[Slick_Footwork]

Over the last couple of weeks there have been call for Ajayi to be moved into midfield; I have to be honest and thought it might be worth a punt. I think today we saw why it would be a catastrophe, he was dreadful. Unfortunately, when he moved back into his back four role, he was equally shocking. I would give him 1/10 for that performance- the 1 only earned because he scored. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an Albion team so devoid of talent. Someone earlier commented that this gave Allardyce the chance to look at some of the fringe players; I would argue that his starting 11 comprised players who all would be considered first team squad, that’s the disturbing part for me. Villa’s youth team, based upon their performance last night, would have beaten us. We were disgraceful.

I've personally called for Ajayi to play in midfield, because of our lack of defensive awareness in there. But you're right, on that evidence, it doesn't look like he can play there. He's always looked reasonable on the ball at the back, but judging on what we saw today he can only play with the game in front of him. He didn't look at all comfortable in the role at all.

The game further highlights the desperate need for a proper defensive midfield acquisition. Although I have serious doubt that we can find someone for the pennies we have available.

It feels like we have gone back 20 years since our last relegation, when you think that team had the likes of Jonny Evans and Rondon, true professionals.

But what really gets me this season is the lack of players that actually care. It seems the few we have that care out of their depth ability wise, while those that are technically good are not really bothered to break sweat. Even in the dark days we always had players that had some self pride in their performances, I simply don't see it with this set of lads. Most of them can't even make a tackle.