Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: PeterWithesShin on December 03, 2025, 09:44:41 PM
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Sat 6th Dec, 12.30 KO
2-1
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I'd have more hope if it wasn't an early kick-off. 1-1.
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Do these fuckers.
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We will win again. Ollie will score again.
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We go again.
1-0 to the Villa. Ollie to get it.
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Think it'll be another good one.
FTF 8)
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Similar to two years ago. Win on the Wednesday night, then play Arsenal on the following Sat. Less recovery this time as it's a 1245 rather than 1730 and we were home for both 2023 games. But Arsenal had an extra night recovery then, not so this time.
Winning this would be some statement. Even moreso than the consecutive 1-0s over Citeh and Arsenal.
At half-time tonight, I would have taken a draw. I feel the same about Sat but this lot are believers. We could well win.
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I wanted 4 points this week
I want 6 now
We have nothing to fear.
We will win.
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Need to score at least two to cancel out the inevitable 40 yard screamer from Eze. Why wouldn't those Palace twats have sold him to Saudi Arabia?
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Be good if their centre halves are still injured. Just for the corners.
We can beat anybody at the moment.
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I really hope Martinez recovers in time from his back spasm. This will be tough - the fixture schedule is crazy. UE has rotated his players superbly. Arsenal fans are worried given their mounting injury list. I'll go for a narrow 2-1 win.
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Nah.
0-2
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This is set up to be a hum dinger.
I like the fact we have put this run together without playing that well except in spells.
I think there is still more to come.
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I've gone all giddy and predicted a win
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I'm going for a Villa win.
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1-0 Watkins
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While there were plenty of positives for Arsenal in the midweek win at home to Brentford, one negative was two more additions to an already busy treatment room. As their north London rivals experienced last year, the most impactful part of Arsenal’s injury list is that they have been particularly hampered in one area: the defence.
The first hit to the best back four in the league came during the latest international break when Gabriel suffered an abductor issue while on duty with Brazil. The latest update from Arteta had him “weeks” away and his return may well come in the new year.
His centre-back partner William Saliba was a surprise absentee from the team sheet to face Chelsea last weekend having picked up a previously unreported ‘knock’ in training. That also kept him out against Brentford with Arteta describing it as “very bizarre”, although it is hoped the Frenchman can return this weekend.
To make matters worse, back-up centre-back Cristian Mosquera was subbed off in the first half against Brentford after contesting a header and perhaps most worryingly, the player was unable to tell his manager whether it was his knee or ankle that hurt.
Away from the defence, Arteta’s heart would have sunk when Declan Rice plonked himself on the deck late on against Brentford. Rice has started 13 of Arsenal’s 14 league games this year and nobody has provided more goals for the team this season, meaning any absence – even if only a game – will have a big impact.
After the game, Arteta was unable to diagnose the problem but said he “cannot play”. Further tests on Thursday will determine whether the England international will miss the trip to Villa this weekend.
The forward line is not free of injury either. Kai Havertz has been out since the opening weekend with a knee injury and a setback means his return will be later than initially hoped.
Leonardo Trossard is another player currently absent. He picked up a muscle injury against Bayern Munich but was expected to be fit for the Chelsea game. He has however not featured even on the bench yet.
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Nah.
0-2
Same.
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Super difficult game this.
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Massive game. A draw wouldn be a goid result and i would take it
We know we can beat anyone at home. But arsenal were the only side to beat us at VP last year so we need to take them seriously
Lets do this!
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This is the time to go all out for the win - whatever happens we aren't dropping below 5th (and probably 4th) this weekend, but we can put ourselves in striking distance of top. Absolutely FTF, 2-0 by half-time and 3-1 final score.
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They’ll be wary coming to Villa Park, our home record is immense, allied to our recent good form they should in fact be shitting their collective panties.
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The pundits are saying Arsenal have a stronger squad this season and are now better equipped to win the league. I agree, but, I don't think they have a stronger starting eleven from last year.
We also have a strong squad and a more settled one. If we go into this game with a positive attitude we can win.
1-0 to the Villa.
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The pundits are saying Arsenal have a stronger squad this season and are now better equipped to win the league. I agree, but, I don't think they have a stronger starting eleven from last year.
I think that that most people's "strongest Arsenal team" would have at least one of Eze, Zubimendi and Gyokeres and I expect some people would have two or even all three of them.
And none of those are downgrades on who they were using last year and have since lost.
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I dreamed last night a 1-0 win and Uri scored a cracker
Emery had a spat on the side lines with Captain Black
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I dreamed last night a 1-0 win and Uri scored a cracker
He probably just planted that in your mind
(https://remosince1988.com/cdn/shop/articles/Uri_Geller_Hero_3.2_6e93e4e3-2d92-41cc-9bfc-15dbaed8334b.jpg?)
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I dreamed last night a 1-0 win and Uri scored a cracker
He probably just planted that in your mind
(https://remosince1988.com/cdn/shop/articles/Uri_Geller_Hero_3.2_6e93e4e3-2d92-41cc-9bfc-15dbaed8334b.jpg?)
Sorry that reminded me immediately of one of my favourite Gary Delaney jokes
"Uri Geller, surprisingly hard to stab"
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4-0.
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The pundits are saying Arsenal have a stronger squad this season and are now better equipped to win the league. I agree, but, I don't think they have a stronger starting eleven from last year.
I think that that most people's "strongest Arsenal team" would have at least one of Eze, Zubimendi and Gyokeres and I expect some people would have two or even all three of them.
And none of those are downgrades on who they were using last year and have since lost.
Its debatable. Harvetz was Arses top scorer last year with 15, Eze scored 14 with Palace. Also, question marks over Eze's workrate off the ball. He can be quality though.
Zubimendi competing with Rice, Odegaard and others for midfield. Gyokeros unproven at this level yet.
I still reckon a stronger squad but not starting eleven. But hey, who cares, just stuff 'em.
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This is going to be a big game I'm not one for looking too far in the future one game at a time but it's nice if we beat them and be looking up instead of anywhere else.
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Arsenal mates reckon Declan Rice is going to be ok for the weekend. Some trepidation in their camp also, saying it’s a tough one to call.
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I honestly think we'll beat them. We were unlucky at home last season in the 2-0 and they have injuries plus we are the better side. V tight 2-1 squeaky bum win.
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Martinez
Cash Konsa Torres Digne
Kamara Tielemans
McGinn Rogers Buendia
Watkins
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Echoes of that match a couple of years back abound, a crazy few days when we really started to believe there was something special happening. It did and it suddenly feels like it again.
Arsenal will be a real test but one we can approach with relish and confidence, the players looked they were absolutely bouncing.
As for me, I'm bouncing too and I hate Woolwich, their entitlement, their mid game false injury coaching sessions, their prick of a manager, their premature title celebrations, that fucking song, their abandonment of Highbury and their absolute horror that anyone should dare challenge them for the ball. And Rice, the turncoat.
30 fucking nil to us.
1-0
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Martinez
Cash Konsa Torres Digne
Kamara Tielemans
McGinn Rogers Buendia
Watkins
This team
2-1 Watkins, Malen off the bench
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If we had Barkley fit and able to come on in the second half, I'd be inclined to go with all of McGinn / Kamara / Onana / Tielemans.
As it is, I think at least one of those will need to come on for the last half hour. So Onana / Kamara / McGinn, with Youri to come on for Buendia after an hour.
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Of those 4, he’s been rotating them pretty consistently. So with Tielemans on the bench yesterday, I’d expect him to start. Kamara came off after 70, so would expect to see him too. Can’t see SJM on the bench for this one, so surely Onana misses out?
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I expect a typical random Unai selection to confuse the opposition.
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I expect a typical random Unai selection to confuse the opposition.
Imagine if he started Garcia and Elliott. :)
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Let’s see who is in their defence…. But no idea on this one.
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Great game coming up 2:3
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The pundits are saying Arsenal have a stronger squad this season and are now better equipped to win the league. I agree, but, I don't think they have a stronger starting eleven from last year.
I think that that most people's "strongest Arsenal team" would have at least one of Eze, Zubimendi and Gyokeres and I expect some people would have two or even all three of them.
And none of those are downgrades on who they were using last year and have since lost.
Its debatable. Harvetz was Arses top scorer last year with 15, Eze scored 14 with Palace. Also, question marks over Eze's workrate off the ball. He can be quality though.
Zubimendi competing with Rice, Odegaard and others for midfield. Gyokeros unproven at this level yet.
I still reckon a stronger squad but not starting eleven. But hey, who cares, just stuff 'em.
The Zubimendi one isn't really debatable, he's much better than Partey. Him and Rice are a great midfield pairing. I agree, let's fuck 'em up.
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Seems mad they let Xhaka go, seeing how he's taking Sunderland into Europe by his guts and thunder.
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They had just spent £100mil on his replacement so getting £20mill back for a 30-31 year old wasn't bad business.
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A biggie and a toughie one for us.
We do better against more expansive teams - only issue they have matchwinners everywhere and usually 3 on the bench just in case.
They have been largely impressive this season but have wobbled against the very upper echelons.
If they win, they can genuinely point to being contenders. If we win we can genuinely be considered Top4 candidates.
That said we can get at them especially if no Saliba and or Gabriel.
Hope say 3.2. Head says 2.2 maybe.
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They are on a record run of 108 games in all competitions of conceding under 3 goals.
3-0 Villa.
VTID
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Arsenal fear Cristhian Mosquera will miss at least six weeks to add to their defensive problems.
The Spanish defender is set for further tests to establish the full extent of the ankle injury suffered in the 2-0 midweek win over Brentford.
Mosquera's absence will be another blow to the Gunners, who also currently have first-choice centre-back pairing Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba sidelined.
The 21-year-old required treatment after landing awkwardly before being substituted, and early concerns are he will miss between six and eight weeks.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said his summer signing from Valencia required further examination as he added: "Mosquera is the one that is more complicated. We have another test today."
He also told Friday's news conference Saliba is "days" away from returning after a knock in training ruled him out of recent games against Chelsea and Brentford, while Gabriel may not be back until January with a thigh injury.
Mosquera and Piero Hincapie have been deputising for the pair but, with Mosquera now facing a long lay-off, Saliba's availability will be crucial for Arsenal, who are currently top of both the Premier League and Champions League group phase.
The Gunners visit third-placed Aston Villa on Saturday (12:30 GMT), before a trip to Club Brugge on Wednesday, 10 December (20:00 GMT).
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Emi Martínez will be assessed ahead of Aston Villa’s Saturday lunchtime clash against Premier League leaders Arsenal.
The goalkeeper was named in Villa’s starting XI to face Brighton & Hove Albion in midweek, but was forced to pull out shortly before kick-off.
Marco Bizot took his place between the sticks for the captivating 4-3 triumph, and Martínez faces a late fitness test to see if he will be available to face the Gunners at Villa Park (ko 12.30pm).
Manager Unai Emery provided an update at Friday afternoon’s pre-match media conference.
“We will train this afternoon, he didn’t train yesterday, but it’s very important for him, how he is passing the hours feeling better,” said the Villa boss.
“Until the last moment, I don’t know if he’s going to be available or not for tomorrow.”
Centre-back Tyrone Mings and midfielder Ross Barkley continue to be sidelined and will miss out this weekend.
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We go into this on the back of an amazing win v Brighton, here we go, massive game, Villa now has to be the most dangerous competitor in the Premier League, right mindset and we can beat anybody, we do beat the best as PSG found out last season, question is can we put the brakes on Arsenals season and at the same time enter the Premiership title race.
The 12th man is going to be hugely important, Villa park needs to rock tomorrow, intimidate, loud, let them know they are at Villa Park. Its all about confidence. we can do this.
I'm going for a 3-1 Villa win. Ollie's got goals in him now, he's tasted blood, plus he's probably just seen the England World Cup draw and he knows England have been given coupons again, he will want to be on that plane or the state this country is in, on that raft..
Come on Villa.
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We'll do these entitled Tarquins, no bother.
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Think our record against Arse in the League since going back up, is something like 5 wins, 1 draw and 6 losses. So not too shabby.
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Merse said on Sky today "If you're Arsenal, Villa away is the last place you want to be going!"
3-1 FTF!
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I voted Villa to win in the poll. To hedge my bets, I reckon they’ll do us 2-0.
As an aside, there suddenly seem to be loads of players called Mosquera dotted around. Are they all related?
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I voted Villa to win in the poll. To hedge my bets, I reckon they’ll do us 2-0.
As an aside, there suddenly seem to be loads of players called Mosquera dotted around. Are they all related?
Like when Ron signed his son from Sociedad
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At least the days when they thought it was some kind of disgrace not to beat us, have well and truly passed.
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If we win tomorrow we become world champions.
Chelsea won the Club World Cup in the summer. Their first competitive defeat since then was against Bayern, who therefore became champions. Bayern then lost their championship to Arsenal a few weeks ago.
It’s basically Wrestlemania.
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Appropriate meets the very appropriate, its time bro's lets do it. Come on you Villa boys.
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Normally I'd be nervous but I don't mind losing to these. The fans are so great, as is the manager.
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They are on a record run of 108 games in all competitions of conceding under 3 goals.
3-0 Villa.
VTID
Wow, that is pretty impressive.
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This will be the worst game of football, both sides trying to bait the other into pressing and lots of niggly fouls stopping each other transitioning. Either they will get a goal through an error from a corner or we'll get one from a deflected shot.
There will be a referee error to be annoyed about.
I have no expectations at all, so if we get something I'll be delighted.
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Normally I'd be nervous but I don't mind losing to these. The fans are so great, as is the manager.
Good point well made.
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Get ready for Saka rolling around on the floor anytime a Villa player gets within 2 foot of him.
Hopefully we can defend their set pieces - would love to see Arteta getting sent off as we win!
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Getting more confident as the game approaches, I think we’ll win today.
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I cannot accept some opinions on here that veer toward “ it’s a bonus game, don’t mind if we don’t get anything out of it, can see us getting anything” etc etc. About time we get rid of the underdog monkey on our shoulders in top end games. We are good enough and smart enough to win and win we will.
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I cannot accept some opinions on here that veer toward “ it’s a bonus game, don’t mind if we don’t get anything out of it, can see us getting anything” etc etc. About time we get rid of the underdog monkey on our shoulders in top end games. We are good enough and smart enough to win and win we will.
hear! hear!
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As the kids say, I am absolute stoked for today’s game.
I’m glad it’s the early game so we don’t have to hang around waiting for it.
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this is a free-hit for us today
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but we must have the mentality to believe we can win
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Normally I'd be nervous but I don't mind losing to these. The fans are so great, as is the manager.
❓❓❓❓❓❓❓
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We'll send them back to Woolwich with their tails between their legs. 2-1 to Villa.
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Since we came back up our record against Arsenal is, Home, W3 L3 Away W2 D1 L3 total W5 D1 L6
They are a good team and probably will win the league, but there is nothing to fear here.
As an aside, memories of this time two years ago, beating a flying Man City on the Wednesday with a dominant performance, then on the Saturday a pre match epitaph to Benjamin Zephaniah and then one of the loudest 10 mins or so Ive heard on the Holte in years, culminating in McGinns goal, after which we kind of held on.
However, in terms of comparisons, I think December 1989, might resonate a bit more. A really underwhelming start to the season under SGT, but slowly churning through the gears and going on a great run, culminating that calendar year in beating reigning champions Arsenal at home 2-1 then hammering Man Utd 3-0 on Boxing day before beating Chelsea 3-0 away on new years day, and no one could ignore anymore that we were in the title race. I’d take that December again.
Bring this on today!
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Normally I'd be nervous but I don't mind losing to these. The fans are so great, as is the manager.
Of all the posts I've disagreed with in my H&V career, I disagree with this one the most.
Sarcasm?
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However, in terms of comparisons, I think December 1989, might resonate a bit more. A really underwhelming start to the season under SGT, but slowly churning through the gears and going on a great run, culminating that calendar year in beating reigning champions Arsenal at home 2-1 then hammering Man Utd 3-0 on Boxing day before beating Chelsea 3-0 away on new years day, and no one could ignore anymore that we were in the title race. I’d take that December again.
Late Mountfield header in front of the North Stand?
Remember that one clearly, think the only time I've been in the NS. Got in 10 mins late, Holte chocabloc, so couldn't get in there - we used to just pitch up in those days.
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BBC preview of the game, just now, told us that Arsenal will go 7 points clear for a few hours at least, if they win. No mention of the fact that the Villa will go 2nd in the table if we win!
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However, in terms of comparisons, I think December 1989, might resonate a bit more. A really underwhelming start to the season under SGT, but slowly churning through the gears and going on a great run, culminating that calendar year in beating reigning champions Arsenal at home 2-1 then hammering Man Utd 3-0 on Boxing day before beating Chelsea 3-0 away on new years day, and no one could ignore anymore that we were in the title race. I’d take that December again.
Late Mountfield header in front of the North Stand?
Remember that one clearly, think the only time I've been in the NS. Got in 10 mins late, Holte chocabloc, so couldn't get in there - we used to just pitch up in those days.
I was 15 and first season in a few years I didnt get a season ticket, but didn’t really need one as you say. I lived in the family home in Hockley then, however, I missed the Arsenal game as somehow contrived to drop and lose my few quid entrance money on the way from the number 8 bus stop through Aston Park. I realised when I got to the turnstiles So had to turn around and go home. Was at the Man utd game and Chelsea away though.
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There is a bit of meejah attention stirring - the Graun rushed out an article on us (https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/dec/05/how-aston-villa-turned-season-around-arsenal-premier-league) last night. Reads as a bit of a space filler mind, from the otherwise admirable Ben Fisher.
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BBC preview of the game, just now, told us that Arsenal will go 7 points clear for a few hours at least, if they win. No mention of the fact that the Villa will go 2nd in the table if we win!
Sounds like you already knew anyway.
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Normally I'd be nervous but I don't mind losing to these. The fans are so great, as is the manager.
Of all the posts I've disagreed with in my H&V career, I disagree with this one the most.
Sarcasm?
it's got to be...
their fans are idiots and their manager is disgusting
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BBC preview of the game, just now, told us that Arsenal will go 7 points clear for a few hours at least, if they win. No mention of the fact that the Villa will go 2nd in the table if we win!
If you were the manager would you be using this to motivate the players?
I would.
I'd be drumming it into them for weeks, making smarmy comments in training about how they're only showing the top four in the league table because we're 5th, then the top three because we're 4th. I'd be saying they think you're not good enough. They ignore you because they think you're irrelevant.
By the time it came to kick off my players would want blood and would be ready to run through a brick wall.
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I was 15 and first season in a few years I didnt get a season ticket, but didn’t really need one as you say. I lived in the family home in Hockley then, however, I missed the Arsenal game as somehow contrived to drop and lose my few quid entrance money on the way from the number 8 bus stop through Aston Park. I realised when I got to the turnstiles So had to turn around and go home. Was at the Man utd game and Chelsea away though.
Don't think I was at the Man Utd game. I was - may still be - a year or two older than you, and my bus was the 9 (plus whatever bus/train out of town, can't recall the number). But I do remember that maybe a couple of pound coins was all you needed to get in, maybe a fiver all in with transport, a programme and a Bovril (?).
Recall that Arsenal match as a not very enjoyable game per se, very tight, few chances, very tense. Great result!
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BBC preview of the game, just now, told us that Arsenal will go 7 points clear for a few hours at least, if they win. No mention of the fact that the Villa will go 2nd in the table if we win!
If you were the manager would you be using this to motivate the players?
I'd show Ollie your posts. ;)
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You would think the BBC would want a Villa win so that they could say “a bad day for Keir Starmer’s Arsenal” or, “a result that could mark a leadership challenge” if only Chris Mason did the sports round up.
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7-2
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BBC preview of the game, just now, told us that Arsenal will go 7 points clear for a few hours at least, if they win. No mention of the fact that the Villa will go 2nd in the table if we win!
If you were the manager would you be using this to motivate the players?
I'd show Ollie your posts. ;)
Ha ha 🤣
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58% going for a Villa win, can't remember it ever being that high for an Arsenal match, that's what I like positivity, going 3-2 Villa, Ollie to get the winner in the 101st minute.
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Ah, I see for those of us watching remotely we have the delights of TNT coverage to look forward to. Marvellous!
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Normally I'd be nervous but I don't mind losing to these. The fans are so great, as is the manager.
Of all the posts I've disagreed with in my H&V career, I disagree with this one the most.
Sarcasm?
it's got to be...
their fans are idiots and their manager is disgusting
Yes. Dripping with sarcasm.
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It is an honour to have AFTV at Villa Park though.
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I was 15 and first season in a few years I didnt get a season ticket, but didn’t really need one as you say. I lived in the family home in Hockley then, however, I missed the Arsenal game as somehow contrived to drop and lose my few quid entrance money on the way from the number 8 bus stop through Aston Park. I realised when I got to the turnstiles So had to turn around and go home. Was at the Man utd game and Chelsea away though.
Don't think I was at the Man Utd game. I was - may still be - a year or two older than you, and my bus was the 9 (plus whatever bus/train out of town, can't recall the number). But I do remember that maybe a couple of pound coins was all you needed to get in, maybe a fiver all in with transport, a programme and a Bovril (?).
Recall that Arsenal match as a not very enjoyable game per se, very tight, few chances, very tense. Great result!
The number 9 goes everywhere….i went to secondary school in Bearwood
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The number 9 goes everywhere….i went to secondary school in Bearwood
It does indeed go all over the Wrekin… especially if you had to take it from the very start of the route. ;)
For us, Bearwood was pretty well the end!
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Erection Section.