Aston Villa's Midfield And The Reality Check‏

Article by Aston Villa Correspondent Stephen Attridge

Well it's another point on board away from home so I suppose we shouldn't moan. We are actually keeping clean sheets with virtually the same back four (or sometimes five) as last season proving that the coaching staff are definitely worth their wages. Also, as Lambert never fails to point out; we do create good opportunities against almost all opposition. So surely it's only a matter of time before Benteke and Weinnman start scoring again and consequently villa climb the league...

Well actually it's not that simple.

Villa have to rely on hitting teams on the break because they haven't got a midfield strong enough to dominate for long periods of time. Now I know there are those that will say there were very good spells against Everton who are a solid unit and will finish much higher than villa but when looking at the 10 games played so far it's about the only time it's happened.

So we have a problem. If gabby gets injured (which does tend to happen fairly frequently) then our plan A is severely weakened as he is someone we rely on heavily to carry the ball at pace into the opposition half. The result is we start bypassing the midfield trying hit the forwards quickly. We have been accused by more than one manager already this season of being a long ball team.

Ashley Westwood was described to me by a season ticket holder as 'a poor mans Gordon Cowans' and I'm starting to agree. Yes he can keep the ball moving but his influence isn't quite enough to allow us to dominate the midfield area. Karim El Ahmadi I have to admit is improving but I still think we need better. I'd keep Delph in there; his performances have been great so far this season but I would love to sign a midfielder who knows the premier league inside out.

The Kevin Nolan style boss in the middle would be great- not that we would get the man himself but it would be nice! I would also buy another creative player, as it's going to be a while before Tonev is going to be good enough. Most teams now know our strength and just simply drop a bit deeper so they don't get caught. They know we won't dominate for long periods in midfield so the risk of losing the match becomes minimal.

A stronger midfield would further protect the back four and involve the forwards more throughout the games rather than just seeing snippets of the ball and being expected to deliver.

Don't get me wrong, we are better than last season. The defence is stronger and we have ground out some impressive results, but like every fan I want us to improve more and in my opinion that involves writing some checks in January. Sorry Mr Lerner.

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