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Watch: Millwall 2-1 Aston Villa – Villa slump to away defeat at Championship strugglers.

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Millwall 2-1 Aston Villa the den 2018

Villa’s concerning form continues after a limp away defeat to Championship strugglers Millwall.

Despite an early goal from Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham, we could neither capitalise nor extend our lead, allowing the hosts back in to the game on the half hour mark.

The defence, though makeshift and missing club Captain James Chester through suspension, was at times shambolic.  Our goalkeeping situation does little to inspire confidence either.

With Kodjia benched, Adomah bereft of form, El Ghazi absent and Bolasie still being used as an impact sub, our attacks were rare, lethargic and predictable.

ABRAHAM GOAL

A dangerous set-piece was delivered, in-swinging by Hourihane, Abraham powered between the defenders to fire a fine volley home.  All was well after six minutes.

EQUALISER

Villa couldn’t capitalise, nor hold this lead and fell victim to a painfully straightforward equaliser.

From a set-piece, the deep cross was headed back across goal only to find the boot of Ferguson, who hammered home a deflected equaliser.  A disappointing but all too familiar goal to concede.

2-1

Kevin MacDonald opted to bring back the nervy looking Nyland over Bunn, after the latter reminded us of his shortcomings mid-week against Preston.

However, the Norwegian struggled again at Millwall and whilst the shambolic defending for the winner can in large part be attributed to our woeful defence, it’s also another goal that’s very close to him.  Nyland, who struggles in the air, also sticks out for being rooted to his line.

SUMMARY

Whilst few had great expectations for today, it must go down as another concerning performance.  Arguably it’s a missed opportunity to get a needed win and for some players to stake their claims with a new manager incoming.

The issues are stark.  We continue to lack guile and in-game momentum.  Our defence is very, very shaky,  Our attacks are sloth-like.  And the failure to capitalise upon an early lead is also a worry.

In truth, the international break probably couldn’t come soon enough.

The hierarchy must now turn their attentions to ensuring that the right team is installed to not only arrest an alarming collapse of form, but prevent this season being lost to mediocrity.