterday I did some statistical research on Villa's Premiership history which I intended to publish today to celebrate Villa reaching the 900 point mark. Sadly Middlesborough didn't read the script and after the final whistle was blown on their visit to Villa Park today the club are still sat on 897 points.
So instead I'm going to do some finger pointing and for the first time I'm going to shove it directly in MON's direction. Don't get me wrong, MON is one of the best managers we've had at Villa Park (I have the stats to prove it, but I'll save them for another time) and last year I defended his lack of activity in the transfer market to the hilt. I was more than patient with him apparently wanting to wait to bring in the right players. And I think he did a great job this past summer bringing those players in.
So what's the problem then? Well, for me, it's simple.... having spent a shed load of Randy's money and brought in a bunch of quality players he's not actually using them properly!!
*facepalm* - Sidwell's strange back pass gifts Boro the win.I didn't hear whether Luke Young had an injury today, but again we see Carlos Cuellar playing there. Shorey did get to play at left back with Laursen and Davies between the pair.
Today, once again, MON asked Reo-Coker to play on the right. Barry and Sidwell paired up in the middle with Ashley Young playing his usual left wing role.
Carew was out with a hip injury so Gabby played the lone striker role with Milner making up the numbers in some sort of free role.
Now, all of that isn't too dramatic, the real head scratching comes once again when MON finally decides to bring on some fresh legs. Today it was the perennially ineffectual Marlon Harewood joining the fray with 20 minutes to go. As consistent as ever MON elected to take off Shorey in his place which left a bit of re-jigging required.
So get this - Cuellar goes to left back. Coker drops back to right back. Milner goes to right wing and Harewood joins Gabby up front.
Cuellar looks a very good centre back and a passable right back - perhaps even edges Ollie Mellberg in that position. He isn't a left back though. Clearly.
Reo-Coker is a very decent defensive midfielder. He's not a very good right midfielder and worse still at right back.
Milner had a good game today and I think he's starting to settle in now. However, he looked best when he was finally asked to play on the right. He's not a striker.
OK, OK, this is a very long winded way of saying that I feel we lost today because MON played too many players out of position. Why does he do this?? The only explanation is he's playing favourites. Does he really feel that NRC is a better right back than Luke Young for instance?? Of course he isn't, but he wants to keep Nige on the pitch so either Luke or Nicky make way to bring on a much needed midfielder.
It's now time for this to stop. MON's man management is legendary and the vibe in the Villa dressing room is reported to be exceptional. But how long can that continue with so many players being asked to play unfamiliar roles and others left sat on the bench not getting a look in??
So, Martin please, unless you have injuries, suspensions or lack of form to deal with please put these four names on your team sheet first.... L Young (RB), N Shorey (LB), J Milner (RM) & A Young (LM). The rest of the team is a selection headache I realise, but it's a great problem to have and that's your job as manager to resolve.
Anyone else starting to wish Barry had been sold in the summer now?? And anyone else shitting themselves over the possible team sheet when MON has Petrov available again??
*updated* I hear that Luke Young was injured for today.
