What has happened to Aston Villa? I have just witnessed League Two Bradford City brush them aside with ease. Only a few seasons ago they were favourites to break up, the unbreakable ‘Top four’. They had players like Ashley Young, James Milner, Gareth Barry, Stewart Downing; they were a good side to watch.
Now it seems they are a mid-table side at best. In Villa’s fairness they have had their fair share of injuries this season and all to some key players. Stiliyan Petrov, Charles N’Zogbia, Darren Bent to name a few. But in the Premier League you need adequate back up and Villa are severely lacking in that.
Christian Benteke and Andreas Wiemann seem to be the only shining light in Aston Villa’s season so far. They have a great understanding of each other and at times you can see something special. However defensively, without Richard Dunne, they lack quality and experience.
Midfield for me is also a major cause for concern. The names mentioned above, Ashley Young, James Milner, Gareth Barry and Stewart Downing were all midfielders and Villa have failed to replace them. Randy Lerner, owner of the club, has promised funds to strengthen their squad this January and strengthen they must.
But with Paul Lambert in charge, for the time being anyway, I can’t see much changing. He doesn’t have that transfer bargain panache that other managers do. Ever since his arrival, Villa have looked a different team. I didn’t think things could get much worse when Alex McLeish departed, but it seems they have. If they don’t bolster their squad relegation is a very strong possibility.
I fear for Lambert as we all know he is a good proven manager, but maybe the Midlands just isn’t the place for him.
Tayler Wilson @TaylerWillson