Villa put in another disjointed display and with it fell to defeat against Wolves.
The hosts, missing key players Neves and Jimenez, likely couldn’t believe their good fortune. Villa, despite a plethora of riches at the top of the field were largely toothless.
At the back, things weren’t much better, with a comedy or errors gifting Wolves both of their goals. A late Watkins penalty cannot hide the fact that Bruno Lage’s men should and could have been well out of sight.
For Gerrard, he must be alarmed at the sheer lack of quality amongst individual performances. For the supporter, one reflects now upon a number of growing sub-par displays. Indeed, the last 270 minutes of football have been dismal watching, culminating in deserved losses to West Ham, Arsenal and now Wolves.
PLAYER RATINGS
Martinez
A spectator to the shambles in front of him for much of the encounter. Contributed a couple of smart saves.
Cash
Unfortunate with a late run and effort on goal, but was stretched repeatedly at right back. Mid-week international success had arguably taken its toll.
Digne
Broke down within the first 15 minutes and never looked comfortable. A question mark emerges as to why the French international had been rushed back.
Mings
Contributed a number of interceptions and blocks as Villa’s backline scrambled or recovered on a number of occasions. Afforded next to no cover from the midfield ahead of him but will count his chickens after being skinned in the first half.
Konsa
After a meteoric rise in stock since joining from Brentford, Konsa is in his first difficult patch of form. Appeared in difficulty most of the match and guilty of an unfortunate slip that led to Wolves’ opener. Could easily see himself swapped for Chambers on this showing.
McGinn
Another who you wonder after international minutes looked fatigued. Deployed deep for most of the game to little effect and robbed with ease in the lead upon the hosts 1st goal. Not in good form in a Villa shirt at present at all.
Ramsey
A goal midweek for the England U21s cannot hide the fact that 20 year old looks in desperate need of a rest. Lively in brief bursts, but featured little in the encounter for long periods.
Bailey
After cameo substitute appearances for Villa after injury, Bailey was given a starting berth to impress. The Jamaican international produced next to nothing of note, and with a price tag on £30m, is of increasing concern, such was his ineffectiveness.
Coutinho
Fired a first half free kick from distance just over the bar and had a speculative curling effort in the second. The Brazilian seems to be constantly looking for the ball, but must bemoan the sheer lack of quality or imagination around him on occasions such as today.
Sanson
The best of a poor midfield, but found himself hauled off. With that said, and like the rest of the midfielders, saw much of the game pass him by. Needs game-time in order for any adequate conclusions to be drawn.
Watkins
Looked isolated again. The second half was more fruitful, with the England man put through courtesy of a glorious Ashley Young defence splitting pass. Watkins could only curl and effort wide when one on one. Earned a penalty and found the net, courtesy of the inside of the post.
Young (Sub)
An early sub for the injured Digne. First notable contribution was to head/shoulder the ball into his own net. Tries hard and the consumate professional, should have earned as assist for a ball through to Watkins. Cut a frustrated figure.
Luiz and Buendia, appeared but nothing to write home about…
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Martinez
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Cash
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Young
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Mings
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Konsa
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Ramsey
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Coutinho
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McGinn
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Sanson
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Bailey
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Watkins