James_lcfc

I actually think last night was a little insight into why he's playing in the Championship at the moment. He's phenomenal when you're in control, but when a team is really pressing and running at you, he can be pretty ineffective when you're trying to wrestle back that control. It's the lack of dynamism that would have him struggle at PL level, and why a lot on here were a bit concerned with the signing initially. Don't get me wrong, I'm fully sold on him and think he's a great signing, but there are reasons why he wasn't picked up by a PL club in the Summer.

Old sumo92…knows his football that lad.

I think this is spot on. The gap is huge. The current squad would really struggle in the PL. No need to worry about that yet though…we’ve got to enjoy this season! The club will know they will need to invest pretty heavily if they want to survive, never mind compete next season.

That was a great win. Bit worrying how easily they just ran through us though, especially in the second half. Good little reality check as it’s the first game in 13 that we haven’t controlled from the start.

That might be the worst we’ve played so far in terms of in possession. Yet we’ve scored one and hit the post twice. Bit early to say if Sunderland are the best side we’ve played, but they are 100% the best when it comes to pressing. We’ve struggled to play round them. Big second half.

Great to hear he's almost back playing. If November and December go well for him and he's able to get up to speed, there's no reason why he can't be one of the options we use to cover for Wilf in January...

Good news on Cannon - Should be fully up to speed and ready to share the load with JV in Jan then!

Yeah, this. Hopefully he stays fit and keeps improving - We’ll be selling him for many pound notes in a few years!

Enzo was surprisingly receptive! Usually seems a bit stand-offish with the media.

I think if Youri was here now he'd be the backup option for Winks. Would probably allow us to rest Winks every now again, but he certainly wouldn't be a starter. ...and that's in the Championship. He has no chance of being a regular starter at Villa.

He’s one of the few players who can receive the ball in tight areas though? When he comes to receive the ball he brings an opposition player with him pretty much every time. Even if he gives it straight back, it can create space for others. It’s literally how we play now - Winks does the exact same a lot of the time.

Very happy to admit I was wrong about him. His passing is phenomenal. Obviously he has weaknesses, but in a specific system you can negate those. I even think he could excel at the level above if you use him in the right way. You’d probably want better players either side of him than Faes/Coady/Souttar but I’m definitely seeing why he was signed now. Wonder if the club will be offering him a new deal…

Still not particularly impressive but definitely better today. Hopefully just needs time to adjust.

That’s great. Not writing him off in any way, but he’s actually been our worst performer this year. Not terrible, but definitely the worst out of those who have played so far.

Yeah, I think you're bang on when it comes to Mavididi. We needed wingers for this level though - If he has a good season this year you'd think we'd at least be able to make our money back...even if he struggles at PL level.

Was a bit of a low point last year when they ran all over us. Hoping for a good performance for (a little) redemption!

Surely he can be a big asset for us at this level!? I got annoyed by statements like that before the season started but I've come full circle The standard is a lot lower than I was expecting. Daka is not a bad player and should absolutely be able to contribute this season if Enzo fancies him...

Speed and intelligence, basically. Know when to press, and when you do, it's done with speed and cohesion. They are one of the best teams in the PL - Even mid-table PL teams are a big step up on what we've been playing...Liverpool are another level above that.

Sure. I just think he's the best footballer out of the three strikers we have (not including Cannon). I suppose I'm basing this on previous seasons really as I agree that his performances this season have been so-so at best. Obviously he's proven he's a good finisher, but again, that chance he had at the end of the Southampton game doesn't back me up very well there either! I did say he needs to improve, and hopefully he does as we'll need him this season. Despite all of the above, I was still very much in favour of selling him in the Summer, despite a lot on here being very much against that - I'm just not a fan of relying on players in the last year of their contract. It won't be the case with all players, but with some you do get a bit of apathy creeping in as they have an eye elsewhere - Maybe Kels is one of them...

I guess you need squad fillers. He's nowhere near PL standard though in my opinion, but seeing as we are in the Championship that's not really a problem!

Still think he’s our best option in that position at the moment. Definitely needs to improve though.

Yeah, did well to be fair to him.

They were miles better, which was to be expected. Few positives for us to take though, and we probably don’t need more games anyway!

Pretty surprised with how bad Casadei looks to be honest…

He’s got that knack of being in the right place at the right time. Plus he’s already a decent finisher. There is still loads of room for improvement in his overall game too. Could end up a top top player for us.