Aston Villa v Arsenal Post-Match Thread

[Chris Smith]

I spent much of last night castigating Mark Halsey, watching again on Football First and I think I need my eyes testing.

[Stu]

I spent much of last night castigating Mark Halsey, watching again on Football First and I think I need my eyes testing.

Nah. Even if he's not reffing the game you're watching, its always worth giving him a few pelters. The useless prick.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I spent much of last night castigating Mark Halsey, watching again on Football First and I think I need my eyes testing.

I've thought for years you need your eyes testing, Chris.

[Chris Smith]

I spent much of last night castigating Mark Halsey, watching again on Football First and I think I need my eyes testing.

I've thought for years you need your eyes testing, Chris.

Why do you think I need my arse testing?

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I spent much of last night castigating Mark Halsey, watching again on Football First and I think I need my eyes testing.

I've thought for years you need your eyes testing, Chris.

Why do you think I need my arse testing?

In your dreams, Chris. In your dreams.

[caster troy]

Positives:

Clark and Cuellar back in the team, long overdue.
We reversed the trend of giving the 'giants' too much respect
N'Zogbia and Hutton much better
No constant hoofing the ball, better passing overall
Ireland looked good early on

Negatives:

Still didn't create many chances despite better approach play
Hutton's late red means more enforced changes
Another corner conceded from

[eastie]

Much much better last night  , nzogbia, dunne albrighton all outstanding and a solid display from all, we deserved at least a point if not more but it was so nice to see the attacking intent and fight in the team and the crowd responded to them -keep up that sort of performance and attitude and we will be fine.

Well done to players staff and fans and merry christmas to everyone!

[Mister E]

Hutton obviously let himself down, silly, but it can happen when you're wound up and you've given your all. Some of the comments by our 'fans' on the matter are a disgrace, but there you go.

Lee, I just revisited my alcohol-fuelled post-game comments because I was seething about Hutton. They were:

... to be booked for mouthing off and then going out to seek retribution is rubbish for a senior player. He had a good game (and has had a few others earlier this season too) but he is a mindless thug and I hope that Lichaj comes back and wins a place ahead of him. He's not a nice character and will always have the self-destruct button close by.

and

Losing your rag and getting a red during a period of high-intensity is not clever or helpful: it's just mindless. I applaud commitment; I despise stupidity. Which one does Mutton fit into?

.

On reflection I think they stand the test of time (and sobriety): Hutton is a senior player who should not act as he has done on occasions this season even if he's played better than some people here give credit for. Llast night was a time for cool heads with the onset of three further games in short order. Instead, he has added to the list of those not available for some of these games.

I hope my earlier comments do not fall into your definition of "disgrace".

[Chris Smith]

It was a slightly mistimed tackle, the criticism of him from many has been disproportionate.

[CJ]

Enjoyed the game last night.   Injuries pick the team not AM.   Clark and Carlos made the free play possible.  Clark must play again in midfield and Carlos next to Dunne.  So who to cover for Hutton??? Collins and Heskey stay away. 

When fit we should have Herd at RB - he played well there against Wolves - and keep Clark in midfield. I think Herd, Clark, Bannan and Albrighton are all ready to play in the side regularly and I'd much rather bring them through than continue with the likes of Hutton and Heskey

[DB]

Hutton is awful, he can't dribble, pass or tackle...seems to foul more than win the ball.

[markeeeebeeee2005]

I really enjoyed the game last night (for the first time this season) and whilst their winner was gutting I can take away so many positives.

If we keep passing and pressing and dont let Collins and Heskey any where near the first team ever agian I will be a happy chappy for the rest of the season. Not sure what changed last night but well done to AMc and the players.

[levico]

Obviously a much better performance but to me if was just another game we lost and puts us closer to the foot of the table. We're getting sucked in!!

[Merv]

It was a slightly mistimed tackle, the criticism of him from many has been disproportionate.

I read a Tweet from Matt Dickinson of the Times earlier today along the lines of Hutton still 'overdue a 10-match ban for his tackle on Long', which I found totally hysterical.

[SheffieldVillain]

It was a slightly mistimed tackle, the criticism of him from many has been disproportionate.

No it wasn't. Van Persie had wound him up previously so he quite obviously went in hard deliberately in an attempt to get him back. He's now unavailable to play (but almost certainly still picking up his wages). I think that deserves some criticism.