Aston Villa v Arsenal Post-Match Thread

[Jarpie]

I think the interesting thing over coming games will be whether we can pack enough of a punch in the final third to get some more goals and points on the board. Yesterday's team would struggle to do that, partly because KEA isn't really suited to the no 10 role and partly because Weimann and Gabby's quality on the ball was poor.

If you could find a way to get Ireland, Bannan and Holman in the side, I think the creativity and chance creation would improve. But I think that means a diamond or the sort of 4222 we saw in pre-season but not since. Given that - in my view at least - the quality of performances has improved since we moved to 4231 I'm not sure whether that's a wise move. It would allow Bent to come into the side which would also increase our goal threat, but I'm not sure what on earth is going on there!

I'd like to see Benteke playing just behind Bent in some match, in the spot where Ireland has played but a bit higher. Gabby, Weimann and N'Zogbia on the wider positions like they are now. I woudln't read too much into Lambert's comment why he didn't choose Bent to play against Arsenal ("It's my choice"), it sounds very much like he's tired of getting asked about it all the time.

He probably didn't choose Bent due we needing players more like Gabby, Weimann and Benteke against Arsenal than Bent, also pitch being wet and raining he probably didn't want to risk Bent getting injured again - one slip and his ankle gone again even if it's fine by now.

[eastie]

The fact Villa could not find the killer touch to reward their efforts made manager Paul Lambert's decision not to include fit-again Darren Bent among his substitutes even more puzzling.
Bent has scored six goals in seven Premier League starts against Arsenal, but Lambert chose to ignore that superb record.
“It was just my choice,” said Lambert. “It was the squad I picked and I've got 25 or 26 guys to think about. The most important thing is this football club. The football club is my main priority.”

[Irish villain]

I like KK , always says good things about Villa , other than the knob Adams.

I have always noticed this. Is Keegan a closet villa fan? He always seems to praise us. Didn't he commentate on a few of our bigger games in Europe down the years too?

[onje_villa]

after conceding 8 goals in the last 2 games and with vlaar going off, we would have taken a 0-0 for sure. clean sheet hopefully will build a bit of confidence. Clark played well again. Guzan very calm in goal. bannan I thought played well though some of his deliveries werent great. Holman who I've been very critical of thus far, did well on his introduction.

Still though the lack of quality was depressing. Westwood was completely anonymous in midfield and we are badly struggling to get the ball simply from our centre halves into midfield. watched west brom earlier, they are light years ahead of us with the ball. Kea was woeful, out of position maybe but incredibly poor. didnt think benteke was really up for it today. was well held but his touch was a bit off. weimann and gabby tried hard but complete lack of quality with the ball. gabby in particular, his touch is dreadful and loses the ball now constantly just running with the ball. stevens and lowton were worrying at times but I guess both Arsenal wide players were taken off.

we just look a really poor side at the moment. The next run of games are absolutely key. I think its imperative we bring Bent back in alongside Benteke up front. Bringing on Albrighton and Lichaj sums up the lack of quality in our squad. January will be huge for Lambert.

Thought there was more than a few Arsenal players who didnt look up for it today. Thought Wenger should have made changes at the break. Struggling to think of what they created. Clark made a couple of great interceptions but they didnt put us under too much pressure really

Exsqueeze me?

[Irish villain]

The fact Villa could not find the killer touch to reward their efforts made manager Paul Lambert's decision not to include fit-again Darren Bent among his substitutes even more puzzling.
Bent has scored six goals in seven Premier League starts against Arsenal, but Lambert chose to ignore that superb record.
“It was just my choice,” said Lambert. “It was the squad I picked and I've got 25 or 26 guys to think about. The most important thing is this football club. The football club is my main priority.”

Where did you find that? As I have said, the Lambert/Bent situation reminds me of The Secret Footballer's observation that a new manager will often target/sacrifice one of the bigger players at a club in an effort to stamp his authority on the rest.

[Legion]

Language!

[Brian Taylor]

Vlaar was MoM for me..Da do Ron Ron, Da do Ron Ron..
Brilliant game and definitely moral win for us. More please and next one(s) ours..Very impressed overall. Machine is clicking into place. not much to be unhappy about!

[Irish villain]

Language!

Pardon his French

[ktvillan]

Language!

Pardon his French

I noticed that while I was watching, but thought I may have misheard as there wasn't much of a french accent there.

[UK Redsox]

Wenger's language doesn't compare to that used by Lambert against Norwich just before he kicked the medical bag.

[LeeB]

Language!

I did not hear it.

[Hookeysmith]

My views on the game

Guzan - considering he let in 8 goals in the last 2 games the manager obviously feels he is the future - did not have a lot to do but what he did do was good

Lowton - Really like this guy - good head on is shoulders - does need to support the wide positions and get forward more

Vlaar - overall pretty good but countless times got pulled in and Giroud turned him easily - the bench was going mental at him

Clark - dominating and cool under pressure - the block he did in the last few minutes when their player had a clear shot was superb

Stevens - offered little going forward but considering initial fears about him he aquitted himself well

Bannan - one bottling challenge aside thought he did well and at times out passed the Arsenal midfield - not easy to do

Westwood - MOTM  - just terrific throughout - better at being Carrick than Carrick

Gabby - worked his nads off and had a great chance saved by keeper

Weinmann - Love this kids energy and clever runs into space - even though offside its good to see he is sniffing these chances out

KEA - thought he started well and was hassling their backline and midfield well until the stupid dive - should have gone off then as his presence in midfield was lost

Benteke - Does some superb things equally as much as some piss poor ones. Holds it up well and causes lots of issues across the backline - needs to attack the ball better at times, especially in the box

If you consider the average age of the starting XI was 23.81 years and if you include all 3 subs as well it is increased to 24. Let these guys blend some more and we have a cracking team coming together for the future.

Come on me babbies indeed

[Mortimer's Bear]

Gabby looks unfit to me, he's certainly lost a yard of pace. That said his endeavour was never in question, although he maybe lacking in confidence.

The revelation for me has been Westwood, I thought he was outstanding yesterday.

[Monty]

One point about this season which might just be me, but I feel much more connected to the team than last year. These young players are visibly running their bollocks off, as are the more experienced ones who've come in like Vlaar and Holman, and it's something to identify with. The style is getting better (yesterday wasn't the time for either side to be at their fluent best), there's something about a few of these players (Benteke, Bannan and Westwood look a great attacking spine). Obviously if we succeed at any point I'm as happy as anyone, but I don't know if I'd have ever been happier for the players if we go on and do something.

[olaftab]

Vlaar - overall pretty good but countless times got pulled in and Giroud turned him easily - the bench was going mental at him

I sometimes think this is due to the fact that Ron has taken it upon himself to be a exemplarily leader and he feels his presence is required everywhere. You may have noticed occasions when he has charged up the field almost trying to bulldoze his way to gaol. That scares me. May be he will calm down if say Dunne makes it back in to the team. That will help him to realign to his main task.