Pau Torres

[paul_e]

Our defensive struggles aren't really down to individuals, even when we make clear mistakes more often than not they're a communication/cohesion issue.

For this game I'd say there were 2 big errors, the first goal and the intercepted Pau pass, I don't think the 2nd goal was an error in defence.

For the first no one takes control of the situation and for the 2nd Pau needed more support as he was put under a lot of pressure.

If we pick the same back 4 for a bunch of games in a row I think these problems solved themselves but that just hasn't happened this year. I don't think we've had the same defense 2 games in a row since September and that's hurting us. Partly it's down to Emery trying to keep everyone happy but there's also been injuries to Cash and Mings recovery as well as niggles for Carlos, Konsa and Pau.

We finally seem to be getting a more stable squad now so I think things will improve soon.

[AV82EC]

Our defensive struggles aren't really down to individuals, even when we make clear mistakes more often than not they're a communication/cohesion issue.

For this game I'd say there were 2 big errors, the first goal and the intercepted Pau pass, I don't think the 2nd goal was an error in defence.

For the first no one takes control of the situation and for the 2nd Pau needed more support as he was put under a lot of pressure.

If we pick the same back 4 for a bunch of games in a row I think these problems solved themselves but that just hasn't happened this year. I don't think we've had the same defense 2 games in a row since September and that's hurting us. Partly it's down to Emery trying to keep everyone happy but there's also been injuries to Cash and Mings recovery as well as niggles for Carlos, Konsa and Pau.

We finally seem to be getting a more stable squad now so I think things will improve soon.

Yep, as good as summary of the situation as I’ve read. In fact you could go back to the middle of last season and say the same, it’s often about the stability and consistency of the unit as opposed to individual performances. We’ll be fine as we move forwards and get some stability in our selections. Longer term I’m sure Unai will be looking at who fits, who doesn’t and making decisions as necessary.

[Somniloquism]

Our defensive struggles aren't really down to individuals, even when we make clear mistakes more often than not they're a communication/cohesion issue.

Risking the wrath of Percy, I have to say Carlos doesn't help himself here. I don't think I have ever noticed him trying to communicate with another defender. For the first goal, Konsa was shouting man on and yet nothing from Carlos. There was also some action from the second half where Konsa tracking a runner got dragged into the centre between Carlos and Pau. Normally when that happens the closest CB goes across to cover. Konsa was shouting for Carlos to move over and he just stood there in his place making no attempt to move.

(Konsa should have done better blocking on the first one, but at some point the block could easily have become a foul).

[London Villan]

The first goal would have seen Mings take full control of that - either blocking the attacker or heading it clear.

[AV82EC]

The first goal would have seen Mings take full control of that - either blocking the attacker or heading it clear.

Except it fell in the RCB channel and Mings would have been where Torres was.

[tomd2103]

Our defensive struggles aren't really down to individuals, even when we make clear mistakes more often than not they're a communication/cohesion issue.

For this game I'd say there were 2 big errors, the first goal and the intercepted Pau pass, I don't think the 2nd goal was an error in defence.

For the first no one takes control of the situation and for the 2nd Pau needed more support as he was put under a lot of pressure.

If we pick the same back 4 for a bunch of games in a row I think these problems solved themselves but that just hasn't happened this year. I don't think we've had the same defense 2 games in a row since September and that's hurting us. Partly it's down to Emery trying to keep everyone happy but there's also been injuries to Cash and Mings recovery as well as niggles for Carlos, Konsa and Pau.

We finally seem to be getting a more stable squad now so I think things will improve soon.

Agree Paul, the habit of conceding sloppy goals crept in last season and has continued into this one. 

[Somniloquism]

The habit of conceding sloppy goals crept in last season and has continued into this one.

Mings used to be the one who used to switch off for sloppy goals. Yes, it was stopped in Emery's first half season, but we definite used to do it before then.

[PeterWithe]

If I was picking the team Torres would be in it every single time. A Rolls-Royce of a player, and if some Neanderthal who isn't fit to lace his boots occasionally roughs him up a bit, well, into each life a little rain must fall.

[Olneythelonely]

The first goal would have seen Mings take full control of that - either blocking the attacker or heading it clear.

Now I know a lot of people are now seeing Mings as Franz Beckenbauer after his injury, forgetting that a lot of people were saying he wasn’t good enough for us, but I’m not convinced he’d be covering that side of the pitch. Unless you’re saying he’d be playing at right centre back, with Pau left centre back. Then it may have been the case, we don’t know though, because he’s never played there for us.

[Dave]

The first goal would have seen Mings take full control of that - either blocking the attacker or heading it clear.

Now I know a lot of people are now seeing Mings as Franz Beckenbauer after his injury, forgetting that a lot of people were saying he wasn’t good enough for us, but I’m not convinced he’d be covering that side of the pitch.

That, and also the "the defence doesn't make silly mistakes when Mings is playing" takes seem to have memory-holed the Brugge game a bit.

[Chip Butty 111]

For me we have 4 very good CB's...
Pau....good with the ball...mistake in the locker/odd brain fart
Mings....see above
Carlos...see above
Konsa...not as good with the ball..the most reliable..best defensively of the 4
I have no idea which is the best pairing as we constantly rotate them.

[Risso]

That, and also the "the defence doesn't make silly mistakes when Mings is playing" takes seem to have memory-holed the Brugge game a bit.

People are obviously talking about general defensive lapses in terms of dealing with opposition players, rather than once in a career brain farts from a goal kick.

[Olneythelonely]

That, and also the "the defence doesn't make silly mistakes when Mings is playing" takes seem to have memory-holed the Brugge game a bit.

People are obviously talking about general defensive lapses in terms of dealing with opposition players, rather than once in a career brain farts from a goal kick.

Mings has had more than enough of those types of mistakes in his Villa career though.

I do think he’s a better defender than Carlos. I think Pau is a better footballer than Mings. A combination of the two would be Paul McGrath-like.

[Brazilian Villain]

That, and also the "the defence doesn't make silly mistakes when Mings is playing" takes seem to have memory-holed the Brugge game a bit.

People are obviously talking about general defensive lapses in terms of dealing with opposition players, rather than once in a career brain farts from a goal kick.

Mings has had more than enough of those types of mistakes in his Villa career though.

I do think he’s a better defender than Carlos. I think Pau is a better footballer than Mings. A combination of the two would be Paul McGrath-like.

I agree with OtL.

[PaulWinch again]

That, and also the "the defence doesn't make silly mistakes when Mings is playing" takes seem to have memory-holed the Brugge game a bit.

People are obviously talking about general defensive lapses in terms of dealing with opposition players, rather than once in a career brain farts from a goal kick.

Mings has had more than enough of those types of mistakes in his Villa career though.

I do think he’s a better defender than Carlos. I think Pau is a better footballer than Mings. A combination of the two would be Paul McGrath-like.

Yep and I also think Pau isn’t as terrible defensively as the prevailing narrative makes out. Again I point back to our very successful first 6 months of last year.