Aston Villa conceded twice from corners against Chelsea, their 13th of the season. What is the problem?
When a side concedes so many goals from corners, it is clear there is something fundamentally wrong. The question is, does the blame lie in one particular place or is there an issue affecting the club’s whole set up?
Here are three options which fans should consider.
1) The goalkeeper is the problem.
Not a very fashionable view here, that Shay Given is to blame. Given is highly regarded as one of the league’s best goalkeepers, a plaudit he has earned through a career spanning more than a decade in the top flight. But if the goalkeeper has a weakness, it could be argued it is in his communication with the defence. Do not forget Given was part of Newcastle United’s shambolic defence for years, and should not be absolved of any responsibility in that. He is a remarkable shot stopper, one of the best, but he should do a better job in commanding his box. Given should not be blamed entirely, but a question is entitled to be asked of the goalkeeper when a side is conceding so many from corners.
2) The defence is the problem.
Aston Villa’s defence is built on tall, aerially strong centre-backs, in James Collins (6ft 4) and Richard Dunne (6ft 2), while Dunne’s replacement when injured has mainly been Spaniard Carlos Cuellar (6ft 3). On Saturday it was 6ft 3 youngster Nathan Baker alongside Collins. There is height in the rest of the team, even in attackers Emile Heskey and Gabby Agbonlahor. So physically, there is no question of Aston Villa being an inferior side in terms of their height. Clearly then, the defence is failing in terms of its organisation. Are the right men being picked up? Who is talking to each other? The defence need to step up, take command at set pieces, and ensure their lines are cleared.
3) The manager is the problem.
If the club cannot get the basic defensive elements correct, such as defending set pieces, then there is surely something amiss on the training ground. Alex McLeish acknowledged the problem after the 4-2 defeat to Chelsea, saying his players ‘are not ugly enough inside the box.’ Now he has recognised the problem, his challenge is to show he can do something about it. Villa will not want to be seen as a soft touch, especially when there is a relegation scrap going on they are keen to avoid being dragged into. If the club’s defence and goalkeeper are failing to cope with corners, it is only natural there are big questions to be asked of the manager.
Which do you think is to blame? Is it a combination of all three?
image: © nicksarebi
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