OPINION
There was more than just points on offer at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon as Aston Villa played host to midlands rivals West Brom – but unfortunately for the home fans they saw their side pick up neither a win nor bragging rights.
In fact there was not an awful lot to celebrate for the Villans, who saw themselves well and truly outclassed by Darren Moore and his men and considering that both teams harboured hopes of promotion at the start of this season – the Baggies actually making a push for a Premier League return – the gulf is a worrying one for Dean Smith.
Only those in the dressing room will know exactly how the Villa boss reacted to his side’s dire display but you can imagine there were a few honest truths issued – but the manager has got to act with more than just words to get his team’s campaign back on track.
One of the most startling sights would have been the shocker from Conor Hourihane, who looked a million miles off the pace not only in comparison to the opposition but to his teammates.
There was no urgency nor clear desire to make a difference and while John McGinn and Glen Whelan tried to instigate change, Hourihane was a bystander.
Villa cannot afford passengers in their side and while he might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the rarely seen Mile Jedinak, with just 72 minutes of league action since September, cannot be accused of not making an effort.
An unused substitute against the Baggies, his inclusion would at least give the defence a robust screen in front of them, as well as providing McGinn and Whelan a platform to try and make a difference further up the pitch.
It might be unpopular with the fans but managers are there to make the tough decisions and Jedinak’s shock return would bring a steel to the team that has been lacking.