The issue I see is a lack of a pace.
Balotelli, although capable of the absolute sublime, is too pedestrian and lethargic. He doesn't shift the ball as quick as Sturridge/Sterling/Coutinho, so play slows down when it gets to him. We were massively under-par and weakened yesterday. Lallana is clearly nowhere near full fitness but Markovic impressed me. It was one of those days - I'm not too concerned. Villa rode their luck for the majority.