Andy Munro provides a Blue-tinged look at Sunday’s second city derby.
This was a result that was perhaps predictable , given Villa’s run of form and the amount of money they’ve been able to spend on players, which makes thesukmks spent by the admittedly profligate TTA look like small change.
However, the disappointing result was magnified by Blues negative attitude from the start. By playing a containing game from the start, the writing was on the wall despite Sam Gallagher’s near miss against the run of play.
In truth, Terry and Chester could have got through a box of cigars such was Blues’ almost non-existent attacking threat and the fans’ love hate relationship with Steve Cotterill goes on. Love because the guy desperately wants to succeed and we have had a few decent results but hate because of his negative tactics and unwillingness to give the subs a decent run out to change the pattern of the game. In fact, I was speaking to somebody from the local media who described the Blues’ manager as “hard work” and “not the nicest”. This may not augur well for spirit in the dressing room.
It’s a fact that a back four of Jenkinson, Deane, Roberts and Colin should be able to cope with most of what’s thrown at them ,but not in the face of incessant attacking due to a poor midfield – even Charlton and Moore would have their work cut out.
Why Cotterill didn’t start with Gardner instead of the slothful N’Doye remains a mystery when the twinkle-toed Grealish was opposite him. Equally, not bringing on the talents of Adams and Jota seems equally criminal Anyway, it’s back to basics next week with a big un against the Lions.
