The Rambling view from the City perspective

You have to laugh really because it probably isn't good for your health to react in any other way.

Poor old Darius Vassell must wonder how much worse it can get for him. The symbol, through no fault of his own, of Mark Hughes' bizarre team selection and even stranger tactical decision making the former England international comes on for an unfit Robinho and City promptly lose all three points to Tim Cahill and Everton.

Seventeen days to January, repeat after me, seventeen days to January...

Really I'm somewhat at a loss for words. What can I say after a match like this that I haven't said until I'm sick in the face, never mind you the readers.

For whatever reason Hughes will not play the formation that Sven used to great success at the start of last year. I go back to my comment of a few weeks ago. Hughes, based on his record at Blackburn Rovers, can only win when he brings in players that fit his preferred system.

Part of me says give the man a chance to craft his own team. The other part is bemused that a side with Robinho, Elano, SWP, Ireland, Richards and Hart could be so low in the league.

Given the quality of Aston Villa I have strong reservations about the ability of the club to challenge for 5th place even if we bought world beaters in January and went on an amazing winning streak. Which leaves either capturing the FA Cup or the UEFA Cup as entry back into Europe for next year. Neither seem likely at the moment.

The club, without European football, will struggle to attract the players of quality that we have been linked with over the past few months.

If you have any thoughts you can email wallace.poulter@gmail.com.