What a strange game. So many cheap give aways and poor play in general. I'm fairly certain you can see better quality later today in MLS.
Villa just had a corner and even though Lowton was in the box, he didnt even watch the ball being kicked, make a move to head it, nothing, just stood there.
They're trying to play at the crazy EPL pace and failing. There are a lot of teams in a lot of leagues that can keep possession better than these teams, albeit at a much slower pace with more time to make decisions.
1-0 Villa at the half Unless I missed something, Guzan has not had much to do besides his kick save earlier
I had the exact same thought. Heck, he might be a better winger than one of these two guys. Albrighton just doesn't look quick enough to me....some of that could be on RB not supporting. Lowton is fine defending, but doesn't support upfield at all.
I don't even think the tempo is that fast. It's just bad ball. I've seen plenty of MLS games played at a quicker tempo and higher quality lately. KC beating Philly just this Wed. comes to mind.
Villa's problem might not be the wide play, actually. El Ammady (sp?), Holman, and Delph have been terrible. They can't possess and they can't pass. If the center midfield was playing better, the wide guys would have more opportunities to make runs.
A cross almost drifts past Guzan, but he palms over his goal side shoulder to safety. Lichaj coming on for Agbonlahor in the 54th minute.
Nice save from Guzan. Hoolahan is played into the box and Guzan comes out, stays big, and makes a chest save.
The best part, since it was hit right at him and close, was the slight rotation to chest it out of bounds.