Groundhog Day for Alavés as Villarreal defeat extends worrying slide
Another promising first-half performance fizzles out for Coudet's men, who have now collected just 4 points from 24 available as relegation fears grow at Mendizorrotza.
The Mendizorrotza faithful are getting a serious case of déjà vu as Alavés followed their familiar script at El Ceramica, starting brightly before fading after the break in a defeat that extends their worrying form slump.
Same old story
Like a broken record, Alavés delivered the same performance we’ve seen against Barcelona and Real Madrid recently. Decent opening, competitive first half, then completely overrun after the tea break. The Basque side couldn’t trouble a Villarreal team that simply flexed their muscles in the second period and took control.
This latest setback means it’s just 4 points from a possible 24 for the babazorros. What was optimism a couple of months back has transformed into proper squeaky bum time as they slide toward the danger zone.
Shortage of bodies, shortage of goals
Coudet arrived at the Ceramica with his options severely limited - just 16 first-team players available. Talk about being up the creek without a paddle! Despite these limitations, they managed to fire off 16 shots at Luiz Junior’s goal, but their finishing was about as effective as a chocolate teapot.
While defeat against Villarreal wasn’t exactly a shock to the system, it’s the manner of the loss and the ongoing dire run that’s crushing morale in the dressing room. The gaffer himself is feeling the heat, with questions about his future growing louder by the week.
Missing their mojo
Early season Alavés earned their mid-table comfort through defensive solidity and controlling matches on their terms. That foundation has crumbled lately as:
- Opponents are creating chances with alarming ease
- The team has lost its defensive consistency
- They require too many opportunities to score
Coudet has his work cut out, but with the transfer window wide open, he’ll surely be banging on the chairman’s door for reinforcements before things get properly dicey.
The slide needs arresting soon, or what started as a promising campaign could turn into a relegation dogfight that nobody at Mendizorrotza anticipated.