Is Change Needed At Villa Park?

Article by Stephen Attridge

I know there's been progress. Lambert is absolutely right. The league table confirms it, even after losing to Fulham we are still sitting pretty in tenth place.

Patience is a virtue, but things could be so much better though.The youth policy is working, the young players are stronger for last years relegation scrap and we are keeping clean sheets. Well, when Ron Vlaar is available we are. I just think a couple of small policy changes by Lambert and we could possibly be more like a top 8 side.

Look at the possession stats against any team we play against. We beat Southampton with 23% of the ball. Classic smash and grab. The point is, it won't last. We are relying on wonder goals to win games which can't be maintained by any team. We can't dominate anyone either home or away. The midfield is the real problem. I know I have stated this in previous blogs but it is becoming more and more obvious.

We need to bring in a couple of experienced lads to guide the young players and help us dominate the middle if the Park. It's really not rocket science. Westwood can pass and keep the ball well when we do finally get it and El Ahmadi is the same but you need more from premier league midfielders. A Scott Parker would be great for us or even Gareth Barry to talk the lads through the game and make the right decisions when we are under pressure.

Lambert needs to allow a couple (and only a couple) of older players in rather than sticking too rigidly to the youth policy. It's the same at the back. Now Vlaar is out we will start shipping goals for fun. We need another old head back there.The young players can only develop quicker with more experience around them.

January for me is all about a centre half and midfield general both with bags of experience. I'll even take a loan option. Just people that can help us to compete throughout the game and even dominate at times.

Our light weight midfield is too easy to play against and it puts pressure on a defence that has our captain out injured.

Our one shining light- Delph is out for the Manchester United game as well. But even he could do with some experience alongside him, even just to calm him down sometimes.

We are progressing, but with a few simple changes it could be even better...

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