Aston Villa vs Arsenal Pre-Match Thread

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

A bit worried about our next two games.

Me too Morts.
Can't see us moving up many places in the table between now and next Saturday as I make my way back down the M6!

[Louzie0]

I'll be there Louzie0 and imagine you sitting beside me.
(That'll be £45 btw - just deposit the dosh in olaf's account - I've nearly finished hacking into it so I can be certain it will reach me.)

I dunno; the things I do for love and The Villa!

UTV!

Would £25 cover Wagon Wheels at half time and chips on the way out for everybody?
Consider it done.

(If you imagine me beside you, you need to include some very loud singing and join in)
Give young CB a cheer from me, he needs a goal and so do we! 
UTV

[olaftab]

Results today mean Arsenal are under lot of pressure. They must win otherwise its unlikely that they will regain top spot and that is going to be crushing after spending  half the season sitting there.

[adrenachrome]

Daily Heil

Lambert claims possession is overrated as pass masters Arsenal visit Villa Park

By Neil Moxley

PUBLISHED: 22:30, 12 January 2014 | UPDATED: 22:30, 12 January 2014

If points were handed out for possession, the Premier League table would make for unhappy reading for Aston Villa supporters.

Propped up by Crystal Palace, manager Paul Lambert would be under the most severe pressure on Monday evening to turn around his season.

As it is, Villa are sitting halfway up the table, albeit just a few points closer to the relegation zone than both their manager and supporters would like.

But it is testament to the energy of Villa’s side that they have fed off scraps on occasion. The statistics which damn and praise Lambert’s team in equal measure will certainly be put to the test against Arsenal.

During the course of Villa’s six wins so far in the Premier League, their average possession has been little more than half of that enjoyed by the opposition.

In one particular case, at St Mary’s against Southampton in December, Villa saw just 27 per cent of the ball, yet still they ended up winning 3-2. They fared similarly against Manchester City, despite Manuel Pellegrini’s side dominating the play to a similar degree.

Swansea City passed Villa off Villa Park but still could not take more than a point back to south-west Wales.

Lambert, like his mentor Martin O’Neill, is from the managerial school which will simply point to the scoreboard at the final whistle for justification. ‘Statistics are used as to how people want to portray them,’ said Lambert, ‘But if you talk to any manager, at whatever level, you have got to try to win.

‘That’s your main aim. That’s the main statistic and it’s one that can cover up some sins. It always does and probably always will.

‘I understand that against some of the bigger clubs, Manchester United and Chelsea for instance, that if you don’t have the ball you have to be resolute in what you are doing and see the game through.

‘But the one thing about our team is that if people do come on to us, then we can hurt them with the pace that we have got. We can use that as one of our weapons.

‘We have a threat with some pace up front. Do I want Swansea to come to Villa Park and enjoy all that possession? No, I don’t. No chance.

‘Okay, we got a point out of it and it was something to build upon against Sunderland. But possession statistics are absolutely useless if you don’t win.

‘Barcelona a few years ago had an incredible amount of possession against Inter Milan, but didn’t win when Jose Mourinho ended up winning the tie and the Champions League.’

Villa defender Matthew Lowton said that the club has a system of play that suits their mobility and energy levels. They may not be the best at keeping possession, but they certainly are athletic.

‘We don’t sit back and let the other team have it,’ said Lowton. ’But at the same time we aren’t going to just run into people’s faces and get out of position.

‘I think the Swansea game is what everyone’s talking about. We set out to keep the ball ourselves, but I think a lot of teams who watched us last season have decided to press us.

‘Teams have got in our faces a bit more. But it’s about getting the points. Maybe at times we set traps.

‘Everyone knows how quick Gabby Agbonlahor is, but Christian Benteke is back and Andi Weimann. It does frighten teams and we know it works. So what’s the point in trying to change it?’

Arsene Wenger will have noted that Agbonlahor’s pace was a key factor in Villa’s shock opening day victory at the Emirates. It will be interesting to see if those lessons are acted upon on Monday night.

[bertlambshank]

His mumbling is getting more bizarre by the day.How does he think we will score without the ball?

[eamonn]

Interesting to read a player's (Lowton) perspective on our tactics. Surprisingly candid.

[ciggiesnbeer]

I have been drinking so bear that in mind, but fuck the press and fuck the haters. I hope we beat Arsenal in the ugliest manner imaginable. The tears of the media and Wenger will sustain me for the weeks ahead

[Louzie0]

I have been drinking so bear that in mind, but fuck the press and fuck the haters. I hope we beat Arsenal in the ugliest manner imaginable. The tears of the media and Wenger will sustain me for the weeks ahead

I am hoping for the same thing.
Brace yourself!

[ciggiesnbeer]

I have been drinking so bear that in mind, but fuck the press and fuck the haters. I hope we beat Arsenal in the ugliest manner imaginable. The tears of the media and Wenger will sustain me for the weeks ahead

I am hoping for the same thing.
Brace yourself!

Cheers! (I am now 4 gins in) I am fully braced!

[manic-road]

Can't see anything but a tonking tonight. 0-3

[Mortimer82]

A bit worried about our next two games. :(

Me too Morts.
Can't see us moving up many places in the table between now and next Saturday as I make my way back down the M6!

If we played like we did from March last year, we'd have a chance. Unfortunately we play football like the French fight wars.

[Damo70]

Interesting to read a player's (Lowton) perspective on our tactics. Surprisingly candid.

The trouble is these traps he talks about us setting. We get caught up in our own traps sometimes.

[Ron Manager]

Daily Heil

Lambert claims possession is overrated as pass masters Arsenal visit Villa Park

By Neil Moxley

PUBLISHED: 22:30, 12 January 2014 | UPDATED: 22:30, 12 January 2014

If points were handed out for possession, the Premier League table would make for unhappy reading for Aston Villa supporters.

Propped up by Crystal Palace, manager Paul Lambert would be under the most severe pressure on Monday evening to turn around his season.

As it is, Villa are sitting halfway up the table, albeit just a few points closer to the relegation zone than both their manager and supporters would like.

But it is testament to the energy of Villa’s side that they have fed off scraps on occasion. The statistics which damn and praise Lambert’s team in equal measure will certainly be put to the test against Arsenal.

During the course of Villa’s six wins so far in the Premier League, their average possession has been little more than half of that enjoyed by the opposition.

In one particular case, at St Mary’s against Southampton in December, Villa saw just 27 per cent of the ball, yet still they ended up winning 3-2. They fared similarly against Manchester City, despite Manuel Pellegrini’s side dominating the play to a similar degree.

Swansea City passed Villa off Villa Park but still could not take more than a point back to south-west Wales.

Lambert, like his mentor Martin O’Neill, is from the managerial school which will simply point to the scoreboard at the final whistle for justification. ‘Statistics are used as to how people want to portray them,’ said Lambert, ‘But if you talk to any manager, at whatever level, you have got to try to win.

‘That’s your main aim. That’s the main statistic and it’s one that can cover up some sins. It always does and probably always will.

‘I understand that against some of the bigger clubs, Manchester United and Chelsea for instance, that if you don’t have the ball you have to be resolute in what you are doing and see the game through.

‘But the one thing about our team is that if people do come on to us, then we can hurt them with the pace that we have got. We can use that as one of our weapons.

‘We have a threat with some pace up front. Do I want Swansea to come to Villa Park and enjoy all that possession? No, I don’t. No chance.

‘Okay, we got a point out of it and it was something to build upon against Sunderland. But possession statistics are absolutely useless if you don’t win.

‘Barcelona a few years ago had an incredible amount of possession against Inter Milan, but didn’t win when Jose Mourinho ended up winning the tie and the Champions League.’

Villa defender Matthew Lowton said that the club has a system of play that suits their mobility and energy levels. They may not be the best at keeping possession, but they certainly are athletic.

‘We don’t sit back and let the other team have it,’ said Lowton. ’But at the same time we aren’t going to just run into people’s faces and get out of position.

‘I think the Swansea game is what everyone’s talking about. We set out to keep the ball ourselves, but I think a lot of teams who watched us last season have decided to press us.

‘Teams have got in our faces a bit more. But it’s about getting the points. Maybe at times we set traps.

‘Everyone knows how quick Gabby Agbonlahor is, but Christian Benteke is back and Andi Weimann. It does frighten teams and we know it works. So what’s the point in trying to change it?’

Arsene Wenger will have noted that Agbonlahor’s pace was a key factor in Villa’s shock opening day victory at the Emirates. It will be interesting to see if those lessons are acted upon on Monday night.

'Everyone knows how quick Gabby Agbonlahor is, but Christian Benteke is back and Andi Weimann. It does frighten teams and we know it works. So what’s the point in trying to change it?’

Andi Weimann?  That really does show a lack of basic intelligence from Lambert.

[Ads]

Ha ha!

i-ron-ee!

[Mortimer82]

Daily Heil

Lambert claims possession is overrated as pass masters Arsenal visit Villa Park

By Neil Moxley

PUBLISHED: 22:30, 12 January 2014 | UPDATED: 22:30, 12 January 2014

If points were handed out for possession, the Premier League table would make for unhappy reading for Aston Villa supporters.

Propped up by Crystal Palace, manager Paul Lambert would be under the most severe pressure on Monday evening to turn around his season.

As it is, Villa are sitting halfway up the table, albeit just a few points closer to the relegation zone than both their manager and supporters would like.

But it is testament to the energy of Villa’s side that they have fed off scraps on occasion. The statistics which damn and praise Lambert’s team in equal measure will certainly be put to the test against Arsenal.

During the course of Villa’s six wins so far in the Premier League, their average possession has been little more than half of that enjoyed by the opposition.

In one particular case, at St Mary’s against Southampton in December, Villa saw just 27 per cent of the ball, yet still they ended up winning 3-2. They fared similarly against Manchester City, despite Manuel Pellegrini’s side dominating the play to a similar degree.

Swansea City passed Villa off Villa Park but still could not take more than a point back to south-west Wales.

Lambert, like his mentor Martin O’Neill, is from the managerial school which will simply point to the scoreboard at the final whistle for justification. ‘Statistics are used as to how people want to portray them,’ said Lambert, ‘But if you talk to any manager, at whatever level, you have got to try to win.

‘That’s your main aim. That’s the main statistic and it’s one that can cover up some sins. It always does and probably always will.

‘I understand that against some of the bigger clubs, Manchester United and Chelsea for instance, that if you don’t have the ball you have to be resolute in what you are doing and see the game through.

‘But the one thing about our team is that if people do come on to us, then we can hurt them with the pace that we have got. We can use that as one of our weapons.

‘We have a threat with some pace up front. Do I want Swansea to come to Villa Park and enjoy all that possession? No, I don’t. No chance.

‘Okay, we got a point out of it and it was something to build upon against Sunderland. But possession statistics are absolutely useless if you don’t win.

‘Barcelona a few years ago had an incredible amount of possession against Inter Milan, but didn’t win when Jose Mourinho ended up winning the tie and the Champions League.’

Villa defender Matthew Lowton said that the club has a system of play that suits their mobility and energy levels. They may not be the best at keeping possession, but they certainly are athletic.

‘We don’t sit back and let the other team have it,’ said Lowton. ’But at the same time we aren’t going to just run into people’s faces and get out of position.

‘I think the Swansea game is what everyone’s talking about. We set out to keep the ball ourselves, but I think a lot of teams who watched us last season have decided to press us.

‘Teams have got in our faces a bit more. But it’s about getting the points. Maybe at times we set traps.

‘Everyone knows how quick Gabby Agbonlahor is, but Christian Benteke is back and Andi Weimann. It does frighten teams and we know it works. So what’s the point in trying to change it?’

Arsene Wenger will have noted that Agbonlahor’s pace was a key factor in Villa’s shock opening day victory at the Emirates. It will be interesting to see if those lessons are acted upon on Monday night.

'Everyone knows how quick Gabby Agbonlahor is, but Christian Benteke is back and Andi Weimann. It does frighten teams and we know it works. So what’s the point in trying to change it?’

Andi Weimann?  That really does show a lack of basic intelligence from Lambert.

I think the Weimann comment is from Lowton.

I also think the lack of possession, having to constantly run around, is part of the problem with fitness and injuries.

It also means when we do get the ball, our players are too scared to use it.