05 Oct 2020 12:21:27
So, that's was something new. tbh all the panic on here is a little OTT. yes its a humiliating loss, but c'mon three deflected goals ( I just hope fabinho's face is alright) when was the last time you saw that?

So what is going on, well I think if you look at all the crazy results this season, us shipping 7, both Manchester clubs shipping 5 and 6 clearly its not just about us.

My theory, players at the elite level are a lot closer in talent and ability than we all think they are.

Perhaps what sets a good player apart from a great player is metal resilience and the ability to perform under pressure and whilst we've always known this, maybe its more important than we ever realised before.

Hell, look at Trossard as a case in point this season, has a beast, 2 inches either way and he would already have 6 goals this season. Did Trossard suddenly become 10 times better in the off season. of course he didn't

So if there are no crowds and no pressure, then is the playing field somewhat levelled? And, if that is true what does it mean for recruitment moving forwards? Will the clubs start using personality tests like a lot of companies do know before hiring?

I don't have the answers and I may be entirely wrong, but I think its interesting. Or its just that they are all knackered and its a set of freak results and I'm trying to make sense out of something which, by rights, just shouldn't happen!

Either way well done to Villa, I really like Dean Smith so although I obviously wish it hadn't been us to getting destroyed, I'm pleased that Villa are exonerated for sticking with Dean and backing his recruitment decisions.

Lastly' I'll be very surprised if that's the last time we see a top 6 club ship 5 or more this season. so at least we get ours out of the way now!

05 Oct 2020 12:35:28
OP, seems this is going to happen a lot more tis season of all seasons due to the current circumstances.

05 Oct 2020 13:27:49
Interesting points mate.

05 Oct 2020 13:56:28
5 years ago we got battered by Stoke 6-1. Since then we've won a trophy or two. So never the end of the world.
We deserved the result yesterday. Credit to Dean Smith and his players.

05 Oct 2020 14:04:38
I think it's fatigue. not just level of ability.

05 Oct 2020 14:19:52
Like many on here we are scratching our heads about last night. No fans, no preseason Few players missing what ever the reason it happened from the start of the game because we never looked ready from the whistle. Oh and Everton are not complaining about no fans ect.

{Ed025's Note - we are actually longthing, this is what we all craved to see and it would have been great to see it in person, our fans have missed out more than anyone i would suggest mate..

05 Oct 2020 14:28:30
A number of our players look mentally and physically exhausted which is of no surprise considering the last 2 league campaigns we have had. The only 3 players that look their usual selfs are Robbo, Mane and Salah. Not really sure how they are going to get rid of this exhaustion with only 4 league games gone and fixtures coming thick and fast this season. Football is always a roller coaster ride and i think this season is going to be far more downs than what we have been used to under Klopp but there will be plenty of ups as well. This isn't me saying we are not going to challenge because we will be there or there about's but looking at the way this season is going it won't be a 90 odd point title win to whoever does win it. I can honestly see this being the tightest top 10 in premier league history due to the fact anyone can beat anyone.

05 Oct 2020 14:54:03
Fully agree, JK23. Buckle up guys cos we have not seen the last of these types of results this season.

05 Oct 2020 15:02:25
No disrespect intended, Hoody, but you're talking about two games (3, i guess if you include Man C) . I don't see any major unusual pattern just yet.
If we get to Xmas and Villa are top or City are languishing mid-table you might be on to something but so far all that has happened is that two top teams plus Man Utd have been soundly beaten. Once.

05 Oct 2020 14:56:00
Sorry eds25 what mean is your doing well without fans. 👍🏻.

{Ed025's Note - oh right, fair enough mate cheers..

05 Oct 2020 15:56:14
Hoody, i agree mate. I was thinking the same thing. There isn't as much between a 75mil cb and a 10mil cb. It's mentality and the ability to do it in front of a packed ground.

That's why we're seeing the mid table teams thrive while the elite are looking mid table. It could be a very strange season. Anyone could win it. If I were everton, villa Leicester and wolves I'd be quite excited.