I can't stand Mings, but I'll actually give him some credit for the fact he handled Raul quite well today (especially playing most of the game on a yellow card). It hasn't been mentioned on here yet, but he forced Nuno in to a change (which funnily enough helped us in the end), but when Traore came on, Raul moved over to the left away from Mings, Traore sat on him instead - and within 5 minutes of that happening Raul had more space then he had for the rest of the match and it allowed him to play the ball in to Jonny which resulted in our goal. Mings was stuck to Raul like glue all afternoon until the substitution and I think it's only fair to say (apart from the assault on Jota for the card) he actually played well. It's quite telling, though, what kind of player he is generally - as on one occasion the ball was played down the channel to Raul & Mings was going across to challenge him from behind - you could audibly hear one of his teammates shout "stand him up, you're on a yellow!".
Grealish is their shining star, but also their biggest problem. In a side fighting relegation, you need a solid system, a style of play and you need to stick together. He roams around the pitch like the only thing that matters is him - thanks to the commentating team on BT sport by the way for pointing out his new hairtcut twice in the first 5 minutes, I'd have had no idea otherwise. Smith hasn't got a clue how to get Grealish on the ball in dangerous areas - whilst keeping his side in an organised shape. It will be one of the reasons they go down - the other being they have far too many average players. Their two centre forwards, for example, would do well to score 10 combined goals in the Championship.
On us, Johnny MOTM. Criminally underrated (same as most of our backline TBF). Superb turn at the start of the move for our goal - sent McGinn to the shops. Superb run forward, did well to bring it down and set up Donk. He did a couple of cheeky little backheels. His pressing is invaluable to the way we play - Woppio is an idiot for suggesting we took him off in the matchday thread - that lad knows nothing about football. Stick to Smule, you Marcus Brigstocke look-a-like gimp. Also love the fact that Jonny just does everything with zero fuss. If he gets fouled or thinks a decision goes against him harshly, he just shrugs it off and gets on with it - a proper professional with an excellent attitude and workrate. Speaking of workrate, Donk... what a fantastic option for us to have in the squad. I think today is the first time I heard him talk and he seemed really down to earth and likeable. Exactly what you'd expect from one of our players. Also, what a finish that was. A brilliant goal worthy of winning the match.
I agree with the comments that have said we are a very professional side - but I'm personally not convinced with the "get a goal and then keep it tight" tactic, even if it's worked against three very poor teams this week. Anything can happen in football - an own goal, a freak mistake (their keeper throwing it straight to Diogo today is a good example), a dodgy penalty, a wondergoal for the opposition etc. We fully had it in us to score more goals today (and midweek) to make things a bit more comfortable - and we still haven't properly slapped a side yet (scoreline wise). I completely trust Nuno and the lads and their game management is fantastic - but at 1-0 I'm never comfortable!
Anyway, as the song goes in the popular Twitter video doing the rounds, the Villa are going down, down, down, down, dooooown.
Cannot wait to see where our season takes us - the sky is the limit.
