Aston Villa vs Arsenal Pre-Match

[villabear]

Guardian piece today. No idea who this guy supports but very complimentary about us.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/07/football-daily-email-aston-villa

[Risso]

Had a quick squint at an Arsenal forum, a few nerves about this game with most of them expecting a very difficult game, which hopefully it will be for them.

[Monty]

Everything now is about that top 4 or 5, which means that every win or loss has to be seen in that light. Under which criteria, then, it's been a spectacular week for us, as no matter what we'll come out of this massive double-header in the top 4 (many thanks to Eastenders and Corrie for yesterday).

But that doesn't mean that a win here would be a bonus, although there's an argument for that, as ultimately it's our games against the 'bottom 16' that will decide our final position. But at the top every single game matters, every single win just keeps your nose above the water, every single loss threatens to sink you (I'm still fucked off about Forest away!).

Which doesn't make this a must-win anymore than a freebie. But it's how we have to think now. Win as often as possible. Win all the time.

[sid1964]

I have a feeling that this game will be another ruined by the ref (expect a Villa player to get sent off and a VAR decision to go against us)

[Risso]

With nearly half the season gone, we're 3rd, above last year's champions and a point behind the leaders if we can beat them tomorrow. We HAVE to start believing we can win this. We can, and do beat anybody, nay everybody at home. If we can improve our away form then there's no reason we can't push it all the way. If we fall short, then if we've got the compensation of Champions League football, it will have been an incredible year.

[Monty]

With nearly half the season gone, we're 3rd, above last year's champions and a point behind the leaders if we can beat them tomorrow. We HAVE to start believing we can win this. We can, and do beat anybody, nay everybody at home. If we can improve our away form then there's no reason we can't push it all the way. If we fall short, then if we've got the compensation of Champions League football, it will have been an incredible year.

It's a good rule of life to aim for one step beyond what you'd be happy with. Helps set the psychological standard necessary for achieving that back-up aim in the first place.

[Bad English]

I'm getting excited.

[paul_e]

Everything now is about that top 4 or 5, which means that every win or loss has to be seen in that light. Under which criteria, then, it's been a spectacular week for us, as no matter what we'll come out of this massive double-header in the top 4 (many thanks to Eastenders and Corrie for yesterday).

But that doesn't mean that a win here would be a bonus, although there's an argument for that, as ultimately it's our games against the 'bottom 16' that will decide our final position. But at the top every single game matters, every single win just keeps your nose above the water, every single loss threatens to sink you (I'm still fucked off about Forest away!).

Which doesn't make this a must-win anymore than a freebie. But it's how we have to think now. Win as often as possible. Win all the time.

Agreed.

With our away form (which is slightly misleading given we've 3 of the top 7 away but only 1 at home) we can't really rely on getting more than 27-28 points on the road. That means we need to be aiming for 45 at home. We can do that, we're on course for it, but it means we have to go into every home game looking to win.

[Dave]

With nearly half the season gone, we're 3rd, above last year's champions and a point behind the leaders if we can beat them tomorrow. We HAVE to start believing we can win this. We can, and do beat anybody, nay everybody at home. If we can improve our away form then there's no reason we can't push it all the way. If we fall short, then if we've got the compensation of Champions League football, it will have been an incredible year.

The fixture list is pretty exciting too. Away to Man City and Arsenal and home to Liverpool are all in April or later. Untill the very end of the season there always seems like there will be a little run of two or three Lutons / Fulhams / Sheffield Utds round the corner to play ourselves back into form if you have a dodgy Forest style defeat to recover from.

[Risso]

With nearly half the season gone, we're 3rd, above last year's champions and a point behind the leaders if we can beat them tomorrow. We HAVE to start believing we can win this. We can, and do beat anybody, nay everybody at home. If we can improve our away form then there's no reason we can't push it all the way. If we fall short, then if we've got the compensation of Champions League football, it will have been an incredible year.

It's a good rule of life to aim for one step beyond what you'd be happy with. Helps set the psychological standard necessary for achieving that back-up aim in the first place.

Madness.

[Exeter 77]

Ignore

[ROBBO]

We do seem to play at our best against the better sides, we take the foot of the pedal against teams we should easily beat.

[Mister E]

This will be a tough game

How many times will SAKA pretend to be injured, to try and get 1 of our players booked or sent off

Zaniolo could probably tell you if you really want to know ...

[Mister E]

We do seem to play at our best against the better sides, we take the foot of the pedal against teams we should easily beat.

well, and, the better teams play a little more open, giving us some space to exploit.

[Monty]

With nearly half the season gone, we're 3rd, above last year's champions and a point behind the leaders if we can beat them tomorrow. We HAVE to start believing we can win this. We can, and do beat anybody, nay everybody at home. If we can improve our away form then there's no reason we can't push it all the way. If we fall short, then if we've got the compensation of Champions League football, it will have been an incredible year.

It's a good rule of life to aim for one step beyond what you'd be happy with. Helps set the psychological standard necessary for achieving that back-up aim in the first place.

Madness.

I thought it was pretty sensible .