Arsenal v Aston Villa All-in-one Thread (Match #272) (Post-match #993)

[Monty]

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.

I think that's a good idea. Keep him away from the 'bad foul to give away' zones.

[TopDeck113]

Fancy us to get a 1-1 draw in a similar fashion to MON's first match. Benteke early on and they'll equalize in the last 10 with us holding on for the point.

[onje_villa]

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.

[bertlambshank]

From TFL.90 minute delays expected tomorrow at Highbury and Islington tube station due to esculater repairs.

[Isa]

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.

[Lsvilla]

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 ?

[UK Redsox]

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

[Matt Collins]

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.

[tomd2103]

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.

I personally don't think he's quite good enough on the ball either.  Doesn't really have the range of passing or ability on the ball to make things happen.  Saying that, I hope he can come good this season.

[supertom]

I think KEA has done well enough in pre season to warrant a place. He's certainly pushed Sylla hard for that 3rd spot. I do think, certainly in a few of the pre season games he just had more zip about his play. He released the ball quicker, gave a bit more ping to his passes. He played some cracking balls in the two drubbings we dished out too, so I do think he has some quality in his locker. I'd also agree, the place to play him is as the more advanced of the 3.

We'll see how he does but he's got to hit the ground running, that's for sure. If it comes to Jan and he's not really doing the business then Lambert may look for another signing perhaps, and then shift Karim in the summer.

[eamonn]

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 ?

Setanta Ireland are showing it but I don't know if many pubs have that channel anymore.

[eamonn]

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 

[curiousorange]

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.

The ironic thing is that if Lambert had a plan B, KEA is the kind of player you should build it around.

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

The last 3 of those will be miles away, the last 2 mid-table at best.

[curiousorange]

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 

Sky always talk up the Codes for two reasons: firstly, their hardcore fans are obsessed with the minutae of the club so will subscribe in the vague hope they get mentioned, and secondly, because they were a glamour club when football was invented and packaged in the early to mid-nineties.