Tactical astuteness was not on show from the visiting team in last night's Carling Cup showdown at the Causeway Stadium, High Wycombe, and marking appeared to be well down Villa's list of priorities.

Apart from the odd long ball, much of the medium and short passing was appalling to say the least.

Villa looked like a bunch of schoolboys. No organisation or skill appeared to be on show, and only a couple of the players looked like they wanted a win tonight.

James Milner and Gareth Barry looked hungry, particularly in the second half, and Steven Davis was his usual lively self. However, if three of the four midfielders play well and we still get embarressed, then what hope is there?

Patrik Berger was poor on the left and Angel just shouldn't even be on the bench. J'Lloyd needs to learn how to tackle and everyone needs to practice how to pass.

I feel ashamed even though we scored eight goals. After all, we were lucky to get that. Something needs to change and I am wondering what David O'Leary is going to do about it.

And, after hearing what O'Leary had to say last night, it appears that the poor first-half performance will be forgotten rather than remembered and learned from. That's what worries me the most.

Comments? Please send 'em to luke@astonvilla.biz.