2-1 Villa. Late Vlaar header to win it.From a disputed corner!
Exactly2-1 Villa. Late Vlaar header to win it.From a disputed corner!
In the 96th minute!
2-2Bastin is not match fit for this Saturday.
Sammy Morgan and Pongo Waring for us.
Cliff Bastin and Charlie Buchan for them.
I just can not see this as a draw unless it's 4-4.
I just can not see this as a draw unless it's 4-4.
I think it's fair to say it won't finish 0-0.
2-2Bastin is not match fit for this Saturday.
Sammy Morgan and Pongo Waring for us.
Cliff Bastin and Charlie Buchan for them.
2-2Bastin is not match fit for this Saturday.
Sammy Morgan and Pongo Waring for us.
Cliff Bastin and Charlie Buchan for them.
May have to change my prediction. Is Dennis Compton playing for them then?
Neither is Jack Crayston!
2-2Bastin is not match fit for this Saturday.
Sammy Morgan and Pongo Waring for us.
Cliff Bastin and Charlie Buchan for them.
May have to change my prediction. Is Dennis Compton playing for them then?
Neither is Jack Crayston!
2-0 them.
Anthony Taylor is the referee.I hope his dad Jack is proud of him.
Sylla playing (and gone off) for the reserves, so presumable Delph/Westwood/El Ahmadi in midfield on Saturday.Don't think we can be too maverick at places like Arsenal. Then again maybe attack is the best form of defence approach may be out best bet? Trying to play for a draw or sneak a 1 nil win isn't in the DNA of this squad and manager.
Unless we go all-out and play Tonev again.
Sylla playing (and gone off) for the reserves, so presumable Delph/Westwood/El Ahmadi in midfield on Saturday.
Unless we go all-out and play Tonev again.
I can see him playing 2 DCM's - Delph and Westwood and one ACM - Tonev.
He was "forced off" after 26 minutes.
I've got nasty visions of us playing Tonev and being 2-0 after about 20 minutes at the moment!
Really thought we could have done with Sylla in these first couple of games to be honest.
So that points to KEA unfortunately. And so far I just don't rate him.A couple of points, have we seen much of El Ahmadi in a midfield three until this pre-season? Most of the success that have had was when we stopped playing two in midfield (with him normally being one of those two), but are we absolutely sure that it's just the personnel rather than the formation?
I hope we've instructed Bannan and Hutton to kick fuck out of Wilshere and Walcott this Wednesday. May as well get some use out of them.News that Walcott is injured and struggling to make the England game and Saturday v Us.
I'd really fancy us if Walcott is out injured. If he's struggling likely there's no way he'd be 100% even if he played.I hope we've instructed Bannan and Hutton to kick fuck out of Wilshere and Walcott this Wednesday. May as well get some use out of them.News that Walcott is injured and struggling to make the England game and Saturday v Us.
I hope this is true as I see him as our biggest threat and think Luna will struggle against him (or Baker as some are suggesting PL may play him at left back).
Does the score matter, really?Nice.
I just hope the players all have a nice time and get plenty of fresh air and exercise, and the supporters all have an ice cream each.
I hope we've instructed Bannan and Hutton to kick fuck out of Wilshere and Walcott this Wednesday. May as well get some use out of them.
I'd really fancy us if Walcott is out injured. If he's struggling likely there's no way he'd be 100% even if he played.I hope we've instructed Bannan and Hutton to kick fuck out of Wilshere and Walcott this Wednesday. May as well get some use out of them.News that Walcott is injured and struggling to make the England game and Saturday v Us.
I hope this is true as I see him as our biggest threat and think Luna will struggle against him (or Baker as some are suggesting PL may play him at left back).
Anyone remember that arsenal blog a few years back that slagged us off? I think a few posters on here gave the bloke a good ear bashing and rightly so.
I would like to read that again if somebody can find it.
http://articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2013/08/aston-villa-how-will-the-villains-line-up-for-trip-to-arsenal.html
There have been a few comings and goings at Villa Park this summer so how do you think we will line up against the Gunners?
http://articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2013/08/aston-villa-how-will-the-villains-line-up-for-trip-to-arsenal.html
There have been a few comings and goings at Villa Park this summer so how do you think we will line up against the Gunners?
PL might go with Baker instead of Luna and Sylla insted of KEA would be my choice but may be injured after last night's outing.http://articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2013/08/aston-villa-how-will-the-villains-line-up-for-trip-to-arsenal.html
There have been a few comings and goings at Villa Park this summer so how do you think we will line up against the Gunners?
I'm honestly not too sure. I had Sylla down as a guaranteed starter but I see that he played, and got injured, for the U21s last night.
My current best-guess is;
Guzan; Lowton, Vlaar, Okore, Luna; El Ahmadi, Westwood, Delph; Wiemann, Benteke, Agbonlahor.
Guzan; Lowton, Vlaar, Okore, Luna; El Ahmadi, Westwood, Delph; Wiemann, Benteke, Agbonlahor.
Guzan; Lowton, Vlaar, Okore, Luna; El Ahmadi, Westwood, Delph; Wiemann, Benteke, Agbonlahor.
If that isn't the exact team then it's not far from it all I reckon. Only change I'd make personally is Sylla for KEA as we'll not have much of the ball and his extra enegy is closing down the Arsenal midfield would be useful.
Guzan; Lowton, Vlaar, Okore, Luna; El Ahmadi, Westwood, Delph; Wiemann, Benteke, Agbonlahor.
If that isn't the exact team then it's not far from it all I reckon. Only change I'd make personally is Sylla for KEA as we'll not have much of the ball and his extra enegy is closing down the Arsenal midfield would be useful.
Guzan; Lowton, Vlaar, Okore, Luna; El Ahmadi, Westwood, Delph; Wiemann, Benteke, Agbonlahor.
If that isn't the exact team then it's not far from it all I reckon. Only change I'd make personally is Sylla for KEA as we'll not have much of the ball and his extra enegy is closing down the Arsenal midfield would be useful.
I actually think we'll have a lot more of the ball than we have had in a good number of years. This team is being built to be a lot of more technical and one that won't give the ball away as readily.
Guzan; Lowton, Vlaar, Okore, Luna; El Ahmadi, Westwood, Delph; Wiemann, Benteke, Agbonlahor.
If that isn't the exact team then it's not far from it all I reckon. Only change I'd make personally is Sylla for KEA as we'll not have much of the ball and his extra enegy is closing down the Arsenal midfield would be useful.
I actually think we'll have a lot more of the ball than we have had in a good number of years. This team is being built to be a lot of more technical and one that won't give the ball away as readily.
I think you're right in general terms, but to go away to a CL side that also play that way and expect do it better than them is a big ask.
Anyone know if the team are staying in London Friday to Wednesday or coming back and forth ?It's London not Lagos. They will be back Saturday night.
I 'll go with this however debate in my mind is Okore/Baker, KEA/Sylla, Agbonlahor/Tonev? I think the better team is the alternatives to your suggestion.Guzan
Lowton Okore Vlaar Luna
Westwood
Delph KEA
Weimann Agbonlahor
Benteke
That's how I think we'll go.
We've got 3 difficult games within a week so instead of Lambert thinking only of the Arsenal game, I think he will have drawn up plans for what he wants to do for all 3 games and use the squad that he's put together so that not many of the team will play the full 3 matches. So I can well imagine Gabby and Weimann being strategically left out of a game each with the likes of Tonev and Bacuna getting games. Helenius will probably start a game too.
We've got 3 difficult games within a week so instead of Lambert thinking only of the Arsenal game, I think he will have drawn up plans for what he wants to do for all 3 games and use the squad that he's put together so that not many of the team will play the full 3 matches. So I can well imagine Gabby and Weimann being strategically left out of a game each with the likes of Tonev and Bacuna getting games. Helenius will probably start a game too.
I'm not so sure.
That sounds all very logical in theory, but form and fitness will play a part and even if he does have a side to play Chelsea in mind already, that can and most likely will change dependent on what happens against Arsenal.
Here is the team:I agree, or maybe Gabby for Tonev?
Guzan, Lowton Vlaar Baker Luna, Westwood Delph Sylla, Weimann Benteke Tonev and we win 3-2.
We've got 3 difficult games within a week so instead of Lambert thinking only of the Arsenal game, I think he will have drawn up plans for what he wants to do for all 3 games and use the squad that he's put together so that not many of the team will play the full 3 matches. So I can well imagine Gabby and Weimann being strategically left out of a game each with the likes of Tonev and Bacuna getting games. Helenius will probably start a game too.
If he starts with the team that started against Malaga then I am really worried. Vlaar looked unsure of himself on the left side (and is away this week so no work at BH); Luna will be settling in and defensively looks a bit dicey; KEA is not a naturally defensive player and I think is a bit short of the pace of the game and Tonev, whilst looking to have lots of potential, was way off the pace of the game in my opinion. Therefore I believe the midfield would be overrun. Taking all those small points together, I think we could be looking down the barrel if that is the way he goes.
I'm not over convinced that Gabby will be in PLs long term plans, does'nt produce enough for me.Since we started this formation hasn't he scored something like seven goals in twelve games? That's fairly productive.
How slow is Cahill on the turn?
Regarding the Agbonlahor debate, I will never be fully convinced by him until he is consistent throughout a season. If he has his usual spell of going missing for a few months then as somebody has already said, he'll most likely lose his place.
Regarding the Agbonlahor debate, I will never be fully convinced by him until he is consistent throughout a season. If he has his usual spell of going missing for a few months then as somebody has already said, he'll most likely lose his place.
I think this may be the first time Gabby may be under real pressure for his place. We all know MON didn't rotate, and after he left there were never any alternatives anyway, so it it will be interesting to see how Gabby reacts with the likes of Tonev and Helenius waiting in the wings.
I can see Helenius taking either Gabby or Weimann's place this season. He already seems a more intelligent and technically-gifted player then both of them.
Just seen on SSN, Walcott has a swollen knee after the England match and is a slight doubt for Saturday.
It isn't particularly bold when you consider that neither Gabby nor Weimann are known for their intelligent play nor their technical-efficiency.
I can see Helenius taking either Gabby or Weimann's place this season. He already seems a more intelligent and technically-gifted player then both of them.
That's a bold statement based on a few friendlies against inferior opposition.
Sylla is out with a sprained ankle.
Even though KEA has had a good pre-season I think I'd rather see Bacuna start on Saturday. Delph needs to sit on Wilshire and Luna needs to dominate Walcott .
Bacuna definitely has a more physical presence than KEA and seems willing to take a risk or two to open up the opposition. Tonev can do this too and it wouldn't surprise me if PL goes with the latter.Even though KEA has had a good pre-season I think I'd rather see Bacuna start on Saturday. Delph needs to sit on Wilshire and Luna needs to dominate Walcott .
Bacuna would be my choice as well, I think there's something a bit special about him, not sure what it is but I really think he'll prove to be a great signing.
Hope PL puts Okore as LCB and Delph in front of Luna to watch Walcott. Okore battered Torres and Ashley Young against Chelsea in the champions League .......Ashley Young...?
Seems Arsenal have a few injury doubts for Saturday.
Arteta is certainly out, Cazorla (the difference last season) was playing at Altitude in Ecuador late last night so he won't be 100% and Walcott and Sagna went off with injuries.
Back 4 of:
Kenny Samson-Mertaskacker-Koscienly-Gibbs.
Arsenal injury crisis? (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2394585/Arsenal-crisis-brewing-just-11-senior-players-fit-opener-Aston-Villa.html)I like the look of that.
(apologies if posted previously. Also, loving the snappy headline from the mail!)
We definitely should be thinking about how to capitalise on their weaknesses, without getting over confident. But if these players really are out we should be able to:Sylla very doubtful so Tonev in I reckon.
- break from central midfield onto the back four
- get the ball in behind more easily especially for benteke and gabby
But I still want to see us play three in the middle. I've got a feeling Lambert's optimistic nature may see him play Tonev in there
Play three central midfielders in there and I reckon we'll do enough for a point.Do enough for a point, but switch off and they get a late winner?
Go kamikaze and play forwards and I think it will be the same result as last season.
We definitely should be thinking about how to capitalise on their weaknesses, without getting over confident. But if these players really are out we should be able to:
- break from central midfield onto the back four
- get the ball in behind more easily especially for benteke and gabby
But I still want to see us play three in the middle. I've got a feeling Lambert's optimistic nature may see him play Tonev in there
Sylla very doubtful so Tonev in I reckon.
Lambert clearly likes his pace and willingness to shoot when he sees the goal.
According to the game I played on Fifa yesterday:
Arsenal 1 - Aston Villa 2
Benteke with both.
We concede a goal at a set piece after Vlaar misjudges the height of the ball and misses his header allowing Robin Van Persie to sneak in and score.
You may have spotted a slight flaw on my Fifa predict-o-meter.
We definitely should be thinking about how to capitalise on their weaknesses, without getting over confident. But if these players really are out we should be able to:Sylla very doubtful so Tonev in I reckon.
- break from central midfield onto the back four
- get the ball in behind more easily especially for benteke and gabby
But I still want to see us play three in the middle. I've got a feeling Lambert's optimistic nature may see him play Tonev in there
Lambert clearly likes his pace and willingness to shoot when he sees the goal.
I agree with you Clampy, which is why I'd rather have Sylla in there, But PL likes to nail his positive intentioins to the mast so I think he'll go with a more attack-minded set up.We definitely should be thinking about how to capitalise on their weaknesses, without getting over confident. But if these players really are out we should be able to:Sylla very doubtful so Tonev in I reckon.
- break from central midfield onto the back four
- get the ball in behind more easily especially for benteke and gabby
But I still want to see us play three in the middle. I've got a feeling Lambert's optimistic nature may see him play Tonev in there
Lambert clearly likes his pace and willingness to shoot when he sees the goal.
Got to disagree, we'll need 3 midfielder's away from home. Whenever we played 4 attacking players in the same team last season, it cost us.
I think Cardiff will stay up. It's Sunderland and Newcastle who'll struggle this year. No amount of Remys or Giaccherinis can make up for the presence of one Kinnear or Di Canio.
Another season, another match, another Lawro prediction of a Villa defeat. 0-2.
Elsewhere on the BBC, Phil McNulty predicts a 9th place finish for Villa, the title for Chelsea and relegation for all 3 promoted teams.
Another season, another match, another Lawro prediction of a Villa defeat. 0-2.
Elsewhere on the BBC, Phil McNulty predicts a 9th place finish for Villa, the title for Chelsea and relegation for all 3 promoted teams.
And surprise, surprise, Lawro predicts a Liverpool win.
Another season, another match, another Lawro prediction of a Villa defeat. 0-2.
Elsewhere on the BBC, Phil McNulty predicts a 9th place finish for Villa, the title for Chelsea and relegation for all 3 promoted teams.
Bit concerned that Sylla is likely to be out. I thought him, Delph and Westwood were very good at the end of last season. Sylla is great at breaking up play in the middle and he's got great energy. Hope he doesn't opt for KEA instead.....Who else is there to opt for? Bacuna? Gardner? As long as he is played the more advanced of the midfield three then I'd start KEA.
Bit concerned that Sylla is likely to be out. I thought him, Delph and Westwood were very good at the end of last season. Sylla is great at breaking up play in the middle and he's got great energy. Hope he doesn't opt for KEA instead.....Who else is there to opt for? Bacuna? Gardner? As long as he is played the more advanced of the midfield three then I'd start KEA.
Always thought KEA would come good but I was extremely concerned by his lack of physicality against Malaga. He has a tendency to run alongside opposition players when they have the ball without ever looking like trying to get the ball off them.
We do need someone to get in amongst the opposition (like Sylla did at the end of last season), otherwise the result is players waltzing through to our defence.
From TFL.90 minute delays expected tomorrow at Highbury and Islington tube station due to esculater repairs.
Always thought KEA would come good but I was extremely concerned by his lack of physicality against Malaga. He has a tendency to run alongside opposition players when they have the ball without ever looking like trying to get the ball off them.
We do need someone to get in amongst the opposition (like Sylla did at the end of last season), otherwise the result is players waltzing through to our defence.
Yes KEA unfortunately doesn't look like he has the adaptation to the pace at this level nor the physicality to play the deeper role he held at Feyenoord. I think as he showed in the second half at Old Trafford and at times in pre-season, he is better in a more advanced role where there is less defensive onus on his game and he has greater freedom in terms of his positioning.
Always thought KEA would come good but I was extremely concerned by his lack of physicality against Malaga. He has a tendency to run alongside opposition players when they have the ball without ever looking like trying to get the ball off them.
We do need someone to get in amongst the opposition (like Sylla did at the end of last season), otherwise the result is players waltzing through to our defence.
Yes KEA unfortunately doesn't look like he has the adaptation to the pace at this level nor the physicality to play the deeper role he held at Feyenoord. I think as he showed in the second half at Old Trafford and at times in pre-season, he is better in a more advanced role where there is less defensive onus on his game and he has greater freedom in terms of his positioning.
He can do the attacking / creative midfield role when the pace has dropped out of the game, but I've not seen him do it in a higher intensity game. I can see the case for bacuna instead of him tomorrow,though sylla would definitely have been my choice.
If KEA plays, I think Delph will really have to get around the pitch. Hopefully without getting sent off. He improved in that respect last year, but he did one absolutely ridiculous challenge in pre-season that was worth a red on its own.
On the basis of the weather forecast for T20 finals day anyone know where I may catch the game on TV in Brum ? I know Bar Rococo (sp?) used to do it but not sure of any others ?
I think Cardiff will stay up. It's Sunderland and Newcastle who'll struggle this year. No amount of Remys or Giaccherinis can make up for the presence of one Kinnear or Di Canio.
2 Clubs I find very annoying not due to their fans, but because in Newcastle's case: The media love them and Sunderland's case: They're managed by a Fascist.
I think Cardiff will stay up. It's Sunderland and Newcastle who'll struggle this year. No amount of Remys or Giaccherinis can make up for the presence of one Kinnear or Di Canio.
2 Clubs I find very annoying not due to their fans, but because in Newcastle's case: The media love them and Sunderland's case: They're managed by a Fascist.
Couldn't believe the poll on SSN earlier today - who do you think will win the title? The eight options were ManUre, Sheikhy, Arse, Chelski, Spuds, Redshite, Everton and the Barcodes :o
From TFL.90 minute delays expected tomorrow at Highbury and Islington tube station due to esculater repairs.
I'm planning to cut across to Caledonian Road instead
I think Cardiff will stay up. It's Sunderland and Newcastle who'll struggle this year. No amount of Remys or Giaccherinis can make up for the presence of one Kinnear or Di Canio.
2 Clubs I find very annoying not due to their fans, but because in Newcastle's case: The media love them and Sunderland's case: They're managed by a Fascist.
Couldn't believe the poll on SSN earlier today - who do you think will win the title? The eight options were ManUre, Sheikhy, Arse, Chelski, Spuds, Redshite, Everton and the Barcodes :o
Seems a bit pointless to base it on info from season before last dunnit?I think Cardiff will stay up. It's Sunderland and Newcastle who'll struggle this year. No amount of Remys or Giaccherinis can make up for the presence of one Kinnear or Di Canio.
2 Clubs I find very annoying not due to their fans, but because in Newcastle's case: The media love them and Sunderland's case: They're managed by a Fascist.
Couldn't believe the poll on SSN earlier today - who do you think will win the title? The eight options were ManUre, Sheikhy, Arse, Chelski, Spuds, Redshite, Everton and the Barcodes :o
They did say that those were the eight most popular options when they ran the same poll this time last season. Considering Newcastle had just finished fifth at that point and not yet begun their predictably comedic implosion, it makes more sense if you bear that in mind.
From TFL.90 minute delays expected tomorrow at Highbury and Islington tube station due to esculater repairs.
I'm planning to cut across to Caledonian Road instead
Definitely avoid Highbury islington tube (there are other options). It's a nightmare on a lazy Sunday afternoon so it won't cope with a football crowd.
How many Arsenal players are out of this?All their key players are fit and will play so I'd say we are massive underdogs. Bet365 have us at 9/1 to win. Worth a flutter.
We will win.
From TFL.90 minute delays expected tomorrow at Highbury and Islington tube station due to esculater repairs.
We're going to smash the granny out of this lot.
I think Cardiff will stay up. It's Sunderland and Newcastle who'll struggle this year. No amount of Remys or Giaccherinis can make up for the presence of one Kinnear or Di Canio.
2 Clubs I find very annoying not due to their fans, but because in Newcastle's case: The media love them and Sunderland's case: They're managed by a Fascist.
Couldn't believe the poll on SSN earlier today - who do you think will win the title? The eight options were ManUre, Sheikhy, Arse, Chelski, Spuds, Redshite, Everton and the Barcodes :o
They did say that those were the eight most popular options when they ran the same poll this time last season. Considering Newcastle had just finished fifth at that point and not yet begun their predictably comedic implosion, it makes more sense if you bear that in mind.
I take Vlaar and Baker with Luna and Lowton.
Westwood El Ahmadi Delph
Weimann Agbonlahor Benteke
And Gabby and Weimann 5/1 anytime and for them to score 2 or more is 60/1 are you kidding !!
I'm that confident Villa will win this tie I wont post for a month if they dont!! In fact they could well be highest scoring team of weekend and 100/1 I love it !!
:) I put my balls on line and say Villa will win 2-4! I be there in the arsenal end !! come on the villa boys!!
I'll be happy to be proved wrong, but KEA doesn't suit the type of football Lambert has settled on playing. I think when Lambert first arrived he hedged his bets and went for players that he felt could improve the team 'somehow' that didn't break the bank, but by the end of the season he'd found the style the majority of the squad are most comfortable with - high energy, forward looking, rush defence and overwhelm flimsy defences. You put El-Ahmadi in the middle of that, he looks as useful as tits on a fish.I disagree. KEA was an integral part of a Feyenoord team who play a similar brand of football. He has struggled with the pace over here which has affected his ability to dictate tempo and begin attacks as he did for Feyenoord. It is his failure to adjust that has perhaps made him look a poor player at times but he does possess instinctive quality as he has shown in flashes. His assist for Benteke at Wallsall for instance is the sort of ball that I doubt hardly any other player in our squad could even come close to producing.
The ironic thing is that if Lambert had a plan B, KEA is the kind of player you should build it around.
I'm that confident Villa will win this tie I wont post for a month if they dont!!That's a dreadful choice you have given us!
I'm flying to Torronto at 7am just as we kick off, 4 and a bit hour flight until I can check the score, come on you Villa boys we can win this!!!!!!
The key thing if we do concede is not to do it too early. All the players across the league are nervous today and it could kill any optimism stone dead.
Having said that, i really think Benteke will have a great game today. He already seems up to the mark in terms of match readiness.
On my way into town this morning i saw a family driving up towards the motorway all clad in Villa shirts. The season is most definitely here...
I look at that Arsenal team and think something horrible is about the happen, something that should be unspeakable, something I don't want to contemplate...
Spurs will finish in the top four.
*Vomits*
Just a thought, great idea just using one thread this year. Any chance we can have the links added to the 1st post to each section/page where they begin? I see you can grab the link to the exact msg.
This purely a selfish request, as it does my nut in using my phone and trying to browse to a certain page.
Just a thought, great idea just using one thread this year. Any chance we can have the links added to the 1st post to each section/page where they begin? I see you can grab the link to the exact msg.
This purely a selfish request, as it does my nut in using my phone and trying to browse to a certain page.
There will be a thread title modification at the start of the match and at the end with a Reply# to aid browsing. Good idea regarding the link in the first post. I will try it out this afternoon.
There's a rumour on that there Twitter that a certain Scottish manager has caught a certain train to London. A certain train full of Aston Villa fans.McGleish for Arsenal wow! Either way its balls.
Hi everyone .Hi matey. Keeping well ?
Had an enjoyable few weeks watching the ashes but here we go again - a new season and high hopes for a good one .
We have a tough opening week but lets start with a bang and get a result today , could be a good time to play arsenal.
Fine thanks mate , hoping for a good start today , Walcott is the worry for me but we have a potent attack and i think both teams will score - should be an open game.Very confident today. Got a sneaky feeling for a 2-1 win for us. Would take a draw though.
Delighted we kept benteke and I'm hoping okore and luna will tighten up the defence a bit , not seen enough of tonev yet but he could be a very exciting signing , we certainly have better options on the bench this season.
Welcome back, Eastie.
Only 15 minutes until Lambo's first team sheet goes public this season. Interesting contrast with a year ago: Given, Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Baker, Holman, KEA, Delph, Nzogbia, Ireland, Bent Subs Guzan, Herd, Weimann, Gardner, Lichaj, Burke, Bannan.
Just to say that First Row Sports had a court injunction issued on them in July to blocks streams into the UK. This could be a concern for some people that use that site (not that I have ever done myself).I too did not use those streams and have no intention to do so however, out of interest, does anybody know if the Liverpool game has streamed succesfully? It is my understanding that those answering will only be doing so as a result of information received rather than having attempted to stream the game themselves.
As I say I dont go there myself anyway but if I did I suppose I would be checking to see if the Liverpool v Stoke game was coming through normally if I wanted to check if the Villa game will come through later which as I say I havent checked.
So, just to reiterate I didnt use those streams last season and will not be attempting to use any of them this season either, so the position for me having not checked is that things appears to be exactly the same as last season.
Just to say that First Row Sports had a court injunction issued on them in July to blocks streams into the UK. This could be a concern for some people that use that site (not that I have ever done myself).Same as me then ? ;)
As I say I dont go there myself anyway but if I did I suppose I would be checking to see if the Liverpool v Stoke game was coming through normally if I wanted to check if the Villa game will come through later which as I say I havent checked.
So, just to reiterate I didnt use those streams last season and will not be attempting to use any of them this season either, so the position for me having not checked is that things appears to be exactly the same as last season.
subs: Steer, Okore, Clark, Bacuna, Helenius, Bowery, Tonev.
subs: Steer, Okore, Clark, Bacuna, Helenius, Bowery, Tonev.
Is Sylla injured?
Other irresponsible sites elsewhere are saying that it is streaming perfectly. I only have their word for it as I never use it myself.Just to say that First Row Sports had a court injunction issued on them in July to blocks streams into the UK. This could be a concern for some people that use that site (not that I have ever done myself).I too did not use those streams and have no intention to do so however, out of interest, does anybody know if the Liverpool game has streamed succesfully? It is my understanding that those answering will only be doing so as a result of information received rather than having attempted to stream the game themselves.
As I say I dont go there myself anyway but if I did I suppose I would be checking to see if the Liverpool v Stoke game was coming through normally if I wanted to check if the Villa game will come through later which as I say I havent checked.
So, just to reiterate I didnt use those streams last season and will not be attempting to use any of them this season either, so the position for me having not checked is that things appears to be exactly the same as last season.
subs: Steer, Okore, Clark, Bacuna, Helenius, Bowery, Tonev.
Is Sylla injured?
Arse team ?A load of shit probably
Is Bennet injured or just not in the squad?injured
Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker (c), Gibbs, Ramsey, Wilshere, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Giroud
Is Bennet injured or just not in the squad?injured
Arsenals defence is as bad as ours....Gab, Tekers and Andi could smash the bastards to bits today of they wanted tooSzczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker (c), Gibbs, Ramsey, Wilshere, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Giroud
I'm sorry to be such a negative bloke, but I think that team is pretty capable of running rings around our defenders. They'll win.
Arsenals defence is as bad as ours....Gab, Tekers and Andi could smash the bastards to bits today of they wanted tooSzczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker (c), Gibbs, Ramsey, Wilshere, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Giroud
I'm sorry to be such a negative bloke, but I think that team is pretty capable of running rings around our defenders. They'll win.
For anyone who does not know, ours is the commentary match on 5 Live.
Behave yourself and look on the bright side. We will smash them into next Wednesday !!!!!!!!!!Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker (c), Gibbs, Ramsey, Wilshere, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Giroud
I'm sorry to be such a negative bloke, but I think that team is pretty capable of running rings around our defenders. They'll win.
Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker (c), Gibbs, Ramsey, Wilshere, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Giroud
I'm sorry to be such a negative bloke, but I think that team is pretty capable of running rings around our defenders. They'll win.
Behave yourself and look on the bright side. We will smash them into next Wednesday !!!!!!!!!!Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker (c), Gibbs, Ramsey, Wilshere, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Giroud
I'm sorry to be such a negative bloke, but I think that team is pretty capable of running rings around our defenders. They'll win.
Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker (c), Gibbs, Ramsey, Wilshere, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Giroud
I'm sorry to be such a negative bloke, but I think that team is pretty capable of running rings around our defenders. They'll win.
Fucking hell. Game hasn't started and you've got your white flag out. A number of those players were barely passed fit as of yesterday. First game of the season pretty much all of the conventional rules of ability go out of the window, so there is no reason at all why we can't win. If you are an Arsenal defender are you looking forward to facing Gabby, Weimann and Benteke?
Does anybody know where i can listen to the radio 5 live commentary ? ;D
I don't know. Ask Legion.Does anybody know where i can listen to the radio 5 live commentary ? ;D
Is it OK for people to come here and ask to be pmed links to the radio 5 live commentary ?
Tune in.I don't know. Ask Legion.Does anybody know where i can listen to the radio 5 live commentary ? ;D
Is it OK for people to come here and ask to be pmed links to the radio 5 live commentary ?
Tune in.I don't know. Ask Legion.Does anybody know where i can listen to the radio 5 live commentary ? ;D
Is it OK for people to come here and ask to be pmed links to the radio 5 live commentary ?
I just can't see us losing. We gave them a good game last year and our team is stronger now, as is our bench. If what is reported is true, Arse's team have a few injury concerns.
I think we'll get a draw but I wouldn't discount the possibility of an Anfield style victory.
I don't know. Ask Legion.Does anybody know where i can listen to the radio 5 live commentary ? ;D
Is it OK for people to come here and ask to be pmed links to the radio 5 live commentary ?
bbc.co.uk or turn a radio onI don't know. Ask Legion.Does anybody know where i can listen to the radio 5 live commentary ? ;D
Is it OK for people to come here and ask to be pmed links to the radio 5 live commentary ?
If it is a legal link then it can be posted or mentioned.
We need to get hold of the ball.Thats one thing we have lacked, a bit of composure on the ball.
Welcome back Eastie, good to have you around again
According to the wireless we are zonal marking. Does it look like we are on a stream?
According to the wireless we are zonal marking. Does it look like we are on a stream?
According to the wireless we are zonal marking. Does it look like we are on a stream?more clueless defending
For anyone who does not know, ours is the commentary match on 5 Live.
Waiting to see how many posters in the next hour ask where they can hear a commentary. (Why was that Millwall cup game played on a Friday evening again?!)
Arsenal look vulnerable at the back , i think there will be goals in this for us , worried there will be more goals from them though.Thats the problem, I see goals for us too but every time they go forward I am crapping my pants.
defensive frailties will cost us dear this season, again, unless we buy a quality experienced centre half.
somebody get the kin orange dot outIs it too early for that?
defensive frailties will cost us dear this season, again, unless we buy a quality experienced centre half.Fortunately the window is still open.
Baker going off. Clark on.
They are convinced on the radio it was a red.
Yea but its arsenal...They are convinced on the radio it was a red.
All day long. No. Question.
Classic example of a ref who doesn't want to be the bad guy in the Sunday papers. He's let Arsenal off the hook from the first wayward challenge.
Ref bottled the real big decision. Should have sent the keeper off, did well to allow the advantage though.
Good glob of Vass on your head there Andi.Nope can't think of one.
(Waits for the Darius jokes)
We do shit against 10 men anyway.
Anyone know if missed penalties lose the points gained from the rebound in Fantasy Football?
What on earth are Arsenal fans moaning at? The ref has lost this game by letting Arsenal off the hook. And now he books a Villa player?
Getting a bit tastyThat will benefit us, I fucking hate Arsenal as well. Can't stand to listen to Arshole Whinger moaning and pulling frogs out of his arse...
wiltshire . Knob
I'm convinced the ref will either give them a penalty or send a Villa player off.
I'm convinced the ref will either give them a penalty or send a Villa player off.
Nailed on.I'm convinced the ref will either give them a penalty or send a Villa player off.
Or both knowing our luck.
Arsenal sound even worse than us in defence.Don't be silly
Great game this.
Following the Villa should come with a health warning. Less than 40 minutes into the season and my nerves are shot.I am already on the Cidre...
Oh, what a piss poor pass from El Ahmadi, really should have put Gabby in there.
Oh, what a piss poor pass from El Ahmadi, really should have put Gabby in there.
It was Delph wasnt it?
This game is crying out for Darren Bent.
Retreats.
Sounds like Weimann has been quiet so far.Yup, El Ahmadi, Clark and Gabby have done well though
Far too much punting under no pressure. Our ball retention has been rubbish, and given how bad our defence has been the last thing we should be doing is handing them more chances to attack us.
Luna booked and again the radio think it's wrong.
Clark on ? Who went off ??
Keeper still should of gone
How on earth that was yellow for Tony Moon I don't know!
Well, after they scored it looked like they'd just pick us off but it's been reasonably even since then I'd say. Arsenal will never win titles again if they can't put teams to the sword more effectively.
Gabby's pace has got us the goal and a few set pieces too. Westy has grown into the game. Delphs been iffy. KEA has been too cumbersome on and off the ball. He goes after an Arse player and by the time he gets there, the player has fucked off 20 yards in another part of the pitch by then.
Tony Moon is like a rabbit in headlights. He's making Joe Bennett look like Roberto Carlos.
Anyway, the game could go either way second half. Arsenal keep dithering, and they'll leave themselves open for a counter. We look as ropey at the back as normal, and Vlaar seriously needs to hold position a bit more. Their goal all started from him rushing out and getting caught in no mans land.
Come on lads. Lets win this. That'll be 100 quid in the bank for me. Villa to win, Benteke to score. I'm almost there.
Keeper still should of gone
Even Winterburn agrees with that on Setanta.
We will probably find Tony Moon going off for a second yellow.
link gorn..wha's happening?
Is this enjoyable? Is it ever?! Just feels like non-stop nerve shredding game after game. When's the cricket back on?Thats how I feel, shredded already.
I'd be inclined to bring Tonev on for Weimann, I think. He's not at the races.I second that
Oh Andi you look so poor today
Poor ball from Lowton.
Our final pass has been pretty underwhelming today.
They used Hawkeye on the Delph shot.They take after their manager.
And jeeze, do Arsenal fans ever stop moaning the Tarquin twats.
Our final pass has been pretty underwhelming today.
Our passing in general, in my opinion.
We could do with Benteke sort of, you know, doing a bit more of his, ermmm....'marauding', for want of a better word.
Benteke booked and again the radio think it's bollocks.
El Ahmadi is doing well.
Say what they like he did not get the ball there!
It was a foul all day long.
Both him and the keeper should be off.
Get Weimann off and we can twat these. Get some more pace on the pitch
would you take a draw now?
would you take a draw now?
Fuck me guys our final ball is wank. Could of had 3 or 4 by now.
Laughing at Arsenal fans booing when you tackle their players
would you take a draw now?
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree, we are the better team and are capable of putting another past them.would you take a draw now?
Not a fucking chance, we can batter them now.
We'll never win this, fate just isn't kind enough.
We will get a sending off here, definitely.I think Ron will be off soon.
I'll be staggered if we finish with 11 men.
Lambert should sub off one of our yellow carded players.
WE ARE STILL PERFECTLY CAPABLE OF UTTERLY FUCKING THIS UPWE KNOW...
hahahaha... two pens and a sending off ...Arsene will go mental
Get another one and make it emphatic at the emirates!!
"Arsenal are all over the shop since going 2-1 down. They're pushing for an equaliser but leaving huge gaps at the back. Benteke, Agbonlahor and Weimann are getting loads of space and I can't think of a better forward three to counter-attack with in the Premier League."
Anyone else starting to feel sick?
Should be going for a third. We wont hold out at this rateWe can and we will.
Anyone else starting to feel sick?
Fucking hell Villa, more composure.That is one of the things we have been missing. Brad doing it again...
Haha, I've forgotten the utter terror of listening to us defend a lead :-\
This is where if we had a player like Barry we would have a leader to slow it all down a bitHaving a huge fat arse and being unable to keep up with the play?
This is where if we had a player like Barry we would have a leader to slow it all down a bitTo be fair he don't do fast...
This is where if we had a player like Barry we would have aleader toslowit all down a bitplayer.
Haha, I've forgotten the utter terror of listening to us defend a lead :-\
86 mins gone at the Yawnthorns, West Brazil Albion yet to manage a shot on target. We know what they are.Shit
Shaking like the proverbial shitting dog...
4-1, we're gonna win 4-1Fuck yea....
Would have settled for 3 points from our 1st 3 games. That's done. What now?!We go again...
I just can't see us losing. We gave them a good game last year and our team is stronger now, as is our bench. If what is reported is true, Arse's team have a few injury concerns.
I think we'll get a draw but I wouldn't discount the possibility of an Anfield style victory.
Would have settled for 3 points from our 1st 3 games. That's done. What now?!We go again...
How many Arsenal players are out of this?
We will win.
The kids look bigger and meaner this year! No prisoners !
I just can't see us losing. We gave them a good game last year and our team is stronger now, as is our bench. If what is reported is true, Arse's team have a few injury concerns.
I think we'll get a draw but I wouldn't discount the possibility of an Anfield style victory.
I am a phophet. 8)
I just can't see us losing. We gave them a good game last year and our team is stronger now, as is our bench. If what is reported is true, Arse's team have a few injury concerns.
I think we'll get a draw but I wouldn't discount the possibility of an Anfield style victory.
I am a phophet. 8)
No idea what a phophet is, but well done on a great prophecy!
1st on MOTD?
Fuckin should be!!!
What odds Wenger will blame the ref?Bet he didn't see any Arshole fouls...
Fabulous start to the season - bring on Chelsea!
What odds Wenger will blame the ref?
Was wondering about going into Amsterdam tonight - I think i will go!!
I am off into Aix en Provence in my villa T shirt for sure!
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Haha"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
I am off into Aix en Provence in my villa T shirt for sure!
Lucky you - one of my absolutely favorite places is Aix! Enjoy a Sancerre for me!
what was the team reaction at the final whistle?
How long ago was it since Arsenal lost their opener at home?
what was the team reaction at the final whistle?
excellent................thankswhat was the team reaction at the final whistle?
All of them went over to the fans, at least Gabby and Benteke threw their shirts into the crowd.
7-1 odds a lot of people are rich tonight!!
We were very much in it from the 25th minute. Second penalty should never have been given but we fully deserved the win.
Delph was terribly unlucky not to score but man of the match by a mile!
The Liverpool win temporarily dropped us down to third in the league, from second, and now we are back to our rightful place at the summit! What a win! UTV!
Just listened to crooks and keown on final score.
Pair of wankers.
Just listened to crooks and keown on final score.
Pair of wankers.
First day of the new season and I've awoken feeling unusually confident of a 3-1 win to Villa.
Just listened to crooks and keown on final score.
Pair of wankers.
What did they say?
Just the usual blinkered views.Just listened to crooks and keown on final score.
Pair of wankers.
What did they say?
Lovely to see Eastie back too and VKs lives to post another day!!!
Just listened to crooks and keown on final score.
Pair of wankers.
Ron was shite,rest of the side good on ya.
Just the usual blinkered views.Just listened to crooks and keown on final score.
Pair of wankers.
What did they say?
No real credit, all due to Arse not spending money, and All the decisions going our way, oh, and Arse should have gone foe Benteke in the summer, because they would have got him.
Met an Arse fan briefly on Holiday. He was typical and very dismissive of our chances, seeing this as an easy start.The hubris, they can wallow in a mire of their own thereabouts mediocrity. At least we know who we are and we took three points today at theirs and they can HAVE THAT!
Well he can .......## stick that in his ..###ing pipe and smoke it.
According to the coverage I had, Arsenal will see themselves as very unlucky with all the key decisions going against them. LOL
Well done Villa. Shine on Tony Moon#
Villa scratched a seven-year itch to get off to a flying start to their Barclays Premier League campaign.
Denied victory by a late Arsenal equaliser in the first-ever league match at the Emirates Stadium in 2006, Villa kicked off the 2013-14 campaign with a famous victory at the same venue.
Last season's leading scorer Christian Benteke was on target twice to cancel out Olivier Giroud's sixth-minute opener for the Gunners - and visiting fans were over the moon when Antonio Luna marked his debut with a totally unexpected effort four minutes from the end.
There could have been more goals, too. Ashley Westwood forced home keeper Wojciech Szczesny into a spectacular save, while Fabian Delph's stunning low shot thudded off the inside of a post.
Arsenal weren't helped when Laurent Koscielny was sent off for two bookable offences, although the visitors were 2-1 ahead when he was dismissed.
Villa had just begun to settle following an early Gunners onslaught when they were stung by the opening goal.
Tomas Rosicky's pass sent Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain racing clear down the left and the winger cut side before delivering a low cross which Giroud stroked left-footed past the unguarded Brad Guzan from a couple yards.
It was the worst possible start, and there was another problem a couple of minutes later when Nathan Baker required treatment after taking a nasty whack of his foot while clearing from Theo Walcott.
Baker gamely continued but it became increasingly evident that he was struggling and in the 18th minute he was replaced by Ciaran Clark, who was in action almost immediately, getting in the way of a fierce Walcott drive from just outside the penalty area.
But after both Gabby Agbonlahor and Delph had seen left-wing crosses cleared, the visitors were level in the 23rd minute.
Agbonlahor's forceful run took him past two challenges and into the area before he was upended by the advancing Szczesny.
Referee Anthony Taylor immediately pointed to the spot and although Benteke's penalty was saved by Szczesny, the ball looped into the air - and the Belgium international followed up to head home the rebound.
Arsenal were forced to make a substitution just before the half-hour mark, Carl Jenkinson taking over from Kieran Gibbs, who was injured in a clash of heads with Andi Weimann.
The Villa striker also needed treatment, as did Luna, who had earlier taken a blow on the head from Giroud.
Villa were desperately close to a second goal on 37 minutes. Szczeny got himself into trouble when he raced out of the area to clear from Karim El Ahmadi's long ball, and the keeper was still out of position when Westwood floated a shot towards the top corner from 30 yards. But Szczesny redeemed himself by sprinting back to claw the ball away in spectacular fashion.
Villa were relieved when Rosicky lifted his shot well over after playing a one-two with Giroud in the 51st minute, but a couple of minutes later Delph was desperately unlucky not to score his first Barclays Premier League goal.
Creating space for himself 25 yards out, the former Leeds midfielder let fly with a tremendous low left-foot drive which beat Szczesny but struck the inside of the left-hand post, rebounded along the line and went out beyond the far upright.
In the 62nd minute, though, the visitors were in front after Agbonlahor earned another penalty. The club's record Premier League scorer intercepted an Arsenal pass to sprint from the half-way line before being tripped by Koscielny in the penalty area.
This time there was no need for a rebound, Benteke calmly sending his kick low to Szczesny's right as the keeper dived the other way.
Koscielny was booked for the challenge - and a few minutes later the Arsenal centre-back saw red when he was booked for a second foul, this time on Weimann.
Despite being down to 10 men, the Gunners pressed forward strongly, Guzan twice coming to the rescue with vital saves. First the keeper spread himself to block Rosicky's close-range effort, when he turned sub Santi Cazorla's shot against the post.
But after Weimann had seen a shot blocked and Benteke had rolled an angled effort just wide, Luna sealed victory with his coup de grace four minutes from the end.
The Spanish left-back was the last player we expected to see racing clear through the middle when Weimann delivered a perfectly-weighted pass. But he displayed all the composure to drill a low left-foot shot past Szczesny from the edge of the areaQuote
The hubris, they can wallow in a mire of their own thereabouts mediocrity. At least we know who we are and we took three points today at theirs and they can HAVE THAT!"At least we know who we are"
First day of the new season and I've awoken feeling unusually confident of a 3-1 win to Villa.
Did you put money on it?
I take it all back, great result!
I take credit for turning off watching it live to follow it on the forum. Couldn't cope with the stress to be honest.
Was Sagna OK in the end?
I wonder if a certain someone still thinks Delph is the worst Villa player he has ever seen. Delph is going to massive for us this season and he'll score about half a dozen as well I reckon.
KEA MOM for me, but Delph very close.Forgot Walcott was playing which was testament to Luna.Thought Benteke was top quality, and pleasantly surprised with how well Clark played.
Ron was shite,rest of the side good on ya.
Agreed Rosicky made him look like a clueless schoolboy, hopefully he won't come up against many that are as clever as Rosicky this season.
Funnily enough I didn't think Benteke did a lot today but one good pen, one not so good but great hunger to follow it in.
Is Okore injured?Not injured per say but probably not properly match-fit due to missing most of pre-season.
Team has such a high energy level, we are gonna cause teams plenty of problems, Guzan nearly MOM, but Delph is not the player we thought we'd bought, he is a future England International, he will add goals to his game this year because he gets into positions that will ensure he does score. We need to be more precise at times with our passing, but lest enjoy the ride, cos I have a feeling it will be very interesting and what today has done for confidence god only knows. Bring on the Chavs.Totally agree on Delph.
Luna - 6 - For the goal. Poor defensively.Really? I can't think of a particular incident where he made a major error.
It means that as fans, we don't expect to just win because we've been on the fringes of the big 4 for the past few years (okay so they lost a Champions League Final five years ago). Nobody is kidding themselves here, we nearly got relegated last season and we know EXACTLY where we're coming from. Arsenal fans and for that matter former players, might've expected to win that one business as usual and perhaps their worst fears were realised today after they failed to make a single signing. We got all our summer signings to date, done in a matter of weeks. How much did we spend and by comparison how much did Arsenal (expect to) spend?The hubris, they can wallow in a mire of their own thereabouts mediocrity. At least we know who we are and we took three points today at theirs and they can HAVE THAT!"At least we know who we are"
What on earth does that mean?
Guzan - 8 - Picked up where he left off last season.
Lowton - 6 - Quiet
Luna - 6 - For the goal. Poor defensively.
Clark - 7 - Thought he looked solid when he came on. Positionally very good also.
Vlaar - 7 - Got better as the game wore on.
KEA - 7 - Got around and did well
Delph - 7 - Another who got better as the game wore on. I think he'll be a very important player for us this year.
Westwood - 6 - Thought he found it tough today
Weimann - 7 - Poor first 50 nibutes but found his touch. Good through ball for Luna.
Gabby - 9 - His pace was a constant threat and got two pens. Worked hard in defence too.
Benteke - 8.99999 - didn't actually play that well!
85 mins gone and Arsenal got a corner. I was debating whether to turn off, over, or go upstairs so much were my nerves. Next thing its in the back of the Arsenal net!!! Compare this start to West ham lastseason. We look fitter and as if we're all playing to the same tactics. Result aside we looked good. Defensively there are still issues but it is the first game andArsenal are still a good team. We'll get quicker, fitter, and better this season.
Watched with an Arsenal fan, he firmly believed the game turned on the Giroud miss that has been mentioned before. He was very unhappy with the 2nd penalty and red card.I hope you casually reminded him of the yellow their keeper received which should've been a dead set red.
Personally I thought we did exactly what you should do to beat Arsenal away. we tried to get them passing it higher up the pitch and then steal in and break, in the 2nd half we nailed it and could easily have had 4 or 5 on the counter.
Delph, Gabby and Clark were excellent, everyone else played well other than Vlaar who looked a bit sluggish against Rosicky, but I really rate Rosicky so I'll let him off for today.
Watched with an Arsenal fan, he firmly believed the game turned on the Giroud miss that has been mentioned before. He was very unhappy with the 2nd penalty and red card.I hope you casually reminded him of the yellow their keeper received which should've been a dead set red.
Personally I thought we did exactly what you should do to beat Arsenal away. we tried to get them passing it higher up the pitch and then steal in and break, in the 2nd half we nailed it and could easily have had 4 or 5 on the counter.
Delph, Gabby and Clark were excellent, everyone else played well other than Vlaar who looked a bit sluggish against Rosicky, but I really rate Rosicky so I'll let him off for today.
I thought it was only the Baggies who know what they are?
Guzan - 8 - Picked up where he left off last season.
Lowton - 6 - Quiet
Luna - 6 - For the goal. Poor defensively.
Clark - 7 - Thought he looked solid when he came on. Positionally very good also.
Vlaar - 7 - Got better as the game wore on.
KEA - 7 - Got around and did well
Delph - 7 - Another who got better as the game wore on. I think he'll be a very important player for us this year.
Westwood - 6 - Thought he found it tough today
Weimann - 7 - Poor first 50 nibutes but found his touch. Good through ball for Luna.
Gabby - 9 - His pace was a constant threat and got two pens. Worked hard in defence too.
Benteke - 8.99999 - didn't actually play that well!
85 mins gone and Arsenal got a corner. I was debating whether to turn off, over, or go upstairs so much were my nerves. Next thing its in the back of the Arsenal net!!! Compare this start to West ham lastseason. We look fitter and as if we're all playing to the same tactics. Result aside we looked good. Defensively there are still issues but it is the first game andArsenal are still a good team. We'll get quicker, fitter, and better this season.
I'd say Lowton was more at fault than Luna for the goal.
Watched with an Arsenal fan, he firmly believed the game turned on the Giroud miss that has been mentioned before. He was very unhappy with the 2nd penalty and red card.I hope you casually reminded him of the yellow their keeper received which should've been a dead set red.
Personally I thought we did exactly what you should do to beat Arsenal away. we tried to get them passing it higher up the pitch and then steal in and break, in the 2nd half we nailed it and could easily have had 4 or 5 on the counter.
Delph, Gabby and Clark were excellent, everyone else played well other than Vlaar who looked a bit sluggish against Rosicky, but I really rate Rosicky so I'll let him off for today.
I'm of the opinion that it was a borderline one, clear pen all day long but the touh just before it would've taken Gabby very wide, which is probably just enough for him to stay on the pitch. To clarify, if it had been against us I'd have been upset over a red card so I'd have been a hypocrite to demand one at the other end. He was lucky though.
just got back from the gameDid you go by jet?
What a result
What an atmosphere
This bodes very well delighted
Best get this on in case Man U get a third goal..
(http://[URL=http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/10/yqu.gif/][IMG]http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/3031/yqu.gif)[/URL]
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)[/img]
Edit -- ah sod it....
erm ... can anyone remind me how to uploadpictures again....
What happened to Baker?
Mods...Hurry up and get the Chelsea match thread up, can't wait.
Bring back the post match thread. Oh we ain't top of the league no more
Delph has shown how strong and determined he can be to plough his own furrow, not getting dragged into shenanigans with other young players. I am delighted for him and also pleased with the contribution of Al Ahmadi. Lambert has got to have credit for this.
Luna's goal? Dennis Mortimer vs Liverpool.
Benteke? He is not only brilliant but has drawn great performances out of our other players.
What a great day. Let's enjoy it!
The second penalty reminded me a lot of the Roger Johnson penalty on Gabby a few years ago - the one about which Graham Poll said that it doesn't matter if you get the ball, because you have to be in control of the ball. Koscielny got a touch on the ball but if he hadn't brought down Gabby then he would have been through. Everybody's watching these super slowed-down replays of whether or not Koscielny got a touch on the ball, as if looking to whether or not a batsman nicked it, but it doesn't matter. Penalty - no question in my view.
I can't wait for MOTD.
I saw two magpies this morning.
I can't wait for MOTD.
Delighted. I'm absolutely ecstatic with that. Great performance from us. :)The second penalty reminded me a lot of the Roger Johnson penalty on Gabby a few years ago - the one about which Graham Poll said that it doesn't matter if you get the ball, because you have to be in control of the ball. Koscielny got a touch on the ball but if he hadn't brought down Gabby then he would have been through. Everybody's watching these super slowed-down replays of whether or not Koscielny got a touch on the ball, as if looking to whether or not a batsman nicked it, but it doesn't matter. Penalty - no question in my view.
Agree. In fact that was exactly the example I gave when explaining why it was a penalty to someone earlier. Why do so many pundits not know the rules of the game? It was the same with that incident against the noses with so many people saying it was not a penalty.
Wenger unhappy with the spirit the way the referee let the game go in!!!?? What, because we got in your face and tackled your poofy players!
first class TWAT
I saw two magpies this morning.
I saw one and i was fearing the worst
To be honest i thought Arsenal came out to play nasty and intimidate our players and the ref.
I have no idea why they did it, but for Wenger to be complaining about the way the game played its nuts, it was his side that set the tone right from the off.
Unnecessary because they have the quality to just play football.
To be honest i thought Arsenal came out to play nasty and intimidate our players and the ref.
I have no idea why they did it, but for Wenger to be complaining about the way the game played its nuts, it was his side that set the tone right from the off.
Unnecessary because they have the quality to just play football.
They've been a nasty, petulant side for years. One of the worst for that in the league. Unnecessary as you say and a shame.
Such an important game, momentum is everything. After the tricky opening two we have a long run right up until xmas where we could rack up some serious points, i just have a feeling we will not lose this one, going for a 3-1 win with Benteke obviously involved significantly!
Have the goals been posted on here yet?
Goals galore! (https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1395ed_arsenal-vs-aston-villa-1-3-goals-highlights_sport)
Yes in shoreditch on a stag . great day
What better summing up of our team than it being our left-back beingthe furthest forward player to score the third.
I can't wait for MOTD.
I believe we are the extended highlights featured game on Sky Sports this evening.
Dont forget that Sky Sports is free on freeview channel 11 (Pick TV) this weekend.
Mate, it's free on Freeview.
PickTV. But I think it went off at 8...
To be honest i thought Arsenal came out to play nasty and intimidate our players and the ref.I noticed you on the Guardian post-match thread giving it some good honest analysis.
I have no idea why they did it, but for Wenger to be complaining about the way the game played its nuts, it was his side that set the tone right from the off.
Unnecessary because they have the quality to just play football.
Amazingly motd have decided to show swansea v man utd as first match tonight .
And has anyone else noticed how quiet Albion and small heath fans have suddenly become? Or is it just me who is the lucky one.
And has anyone else noticed how quiet Albion and small heath fans have suddenly become? Or is it just me who is the lucky one.
Albion are one of my tips to go down this year.
And has anyone else noticed how quiet Albion and small heath fans have suddenly become? Or is it just me who is the lucky one.
Albion are one of my tips to go down this year.
The best thing about today for me? I thought quite a few players underperformed. Weimann was off for much of the game, Benteke's touch was good but perhaps wasn't at his dynamic best, Westwood's passing and movement weren't as consistent as they usually are, Delph's passing was a little off (even if his dynamism and bursting runs were magnificent), apart from the runs Gabby had one of those hot and cold games, we hoofed it a bit panickingly (to invent a word) - and, hopefully, we might yet get a no. 10 type in which would help our ball retention and incisiveness on the front foot. And Tonev didn't even play, which will add to the quality on the pitch I think. If we underperform as well as that, I can't wait to see us perform.I was at the emirates and I agree with you assessment Monty.
What better summing up of our team than it being our left-back beingthe furthest forward player to score the third.I hope Lambert gives him a dressing down for being so central and so far out of his position!
An Arsenal fan goes into a travel agents and says "I need a holiday", the agent says "you can't beat a good Villa this time of year"
LOVE IT!An Arsenal fan goes into a travel agents and says "I need a holiday", the agent says "you can't beat a good Villa this time of year"
Happy birthday!
An Arsenal fan goes into a travel agents and says "I need a holiday", the agent says "you can't beat a good Villa this time of year"Thanks for this Pauline, Just forwarded it to a few contacts.
To be honest i thought Arsenal came out to play nasty and intimidate our players and the ref.
I have no idea why they did it, but for Wenger to be complaining about the way the game played its nuts, it was his side that set the tone right from the off.
Unnecessary because they have the quality to just play football.
Twat!
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, whose side were booed at the final whistle, when the Emirates Stadium was near-empty: "We started well but, after that, everything went wrong - injuries, decisions, going down to 10 men and the chances missed. It was a bad day, not on the quality of our display but everything went against us.
"I'm not happy with the (second penalty) decision but I'm more unhappy with the spirit the referee let the game go in, I was quite amazed.
"But it's not my job to talk too much about that, I have to take care of the team. What hurts me is to disappoint people who love the club. All the rest I have to live with, but I'm here to make people happy and when I do not I can only say sorry and come back and make them happy in the next game. We could have won the game today with the players we had on the pitch, I'm convinced of that."
I'd hate to be an Arsenal fan. In order to improve they need to seemingly get rid of the thing that has made them great anyway.
I'd hate to be an Arsenal fan. In order to improve they need to seemingly get rid of the thing that has made them great anyway.
He's coming on like a slightly more exotic O'Neill.
Spunking money on average players, paying them well above their value in wages and having no tactical plan b.
Respect to VillaKicks, he predicted this last night, so hats off to you.
I'd hate to be an Arsenal fan. In order to improve they need to seemingly get rid of the thing that has made them great anyway.
He's coming on like a slightly more exotic O'Neill.
Spunking money on average players, paying them well above their value in wages and having no tactical plan b.
I agree with this. I don't think he knows how to improve them from here. The team he had which had some success was built around a strong defense, to defensive midfielders and a genius or 2 up front. He can't replicate it because he doesn't seem to want to associate with the type of football they played with Vieria and Petit in there and he hasn't found anyone close to Henry or Bergkamp except for Van Persie but he was injured so often whilst he was there they never got enough out of him.
I've said to the Arsenal fan at work (who I watched the game with) I really wouldn't be surprised if Wenger leaves during the season. They've let him stay there 2-3 years too long already and everyone needs to move on now.
Gus Ceasar, Don Howe, Ian Allison, Sammy Nelson, Bob Wilson, Colin Pates, Chris Kiwomya, Glen Helder, Willie Young, Francis Jeffers, Alan Davies, Ainsley Harriott, the ugly bird from Grange Hill / Eastenders, arrogant cock Plum Morgan and subset of nouveaus over th world, your boys took one helluva beating.
Gus Ceasar, Don Howe, Ian Allison, Sammy Nelson, Bob Wilson, Colin Pates, Chris Kiwomya, Glen Helder, Willie Young, Francis Jeffers, Alan Davies, Ainsley Harriott, the ugly bird from Grange Hill / Eastenders, arrogant cock Plum Morgan and subset of nouveaus over th world, your boys took one helluva beating.
You forgot Nick Hornby.
I'd hate to be an Arsenal fan. In order to improve they need to seemingly get rid of the thing that has made them great anyway.
He's coming on like a slightly more exotic O'Neill.
Spunking money on average players, paying them well above their value in wages and having no tactical plan b.
I agree with this. I don't think he knows how to improve them from here. The team he had which had some success was built around a strong defense, to defensive midfielders and a genius or 2 up front. He can't replicate it because he doesn't seem to want to associate with the type of football they played with Vieria and Petit in there and he hasn't found anyone close to Henry or Bergkamp except for Van Persie but he was injured so often whilst he was there they never got enough out of him.
I've said to the Arsenal fan at work (who I watched the game with) I really wouldn't be surprised if Wenger leaves during the season. They've let him stay there 2-3 years too long already and everyone needs to move on now.
Has he ever signed a decent keeper or defender? That is another of their big problems, he had the defence in place when he took over but has struggled to replace any of them. Cole (youth team) for a while and Campbell are about his best efforts that I can think of.
Happy Happy Place tonight. Me and the Missus are raising a glass of Guinness to Villa fans everywhere especially those who were at the Emirates today. You were magnificant today - noisy as hell on Radio5live. What a bunch of spoilt tossers the Gooners have become.Stood right next to them and they were giving us massive, smuggy, shitty comments from the off, esp when they went one-up. When we gave it back stewards were a bit OTT. Though they did hoik 2 Gooner guys out who seemed to fighting between themselves.
Gus Ceasar, Don Howe, Ian Allison, Sammy Nelson, Bob Wilson, Colin Pates, Chris Kiwomya, Glen Helder, Willie Young, Francis Jeffers, Alan Davies, Ainsley Harriott, the ugly bird from Grange Hill / Eastenders, arrogant cock Plum Morgan and subset of nouveaus over th world, your boys took one helluva beating.
You forgot Nick Hornby.
I'd hate to be an Arsenal fan. In order to improve they need to seemingly get rid of the thing that has made them great anyway.
He's coming on like a slightly more exotic O'Neill.
Spunking money on average players, paying them well above their value in wages and having no tactical plan b.
I agree with this. I don't think he knows how to improve them from here. The team he had which had some success was built around a strong defense, to defensive midfielders and a genius or 2 up front. He can't replicate it because he doesn't seem to want to associate with the type of football they played with Vieria and Petit in there and he hasn't found anyone close to Henry or Bergkamp except for Van Persie but he was injured so often whilst he was there they never got enough out of him.
I've said to the Arsenal fan at work (who I watched the game with) I really wouldn't be surprised if Wenger leaves during the season. They've let him stay there 2-3 years too long already and everyone needs to move on now.
Has he ever signed a decent keeper or defender? That is another of their big problems, he had the defence in place when he took over but has struggled to replace any of them. Cole (youth team) for a while and Campbell are about his best efforts that I can think of.
Gus Ceasar, Don Howe, Ian Allison, Sammy Nelson, Bob Wilson, Colin Pates, Chris Kiwomya, Glen Helder, Willie Young, Francis Jeffers, Alan Davies, Ainsley Harriott, the ugly bird from Grange Hill / Eastenders, arrogant cock Plum Morgan and subset of nouveaus over th world, your boys took one helluva beating.
You forgot Nick Hornby.
And Tom Watt, but he actually seems like a good bloke.
Happy Happy Place tonight. Me and the Missus are raising a glass of Guinness to Villa fans everywhere especially those who were at the Emirates today. You were magnificant today - noisy as hell on Radio5live. What a bunch of spoilt tossers the Gooners have become.Stood right next to them and they were giving us massive, smuggy, shitty comments from the off, esp when they went one-up. When we gave it back stewards were a bit OTT. Though they did hoik 2 Gooner guys out who seemed to fighting between themselves.
We applauded.
The only decent thing for a gentleman to do!
Proud to be amongst a great group of Villa fans, as always!
UTV!
Why do people keep suggesting that the second wasn't a penalty? Getting a stud on the ball, doesn't make it a fair challenge.
Why do people keep suggesting that the second wasn't a penalty? Getting a stud on the ball, doesn't make it a fair challenge.
Why do people keep suggesting that the second wasn't a penalty? Getting a stud on the ball, doesn't make it a fair challenge.
Why do people keep suggesting that the second wasn't a penalty? Getting a stud on the ball, doesn't make it a fair challenge.
To be honest, I would not have been best pleased if that was given against us.
Why do people keep suggesting that the second wasn't a penalty? Getting a stud on the ball, doesn't make it a fair challenge.
The tackle was from the side, not from behind and he took the ball first. Why is that a foul ?
Amazingly motd have decided to show swansea v man utd as first match tonight .
Well, i'm shocked. Nearly as big a surprise as Wenger blaming the ref for his team getting twatted.
The debate around that penalty is all about whether 'getting a touch on the ball' is the same as 'winning the ball' or 'taking the ball'. I'd argue (exactly as I did with the pen we got against the Blues a couple of seasons back) that the player did the first, but neither of the other two. At the point the player followed through and took Gabby's legs, the ball was still at Gabby's feet to play, the ball hadn't been taken from him. For me, that makes it a penalty. Someone who cares more than I do whether we occasionally get a penalty when we shouldn't might look up the exact wording of the rules, but I can't be arsed and will call it a pen all day long!
It was Arsenal's first home defeat on the season's opening day in 20 years and only Villa's third victory in 28 trips to the Gunners.
I heard Danny Murphy on 5 live earlier previewing MOTD and he said they've got some interesting angles on it that show the ref was right. Niall Quinn just sympathetic to the ref on SNF as its now called too. Bring on MOTD!!
Definatly a penalty and the keeper should have been red carded. Evening Eastie btw. Welcome back. Eastie returns, we beat Arse 3-1, coincidence, i think not. Welcome back pal. UTV.Why do people keep suggesting that the second wasn't a penalty? Getting a stud on the ball, doesn't make it a fair challenge.
The tackle was from the side, not from behind and he took the ball first. Why is that a foul ?
Because he brought Gabby down whilst going towards goal. It's a penalty according to the laws of the game, just as the Roger Johnson was at Villa Park.
Seen them given, seen them not given...he gave it, deal with it Arsenal. Keeper was lucky to be on the pitch after the first one anyway.
It seems that, today at least, we had some real grit. A bit of bite, a bit of agression and fitness levels look really high. Fully deserved win and whilst not getting carried away, we will shock a few more teams this season.
Sorry, the Beeb repeating this bogus stat is annoying me :QuoteIt was Arsenal's first home defeat on the season's opening day in 20 years and only Villa's third victory in 28 trips to the Gunners.
Not the bit about them losing for the first time since fat Mickey Quinn bullied them in 1993 but that fucking stat about us hardly winning there. Can a Statto please give the true amount of victories we've had there since the mid-80's cos it must be about double that amount.
Edit - I count seven on Soccerbase (plus the League Cup win in '93, three weeks after winning there in the league). Shoddy research, exaggerating a poor stat to make us look much worse. Have a fookin' word!
I'd hate to be an Arsenal fan. In order to improve they need to seemingly get rid of the thing that has made them great anyway.
He's coming on like a slightly more exotic O'Neill.
Spunking money on average players, paying them well above their value in wages and having no tactical plan b.
I agree with this. I don't think he knows how to improve them from here. The team he had which had some success was built around a strong defense, to defensive midfielders and a genius or 2 up front. He can't replicate it because he doesn't seem to want to associate with the type of football they played with Vieria and Petit in there and he hasn't found anyone close to Henry or Bergkamp except for Van Persie but he was injured so often whilst he was there they never got enough out of him.
I've said to the Arsenal fan at work (who I watched the game with) I really wouldn't be surprised if Wenger leaves during the season. They've let him stay there 2-3 years too long already and everyone needs to move on now.
Why do people keep suggesting that the second wasn't a penalty? Getting a stud on the ball, doesn't make it a fair challenge.
Quite, and what those incapable of processing such thoughts consistently struggle with.
So I expect the expert panel on Match of the Day will unanimously damn the referee for giving it.
Are we the new favorites for a top six finish ? Eat my fucking shorts MOTD. Whilst you are there, suck my f'in stump as well. We are Villa and we will be fantastic all season. Roll on Wednesday, roll on Saturday. 9 points. UTVWhy do people keep suggesting that the second wasn't a penalty? Getting a stud on the ball, doesn't make it a fair challenge.
Quite, and what those incapable of processing such thoughts consistently struggle with.
So I expect the expert panel on Match of the Day will unanimously damn the referee for giving it.
Fuck me, I take it back.
A substantial amount of drink has been and continues be taken on my part but that was great. Life affirmingly great. I'm very happy.Good person you are. Have another ;D
yeah, lot of credit to shearer and murphy for that, that's the kind of analysis they've not been doing on motd in the last years. Maybe they're being a little less lazy after the shakeup.
He will be shite, really shite.yeah, lot of credit to shearer and murphy for that, that's the kind of analysis they've not been doing on motd in the last years. Maybe they're being a little less lazy after the shakeup.
This.
Sooner or later 4 mates on a sofa who can't be arsed to think a little more broadly and never ever offend a Golden Generation member wears thin especially when offering zero insight.
MOTD demographic is probably older than most football programs and are therefore less suspetible to Sky's Surround Sound Bullshit SupaDupa Sunday Hype - not that Sky don't do a good job in other respects.
Shearer is being actively coached - which he needs and has responded well. Let's see how good he is during a live match or two.
What did they say?
What did they say?
After listening to the moaning from the Gooners it is obvious they equate the amount of money they pay for a seat with their expectation of a "result" and "entertainment" - this seems to require teams visiting to allow them to pass the ball into the goal three or four times without reply whilst applauding them for their skill. This is doubly so for those poorly-cultured barbarian reprobates from Birmingham.
Fuck off Arsenal.
After listening to the moaning from the Gooners it is obvious they equate the amount of money they pay for a seat with their expectation of a "result" and "entertainment" - this seems to require teams visiting to allow them to pass the ball into the goal three or four times without reply whilst applauding them for their skill. This is doubly so for those poorly-cultured barbarian reprobates from Birmingham.
Fuck off Arsenal.
another one...
Granted, the ref was poor - but he was poor for both sides.
I can understand Arsenal fans being angry - but blaming the ref is papering over the cracks. And it's not all about spending money.
This young Villa team would have lost this game last season. They would have folded. Made silly errors. Lost their heads. They won this one while having an average day because they were prepared to graft and battle for it - because last season hardened them. Villa came nowhere near top gear yet Arsenal couldn't deal with them or break them.
And how much was this Villa team assembled for? Sometimes it is not about money and star signings it is about character. The entire Villa side cost less than one Suarez let alone a Bale. They didn't play well here but they won. Other sides will feel worse as the Lambert project gets into gear.
Near the end the Villa were singing "I don't care about.....
Anybody got the words?
Near the end the Villa were singing "I don't care about.....
Anybody got the words?
Why do people keep suggesting that the second wasn't a penalty? Getting a stud on the ball, doesn't make it a fair challenge.
The tackle was from the side, not from behind and he took the ball first. Why is that a foul ?
Exactly. If I was Wenger I'd be giving his defender an earful. You don't go for a challenge like that in the box. Gabby wasnt running head on to the goal either. He was off to the right of the goal, and unlikely to get it under control to shoot before giving himself a very narrow angle.Why do people keep suggesting that the second wasn't a penalty? Getting a stud on the ball, doesn't make it a fair challenge.
The tackle was from the side, not from behind and he took the ball first. Why is that a foul ?
There seems to be a view that just because a defender touches the ball when making a tackle, it is not a foul.
That's bollocks. There is no rule to that effect. See, for illustration, Roger Johnson's moaning after us beating Small Heath at our place the other year, and O'Neill putting him right on this on MOTD afterwards.
Not that it mattered in this instance, as the MOTD play back showed, he took him down with his knee before touching the ball.
Sounds great. Enjoy mate. Have a warm feeling that we are going to win something soon.Near the end the Villa were singing "I don't care about.....
Anybody got the words?
I dont care about Arsenal
They dont care about me
All I care about
is AVFC
Sadly it's a song blues were singing last season.
anyhoo... today was the best away day I've been on in twenty plus years. Great pubs, great result, just perfect!
UTV!!
Happy to be corrected but I remember 2 great open day wins - v QPR in 1993 when they were good (a little flattering to say the least) 4-1 and v Man Ure's kids + Schmciechal+Keane+Pallister+Sharpe+Parker (tiny tots all of them) in 1995.Man City 4-2. Gabbaldinho hattrick.
Any since?
Happy to be corrected but I remember 2 great open day wins - v QPR in 1993 when they were good (a little flattering to say the least) 4-1 and v Man Ure's kids + Schmciechal+Keane+Pallister+Sharpe+Parker (tiny tots all of them) in 1995.
Any since?
Happy to be corrected but I remember 2 great open day wins - v QPR in 1993 when they were good (a little flattering to say the least) 4-1 and v Man Ure's kids + Schmciechal+Keane+Pallister+Sharpe+Parker (tiny tots all of them) in 1995.
Any since?
I don't think any for me will eclipse the one at Sheffield Wednesday under Big Ron.
Worst ever opening day I saw was the 0-3 against Spurs in 86-7. I know it is impossible to state a team will go down after one game, but I came out of that one thinking "we are going to get relegated".
Happy to be corrected but I remember 2 great open day wins - v QPR in 1993 when they were good (a little flattering to say the least) 4-1 and v Man Ure's kids + Schmciechal+Keane+Pallister+Sharpe+Parker (tiny tots all of them) in 1995.
Any since?
I don't think any for me will eclipse the one at Sheffield Wednesday under Big Ron.
Worst ever opening day I saw was the 0-3 against Spurs in 86-7. I know it is impossible to state a team will go down after one game, but I came out of that one thinking "we are going to get relegated".
Well I wasn't a Hillsbrough (away Inter-railing) but remember the other one too clearly. They were good, very good, too good. We were a shell of the side from even 2 years previously.
The Hunt/Blair signings previous season papered over the cracks. Shame not many people thought McNeill would be as bad as he turned out to be. And seemed not to give a shit.
Happy to be corrected but I remember 2 great open day wins - v QPR in 1993 when they were good (a little flattering to say the least) 4-1 and v Man Ure's kids + Schmciechal+Keane+Pallister+Sharpe+Parker (tiny tots all of them) in 1995.Man City 4-2. Gabbaldinho hattrick.
Any since?
West Ham?That one was great. One of the most comfortable, easy games imaginable.
Happy to be corrected but I remember 2 great open day wins - v QPR in 1993 when they were good (a little flattering to say the least) 4-1 and v Man Ure's kids + Schmciechal+Keane+Pallister+Sharpe+Parker (tiny tots all of them) in 1995.
Any since?
I don't think any for me will eclipse the one at Sheffield Wednesday under Big Ron.
Worst ever opening day I saw was the 0-3 against Spurs in 86-7. I know it is impossible to state a team will go down after one game, but I came out of that one thinking "we are going to get relegated".
Well I wasn't a Hillsbrough (away Inter-railing) but remember the other one too clearly. They were good, very good, too good. We were a shell of the side from even 2 years previously.
The Hunt/Blair signings previous season papered over the cracks. Shame not many people thought McNeill would be as bad as he turned out to be. And seemed not to give a shit.
It wasn't McNeill.
Respect to VillaKicks, he predicted this last night, so hats off to you.
Been out all day so haven't heard how outstanding Shelvey, Spearing and Altidore were today.
Happy to be corrected but I remember 2 great open day wins - v QPR in 1993 when they were good (a little flattering to say the least) 4-1 and v Man Ure's kids + Schmciechal+Keane+Pallister+Sharpe+Parker (tiny tots all of them) in 1995.Man City 4-2. Gabbaldinho hattrick.
Any since?
I seem to recall a great 3-0 away at Chelsea under McLeish..didn't last. this time I hope it will..That was New Years Eve though (and 3-1), and we'd put with a lot of tedium up until that point. It's not like we started out spectacularly (0-0 away to Fulham) only to fall apart later. We were always dull with about four matches of excitement.
Getting back to today, am I the only person that didn't think we looked particularly impressive?
We certainly weren't bad but we didn't seem hugely incisive up front for most of the game (in spite of his two goals I thought Benteke was very quiet and a bit wasteful when he did have the ball) and we still looked pretty ropey at the back quite a few times.
This is all very positive, because it we didn't need to be at our best and still won 3-1 away to Arsenal then it's a very good sign, but I'd be amazed if we don't have a couple of games this season where we play better than today and lose.
I seem to recall a great 3-0 away at Chelsea under McLeish..didn't last. this time I hope it will.. Please keep it going. Reality after the pleasure and delirium of winning away at the Emirates!
so Benteke scored one pen today and one goal in open play ?
Getting back to today, am I the only person that didn't think we looked particularly impressive?
We certainly weren't bad but we didn't seem hugely incisive up front for most of the game (in spite of his two goals I thought Benteke was very quiet and a bit wasteful when he did have the ball) and we still looked pretty ropey at the back quite a few times.
This is all very positive, because it we didn't need to be at our best and still won 3-1 away to Arsenal then it's a very good sign, but I'd be amazed if we don't have a couple of games this season where we play better than today and lose.
I am with you on that Dave. I thought Weimann looked really out of sorts, Benteke was not really a threat and Westwood was quite out of the game strangely. Overall I thought we played much better at times towards the back of last season. But then with Bacuna going through at the end we could have ended up winning 4-1! Strange. But I will take it!
Some people think if there as minimum contact with the ball, all is allowed. But in Gabby's case, his left leg clearly is hit by his knee before touching the ballYes, if you wipe a player out but touch the ball first it's a foul despite what a lot of ex players seem to think in the media. Question is, why do defenders take the risk in the box?
Getting back to today, am I the only person that didn't think we looked particularly impressive?
We certainly weren't bad but we didn't seem hugely incisive up front for most of the game (in spite of his two goals I thought Benteke was very quiet and a bit wasteful when he did have the ball) and we still looked pretty ropey at the back quite a few times.
This is all very positive, because it we didn't need to be at our best and still won 3-1 away to Arsenal then it's a very good sign, but I'd be amazed if we don't have a couple of games this season where we play better than today and lose.
I am with you on that Dave. I thought Weimann looked really out of sorts, Benteke was not really a threat and Westwood was quite out of the game strangely. Overall I thought we played much better at times towards the back of last season. But then with Bacuna going through at the end we could have ended up winning 4-1! Strange. But I will take it!
Some people think if there as minimum contact with the ball, all is allowed. But in Gabby's case, his left leg clearly is hit by his knee before touching the ballYes, if you wipe a player out but touch the ball first it's a foul despite what a lot of ex players seem to think in the media. Question is, why do defenders take the risk in the box?
Gabby was just great yesterday, fast and direct, at his best
Some people think if there as minimum contact with the ball, all is allowed. But in Gabby's case, his left leg clearly is hit by his knee before touching the ballYes, if you wipe a player out but touch the ball first it's a foul despite what a lot of ex players seem to think in the media. Question is, why do defenders take the risk in the box?
Gabby was just great yesterday, fast and direct, at his best
If you get the ball and then wipe out the player that's fine under any understanding of the game I've ever had -unless it's dangerous play. The reason the second was a penalty was because koscielny's knee took out gabby's trailing leg before he took the ball with the other foot. Whether the ref has actually seen that or made the right decision by luck, I'm less convinced.
Dont know if anyone else has commented on this but Bacary Sagna was very lucky not to have broken his neck when he went over Benteke.
I immediately thought of the Bert Trautman incident.
Fuckin hell what a performance! 10 mins in and I thought it was the same old story from this time last year but after that we grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and took the game to Arsenal in their own back yard. The defence was quite superb! Guzman immense, Delph fantastic and Gabby quite simply the best player on the pitch.
Haven't enjoyed myself so much in London in ages. Well done Villa and keep it up!
Dont know if anyone else has commented on this but Bacary Sagna was very lucky not to have broken his neck when he went over Benteke.
I immediately thought of the Bert Trautman incident.
Yes , it looked awful and i feared the worst but was delighted to see him walking off the pitch - hope he recovers fast , seeing a fall like that is not nice.
What do you think about referee's booking of Antonio Luna or Tony Moon. I thought it is a bad decision as he won the ball and then got flattened by Alex C.It was a 50-50 challenge. Both players were commited to getting the ball. Luna got the ball. It was never a foul let alone a yellow. In fact by the basis that Luna was booked in the refs mind, he could just as easily booked the Arsenal player instead.
What do you think about referee's booking of Antonio Luna or Tony Moon. I thought it is a bad decision as he won the ball and then got flattened by Alex C.It was a 50-50 challenge. Both players were commited to getting the ball. Luna got the ball. It was never a foul let alone a yellow. In fact by the basis that Luna was booked in the refs mind, he could just as easily booked the Arsenal player instead.
I take Vlaar and Baker with Luna and Lowton.
Westwood El Ahmadi Delph
Weimann Agbonlahor Benteke
And Gabby and Weimann 5/1 anytime and for them to score 2 or more is 60/1 are you kidding !!
I'm that confident Villa will win this tie I wont post for a month if they dont!! In fact they could well be highest scoring team of weekend and 100/1 I love it !!
:) I put my balls on line and say Villa will win 2-4! I be there in the arsenal end !! come on the villa boys!!
Getting back to today, am I the only person that didn't think we looked particularly impressive?
We certainly weren't bad but we didn't seem hugely incisive up front for most of the game (in spite of his two goals I thought Benteke was very quiet and a bit wasteful when he did have the ball) and we still looked pretty ropey at the back quite a few times.
This is all very positive, because it we didn't need to be at our best and still won 3-1 away to Arsenal then it's a very good sign, but I'd be amazed if we don't have a couple of games this season where we play better than today and lose.
I am with you on that Dave. I thought Weimann looked really out of sorts, Benteke was not really a threat and Westwood was quite out of the game strangely. Overall I thought we played much better at times towards the back of last season. But then with Bacuna going through at the end we could have ended up winning 4-1! Strange. But I will take it!
A few thoughts before having seen the highlights.This is what I said to people around me. All I will say is he does what he wants and he scores when he wants!
Did Tekkers deliberately miss so that he wouldn't have "(Pen)" after his first goal of the season ?
Super win for us, looks like we caught Arsenal just at the right time. I feared the worst when we went a goal down so early because we barely saw the ball in the first 10 minutes. I thought both pens were spot on although we got lucky with Vlaar not being sent off. Delph and Guzan were very very good and I thought Rosicky was their best player by a mile.
Oh and the support was amazing again.
Not sure why I keep hearing that Vlaar should have been sent off. I think there's a danger of people calling for or expecting cards after every foul. He attempted a tackle, missed and made contact with the player. There was no raised foot, no body check, no malice or unreasonable force. Why then should it have been a yellow card?
Not sure why I keep hearing that Vlaar should have been sent off. I think there's a danger of people calling for or expecting cards after every foul. He attempted a tackle, missed and made contact with the player. There was no raised foot, no body check, no malice or unreasonable force. Why then should it have been a yellow card?
It was Arsenal's first home defeat on the season's opening day in 20 years and only Villa's third victory in 28 trips to the Gunners.
Having now seen the MOTD analysis, I think that the Ref made the correct decision for the second penalty but for the wrong reasons. It took a third angle and slow-mo to show that the defender's knee touched Gabby's back leg before his front foot touched the ball. I have my doubts that the Ref actually saw that.
Having now seen the MOTD analysis, I think that the Ref made the correct decision for the second penalty but for the wrong reasons. It took a third angle and slow-mo to show that the defender's knee touched Gabby's back leg before his front foot touched the ball. I have my doubts that the Ref actually saw that.It was still a penalty even if his knee hasn't caught him.
Having now seen the MOTD analysis, I think that the Ref made the correct decision for the second penalty but for the wrong reasons. It took a third angle and slow-mo to show that the defender's knee touched Gabby's back leg before his front foot touched the ball. I have my doubts that the Ref actually saw that.It was still a penalty even if his knee hasn't caught him.
Am I the only one to awake this fine morn with the mother of all hangovers . 8)
Having now seen the MOTD analysis, I think that the Ref made the correct decision for the second penalty but for the wrong reasons. It took a third angle and slow-mo to show that the defender's knee touched Gabby's back leg before his front foot touched the ball. I have my doubts that the Ref actually saw that.
Having now seen the MOTD analysis, I think that the Ref made the correct decision for the second penalty but for the wrong reasons. It took a third angle and slow-mo to show that the defender's knee touched Gabby's back leg before his front foot touched the ball. I have my doubts that the Ref actually saw that.It was still a penalty even if his knee hasn't caught him.
Typical Wenger trying to deflect the issues away from the team by blaming the refs decisions.
It may have been a controversial penalty but it was a penalty. I would have felt hard done by if it was against us but it was still a pen. The decisions evened out over the game. Their keeper shouldn't have been on the pitch. Luna shouldn't have been booked with the chambelin challenge either so Wenger doesn't really have much to moan about.
They have some serious problems. Not spending again is proving their downfall. Top 6-8 finish for them at this rate.
Villa weren't without their own problems for sure. But on the whole they looked a much more organised team. KEA and Delph had good games in midfield. Gabby was just brilliant. That ball he played towards the end from one side of the pitch to the other, for bacuna I think it was, was just superb. Pass of the day that was.
I think it was a good call from lambert too not to throw all the new signings in at once. Get them up to speed with the game and bring them in one by one.
Liking lamberts new suited look too. Looking like a manager now
Bloody love him, best thing to happen to our club in many many years.
I didn't think it was a pen for that reason, but for the reason that the defender barely touched the ball. It was a penalty regardless though.
I can't see how the referee, or anyone else, in real time, could have had a clear view of Gabby's trailing leg being caught so he must have given it for the other reason.
Am I the only one to awake this fine morn with the mother 8)
It was the assistant referee that gave the 2nd penalty, and he actually had a great view of the incident.I think this is correct. I was standing about 30 yards away from the ref on the RH side of the goal as looking from behind the goal. Gabby entered the box to the left of the pen spot the ref was a few yards behind to the right from my view. I thought it was a good tackle however the ref touched his left ear looked over to the right and than pointed to the spot. It wasn't an instantaneous decision he took his time.
It was the assistant referee that gave the 2nd penalty, and he actually had a great view of the incident.I think this is correct. I was standing about 30 yards away from the ref on the RH side of the goal as looking from behind the goal. Gabby entered the box to the left of the pen spot the ref was a few yards behind to the right from my view. I thought it was a good tackle however the ref touched his left ear looked over to the right and than pointed to the spot. It wasn't an instantaneous decision he took his time.
On Football First, Niall Quinn thought that Brad Guzman played very well.
I have just read the Sun on Sunday and their reporter Antony Kastrinakis in his Ratings gave Matthew Lowton a 5. Apparently he only lasted 19 minutes before hobbling off to be replaced by Clark. Meanwhile Baker earned a 7 with an impressive display showing maturity beyond his years. Ashley Westwood got a 7, another good display from the England ace. Luna got a 7, scored a superb solo goal but booked for his out of control tackle on the Ox.
They know the Arsenal players alright, ours are a bit of a mystery to them. I don't suppose Antony gets paid for his report. Surely he is not doing this for a living ?
On Football First, Niall Quinn thought that Brad Guzman played very well.
I have just read the Sun on Sunday and their reporter Antony Kastrinakis in his Ratings gave Matthew Lowton a 5. Apparently he only lasted 19 minutes before hobbling off to be replaced by Clark. Meanwhile Baker earned a 7 with an impressive display showing maturity beyond his years. Ashley Westwood got a 7, another good display from the England ace. Luna got a 7, scored a superb solo goal but booked for his out of control tackle on the Ox.
They know the Arsenal players alright, ours are a bit of a mystery to them. I don't suppose Antony gets paid for his report. Surely he is not doing this for a living ?
The team showed tremendous character, fight and resilience to come back from losing a goal in that fashion.
Did the linesman put his flag across his chest then , as when I saw him his arms were by his side a few seconds after the award?Good to see you back eastie.
They have radio links now,the linesman could of just told him it was a pen.Did the linesman put his flag across his chest then , as when I saw him his arms were by his side a few seconds after the award?Good to see you back eastie.
No I did not see what the lines man did. He was diagonally across with the goal nets in the way and I can't say if I looked at him.
They have radio links now,the linesman could of just told him it was a pen.Did the linesman put his flag across his chest then , as when I saw him his arms were by his side a few seconds after the award?Good to see you back eastie.
No I did not see what the lines man did. He was diagonally across with the goal nets in the way and I can't say if I looked at him.
He was on the local radio on the way back yesterday and he didn't sound a happy chap. It wouldn't surprise me if this was his last season.
He was on the local radio on the way back yesterday and he didn't sound a happy chap. It wouldn't surprise me if this was his last season.
yep, i think this is the first season where he could be in trouble if things continue to go wrong
On Football First, Niall Quinn thought that Brad Guzman played very well.
I have just read the Sun on Sunday and their reporter Antony Kastrinakis in his Ratings gave Matthew Lowton a 5. Apparently he only lasted 19 minutes before hobbling off to be replaced by Clark. Meanwhile Baker earned a 7 with an impressive display showing maturity beyond his years. Ashley Westwood got a 7, another good display from the England ace. Luna got a 7, scored a superb solo goal but booked for his out of control tackle on the Ox.
They know the Arsenal players alright, ours are a bit of a mystery to them. I don't suppose Antony gets paid for his report. Surely he is not doing this for a living ?
Yeah I read that, and thought it was pretty unprofessional. However at least he said Villa deserved to win.
Villa have form here. In 2007 we got Jol, Mourinho and Bruce the sack in quick successionHe was on the local radio on the way back yesterday and he didn't sound a happy chap. It wouldn't surprise me if this was his last season.
yep, i think this is the first season where he could be in trouble if things continue to go wrong
Meeting "Pat McMahon" and "Chico Hamilton" yesterday was another highlight as both were my childhood heroes!
Those ratings are just silly, there is no way you win away at one of the top 4 with half your team getting 5s and 6s.I'd agree with him.
Those ratings are just silly, there is no way you win away at one of the top 4 with half your team getting 5s and 6s.I'd agree with him.
We can, and will play much better than we did yesterday. Arsenal just weren't very good.
Those ratings are just silly, there is no way you win away at one of the top 4 with half your team getting 5s and 6s.I'd agree with him.
We can, and will play much better than we did yesterday. Arsenal just weren't very good.
No, I'd not agree with the ratings specifically. If I were to give marks out of ten then I'd give another point to each of them.Those ratings are just silly, there is no way you win away at one of the top 4 with half your team getting 5s and 6s.I'd agree with him.
We can, and will play much better than we did yesterday. Arsenal just weren't very good.
KEA - 6? Benteke - 5?
I agreed with your comment about us not actually playing that well, but they are extremely harsh, no?
No, I'd not agree with the ratings specifically. If I were to give marks out of ten then I'd give another point to each of them.Those ratings are just silly, there is no way you win away at one of the top 4 with half your team getting 5s and 6s.I'd agree with him.
We can, and will play much better than we did yesterday. Arsenal just weren't very good.
KEA - 6? Benteke - 5?
I agreed with your comment about us not actually playing that well, but they are extremely harsh, no?
But following a 3-1 win away to Arsenal I'd expect to be giving eights and nines and there are only a few players that would get that sort of score.
As I said in an earlier comment, this is a great thing. If we're winning comfortably away to Arsenal and not being any more that just good, then well done us.
...but the other 3 were the 3 best players on the pitch in my opinion and deserve to be rated as such.So you'd rate the people that you thought were our best players as 8,8,8 and he'd rate them as 7,7,8. So it's not like anyone's having a big dispute.
I don't care about Arsenal....
What a day.
I don't care about Arsenal....Well,
What a day.
According to the "official line" as espoused by one Graham Poll, it was wrong to yellow card Szczesny for the first penalty, as he clearly tried to play the ball, the challenge was careless not reckless and therefore did not merit a yellow. For the second penalty he would not have awarded a foul, the tackle was a genuine attempt to play the ball, it was careless and no yellow should have been given.As he saw it...
What an absolute plonker.
According to the "official line" as espoused by one Graham Poll, it was wrong to yellow card Szczesny for the first penalty, as he clearly tried to play the ball, the challenge was careless not reckless and therefore did not merit a yellow. For the second penalty he would not have awarded a foul, the tackle was a genuine attempt to play the ball, it was careless and no yellow should have been given.
What an absolute plonker.
Just reposted this from a Chelsea supporting pal on Facebook - hope you can get to it. It brings a tear to your eye...
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=606079772777032&set=vb.189064121134452&type=2&theater
On Football First, Niall Quinn thought that Brad Guzman played very well.
I have just read the Sun on Sunday and their reporter Antony Kastrinakis in his Ratings gave Matthew Lowton a 5. Apparently he only lasted 19 minutes before hobbling off to be replaced by Clark. Meanwhile Baker earned a 7 with an impressive display showing maturity beyond his years. Ashley Westwood got a 7, another good display from the England ace. Luna got a 7, scored a superb solo goal but booked for his out of control tackle on the Ox.
They know the Arsenal players alright, ours are a bit of a mystery to them. I don't suppose Antony gets paid for his report. Surely he is not doing this for a living ?
Just reposted this from a Chelsea supporting pal on Facebook - hope you can get to it. It brings a tear to your eye...
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=606079772777032&set=vb.189064121134452&type=2&theater
Those ratings are just silly, there is no way you win away at one of the top 4 with half your team getting 5s and 6s.I'd agree with him.
We can, and will play much better than we did yesterday. Arsenal just weren't very good.
Links to match highlights (http://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=47867.0)
Where was all this aggressive Stoke-like bullying tactics that I'm hearing Arsenal fans bleat about?
Where was all this aggressive Stoke-like bullying tactics that I'm hearing Arsenal fans bleat about?
The two worst decisions in the game were their keeper not getting sent off and Tony Moon for some reason getting booked.
The two worst decisions in the game were their keeper not getting sent off and Tony Moon for some reason getting booked.
Having now seen the challenge a couple of times, all I can think is that Luna must have been booked for "looking at an opposition player a bit funny". What else could he have done wrong ?
The two worst decisions in the game were their keeper not getting sent off and Tony Moon for some reason getting booked.
Having now seen the challenge a couple of times, all I can think is that Luna must have been booked for "looking at an opposition player a bit funny". What else could he have done wrong ?
I've not seen the Luna one since it happened but it did look a bit odd at the time.
Funny how arsene only sees decisions clearly when they against the arsenal - when he gets dodgy decisions in his favour he claims not to have seen the incident - bad loser which makes winning against them even sweeter.Yep. Arsene is the maestro of moaning. Even Ferguson in his later years could begrudgingly admit sometimes that a decision against his side was actually correct.
Looking at it again, I agree with Shearer (very weird typing that) that the first penalty would have been a harsh sending off, as gabby took the ball away from the goal, so not a clear goalscoring chance.Where was all this aggressive Stoke-like bullying tactics that I'm hearing Arsenal fans bleat about?
They were just as rough with their tackling as we were. They also gave away two penalties and had a man sent off. Arsenal as fans and the club in general have one of the most blinkered views on referee parity in matches. They simply expect every decision to go their way.
The two worst decisions in the game were their keeper not getting sent off and Tony Moon for some reason getting booked.
The two worst decisions in the game were their keeper not getting sent off and Tony Moon for some reason getting booked.
Having now seen the challenge a couple of times, all I can think is that Luna must have been booked for "looking at an opposition player a bit funny". What else could he have done wrong ?
I've not seen the Luna one since it happened but it did look a bit odd at the time.
50/50 ball , good honest commitment from both players , not a foul or a booking in my opinion .
Looking at it again, I agree with Shearer (very weird typing that) that the first penalty would have been a harsh sending off, as gabby took the ball away from the goal, so not a clear goalscoring chance.Where was all this aggressive Stoke-like bullying tactics that I'm hearing Arsenal fans bleat about?
They were just as rough with their tackling as we were. They also gave away two penalties and had a man sent off. Arsenal as fans and the club in general have one of the most blinkered views on referee parity in matches. They simply expect every decision to go their way.
The two worst decisions in the game were their keeper not getting sent off and Tony Moon for some reason getting booked.
Looking at it again, I agree with Shearer (very weird typing that) that the first penalty would have been a harsh sending off, as gabby took the ball away from the goal, so not a clear goalscoring chance.Where was all this aggressive Stoke-like bullying tactics that I'm hearing Arsenal fans bleat about?
They were just as rough with their tackling as we were. They also gave away two penalties and had a man sent off. Arsenal as fans and the club in general have one of the most blinkered views on referee parity in matches. They simply expect every decision to go their way.
The two worst decisions in the game were their keeper not getting sent off and Tony Moon for some reason getting booked.
I agree, I think the 2 genuinely poor decisions were the koscielney 2nd yellow and the Luna yellow, so 1 each that balnace each other out. The gooner in the office here is firmly of the opinion that the ref was totally biased and gave every 50/50 our way. He's also moaning that we were allowed to play on a number of times but they were called back for everything. I've watched it twice and have no idea how he thinks that.
Looking at it again, I agree with Shearer (very weird typing that) that the first penalty would have been a harsh sending off, as gabby took the ball away from the goal, so not a clear goalscoring chance.Where was all this aggressive Stoke-like bullying tactics that I'm hearing Arsenal fans bleat about?
They were just as rough with their tackling as we were. They also gave away two penalties and had a man sent off. Arsenal as fans and the club in general have one of the most blinkered views on referee parity in matches. They simply expect every decision to go their way.
The two worst decisions in the game were their keeper not getting sent off and Tony Moon for some reason getting booked.
I agree, I think the 2 genuinely poor decisions were the koscielney 2nd yellow and the Luna yellow, so 1 each that balnace each other out. The gooner in the office here is firmly of the opinion that the ref was totally biased and gave every 50/50 our way. He's also moaning that we were allowed to play on a number of times but they were called back for everything. I've watched it twice and have no idea how he thinks that.
50/50 ball , good honest commitment from both players , not a foul or a booking in my opinion .Not even 50/50. Watch it again. Luna was there a couple of weeks before O-C slid in. I don't think it was "good honest" from his side.
Arsenal should really change their motto to whatever the latin is for "someone else's fault".
The two worst decisions in the game were their keeper not getting sent off and Tony Moon for some reason getting booked.I think it was the correct decision to NOT dismiss their keeper. Keepers are in a difficult position in the one on one situations. They have to put their body, hands and legs in the way to make it as difficult as possible for the forward and result is usually a penalty. The award of penalty is enough. In our case the ref played the advantage and after Weimann missed he pulled the play back for the free kick. Great decisions in that little scenario.
I think the 2 genuinely poor decisions were the koscielney 2nd yellow and the Luna yellow, so 1 each that balnace each other out.
Looking at it again, I agree with Shearer (very weird typing that) that the first penalty would have been a harsh sending off, as gabby took the ball away from the goal, so not a clear goalscoring chance.Where was all this aggressive Stoke-like bullying tactics that I'm hearing Arsenal fans bleat about?
They were just as rough with their tackling as we were. They also gave away two penalties and had a man sent off. Arsenal as fans and the club in general have one of the most blinkered views on referee parity in matches. They simply expect every decision to go their way.
The two worst decisions in the game were their keeper not getting sent off and Tony Moon for some reason getting booked.
We were in the Che pub with Arsenal fans after the game and they were pretty fair. They were very critical of Wenger - they still see themselves as on a par with Man U, City and Chelsea despite recent evidence - and his transfer policy, they thought the ref was poor but they also generally felt that we deserved to win the game. None of them were bitter towards us nor accusing us of clogging.
Most consistent praise from them came for "your bloke with the blue boots" which I assume was Delph. Interesting that literally all of them did not know him by name.
I think the 2 genuinely poor decisions were the koscielney 2nd yellow and the Luna yellow, so 1 each that balnace each other out.
The ref was probably right to give Laurent Koscielny a second yellow. He was completely out of control in the tackle. The only reason that there was little or no contact was because Andi had to leap in the air to avoid the worst of the collision.
The only questionable decisions for me were not sending their keeper off, not giving Vlaar a second yellow and Luna getting booked for the Oxlade-Chamberlain clash. So when it comes to crucial decisions we both had one let off.I'd agree with that - the other one that I would add is that he shouldn't have played any advantage following the second yellow card.
Looks like our win has convinced arsene to spend -I am afraid not. I was there and Wenger walked away as the assistant said croissant at £1.99 was just a heat up clause. If he wanted to buys and eat it it would be £2.59!
http://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/369458983095918593/photo/1
Great piece of youtubemanship from the Arsenal end behind Villa of Tony Moon' goal
I think the 2 genuinely poor decisions were the koscielney 2nd yellow and the Luna yellow, so 1 each that balnace each other out.
The ref was probably right to give Laurent Koscielny a second yellow. He was completely out of control in the tackle. The only reason that there was little or no contact was because Andi had to leap in the air to avoid the worst of the collision.
Agree - it was a very very daft challenge at best. Especially given the state of the match and the position of both players at the time on the pitch.