Aston Villa vs Arsenal Match Thread

[Toronto Villa]

Ah well, we've been worse than a team which is better than us. If you'd offered me this position before the season starts I'd have ripped your arm out of its socket. This is a great position still.

You're right Monty. We all knew we'd lose a game or two in this stretch. It will be something we can learn from. The midfield balance was affected as was the defence with late changes. It has shown today. That said Arsenal are a very good team and can and will do this to others.

[Marton]

I take it we're not controlling the game this week?

Half the team is out trying to control their sphincters...Clark though have been shitting himself right there on the pitch !

[PeterWithesShin]

Who is the Clarke fella people keep mentioning? I've looked at our squad and see no one of this name.

[ez]

I hope this isn't a season long tactic when we're behind

[Small Rodent]

At half-time the ABSOLUTE FUCKING c***s sang along to Coldplay.

VILE VILE

London; the cutting edge of British culture.

It really is horrible!!

[mattjpa]

A complete waste of time coming out second half

[Boz]

Spending the second half defending a 0-3 score is terrible tactics by Lambert.

[ciggiesnbeer]

Christ, the Villa park faithful sure get a kick in the teeth whenever they show up in numbers don't they?

[ChicagoLion]

to use the same tactics at 3 nil down as at nil nil is pretty stupid.
we are at home, a lot of people have paid good money so the least you would expect is some intent.
Lambert out

[PeterWithesShin]

What would you be saying if we'd gone for it and conceded another 3 or 4?

[ez]

What would you be saying if we'd gone for it and conceded another 3 or 4?

Alternatively...

[supertom]

Something is still sorely lacking in our training work regarding possession. Our players look so clueless on the ball when they're pressed with any sort of tempo. Grealish on the ball looked an absolute class above everyone else in our side today. Totally un-rushed, totally composed and always looked like he was think a few moves ahead. He's only 12 FFS. Our other players should be keeping the ball better than they are.

Sitting back when 3-0 down was a bit McLeish.

We've ultimately been outdone by a much better side. We can't concern ourselves too much. Just move on and concentrate on the next game. Arsenal at home is always a bastard for us. We tend to do better against Chelsea, so I hope we have some confidence for that game.

Grealish should start. He doesn't waste the ball. And the sooner Benteke gets back the better.

[supertom]

What would you be saying if we'd gone for it and conceded another 3 or 4?

Personally I'd have taken the gamble and pushed on. We showed in the first 30 minutes that their defence could be got at. Chambers got an early booking and we should have been bullying him all game.
I'd have fancied us to score 1-2, even if we'd probably have conceded again. I don't think pushing forward would have seen us concede another 3-4 though.

I also think it was an error not getting the ball to Grealish as much as possible.