This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Jack Grealish turned in a woeful display as Aston Villa were beaten by Sheffield United on Saturday.
On the chalkboard
The 24-year-old has been an excellent player for the newly-promoted outfit this season, scoring four times and registering four assists throughout his 14 Premier League appearances.
But, against the Blades, he was absolutely appalling.
At 2-0 down, Villa won a penalty, which Grealish took, but he slammed the ball against the crossbar and it then rolled out of play.
Not only that, but he also struggled to make a mark on the game in open play.
Throughout the 90 minutes, the 24-year-old had 44 touches of the ball and had four shots on goal, with not a single one on target.
Grealish’s pass completion rate was just 76%, too, while he failed to complete a single dribble.
He also conceded one foul and was dispossessed twice.
This was a display that let his side down and ultimately contributed immensely to Villa’s defeat.
Red Herring or Real Hero: Only hardcore Villa fans will get all of them right….
Went missing
Grealish is clearly a remarkably talented player.
He has an average rating of 7.31 in the Premier League per WhoScored but he went missing when Villa needed him most.
A win or a draw would have taken the club out of the relegation zone but the former England U21 international failed to take the game by the scruff of the neck.
Indeed, history suggests that Villa need him to be on form to win; only one of his goals this season have come in defeats, while two came in wins over Norwich City and Brighton & Hove Albion. Villa have only won four times all season.
His inability to step up on Saturday could well prove harmful as Villa look to climb out of trouble; they play Southampton, Norwich City and Watford prior to the turn of the year.
All three clubs are either in the relegation zone or just outside of it and the Villans will need Grealish at his best if they are to pick up the points they so desperately need.
Meanwhile, one Villa star has been told he needs to step up.