Aston Villa 2-2 Sheffield United: Thoughts on the performance

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PRESTON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Keinan Davis of Aston Villa and Alan Browne of Preston North End in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Aston Villa at Deepdale on November 1, 2017 in Preston, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) /

Keinan Davis needs help up top

Despite such promising start to life in the first eleven and a lovely headed goal against Burton, Davis hasn’t really done a lot since and showed he still has a lot of developing to do. Nevertheless, the young striker has cut quite a lonely figure up top and is regularly left isolated by the way Villa are set up to play.

If Bruce is going to persevere with playing a target man as the focal point of Villa’s attack, another forward is needed in support. To be fair to Davis, he does win a lot of headers for the team; it’s just that there is never anybody else up with him to take advantage of his hard work.

Gabby or Hogan could step in and fill this role, as they both possess a good turn of pace and can run with the ball, but Bruce doesn’t seem to recognise this. His decision to bring them both on yesterday at the expense of Davis seemed ludicrous at best, as both are too alike and do not possess the physicality needed to win headers or hold up play. This is where Davis excels and suggests either one could be the perfect partner for him, provided Villa play to their strengths.

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