It is important for me to add that I am not getting all pessimistic and calling for sackings, but there will be close scrutiny on McLeish's squad choice, formation and style of play. Many supporters are firmly of the opinion that he has brought his dull, bluenose play with him.
The Bolton game was certainly a reason to support this suspicion, but even more telling are the recent statements from Bannan and Bent. Bannan felt the need to apoloise to fans after losing to Bolton. Such a defeat would normally not warrant an apology, but the play was so abysmal that he wanted to say sorry to fans. Credit to him for honesty and humility.
Bent's interview, in which he seemed to say that McLeish didn't quite know what he was up to yet, has been [sort of] clarified, but such a statement in any form indicates that the players are not full of confidence in the manager. And that, I think, will be the biggest problem come Sunday.
If there is indeed a confidence issue, when coupled with a lack of creativity and an injury to our star player, it does not bode well against a QPR side that is reinvigorated with some good signings.
Wright-Phillips ran the Newcastle defence ragged, and Joey Barton will fight with fire in his belly in the middle of the park. Love him or hate him, the lad can play and he sometimes gives little more than is necessary.That is what got me wondering about how the game will be approached. I don't think any of our defenders can cope with SWP, and we don't really have a midfield talisman to keep Barton in check.
We could have purchased SWP in the transfer window, and it looks like a missed opportunity. Scott Parker would have been the midfield boss we need. Stan Petrov has improved in recent seasons, but he is no Gerrard, and Delph appears to be completely out of his depth. SOrry Fabian- you certainly have talent but you are being outplayed too often.
I don't like writing these articles, because it would delight bluenoses to think there is uncertainty at Villa. I also think we have had a good start to the season. However, the abysmal performance against Bolton concerns me in terms of creativity. If there are no chances made, there will be no goals. No goals mean another draw, at best.
If anyone has ideas about how the game should be approached, please write a post for discussion. Perhaps Big Eck will give it a read for some ideas (instead of telling us to be patient)!