Post match positivity (Arsenal H)

[rob_bridge]

The defence already looks like it will be our Achilles heel again this season.

With respect that's bollocks mate. The ball broke kindly for Trossard not bad defending and Emi definitely should save the second.

I concur , how anyone can arrive at that conclusion after 2 tough games beggars belief.

We have some easier? Fixtures ahead so let's see if the goals A column improves. My point was really we concede too many over 38 games last season and we have continued in that same vein. The 2 goals were soft today .

We have conceded 5 fewer in 2 games so far than in last 2 games of last season with comparable oppositon. That's a 60% improvement 

[VillaTim]

The defence already looks like it will be our Achilles heel again this season.

With respect that's bollocks mate. The ball broke kindly for Trossard not bad defending and Emi definitely should save the second.

I concur , how anyone can arrive at that conclusion after 2 tough games beggars belief.

We have some easier? Fixtures ahead so let's see if the goals A column improves. My point was really we concede too many over 38 games last season and we have continued in that same vein. The 2 goals were soft today .

We have conceded 5 fewer in 2 games so far than in last 2 games of last season with comparable oppositon. That's a 60% improvement 

Fair point in fairness.

[rob_bridge]

Have to say saliba looked on a different level to konsa and torres today. He was bloody fantastic for them annoyingly

I thought our pair did well enough today especially ball at feet. Konsa constantly made Havertz run extra yards.

Saliba is a different level to everyone in the league since VVD came off the boil.

Positional sense, timing, tackling and above all organising the other defenders who aren't all that great. if nothing else I was glad to see him in the flesh today. That tackle on Ramsey was impeccable.

[edgysatsuma89]

Like most I'm not too disheartened, Ollie on form and we win that. We'll definitely be top 4 contenders again.

Fuck me Rogers is good. It's funny what fans think of their own team, probably a good half from Boro were not bothered about him going. Just goes to show how much the right manager and set up matters.

[VillaTim]

Rogers was outstanding. And he's improving . Excellent signing .

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We're a top 4 side, we're not a title challenging side, yet. Arsenal are. Man City are a title winning side, so there's your escalation points.

Felt we were better against Arsenal today for a longer period than we were in either game last season, particularly the home fixture. Missed 3 really good chances to be out of sight, in a game that didn't really have any significant difference between the sides until a fortunate ricochet. Fine margins, etc etc.

The chances we missed were real gilt edged ones we ought to have taken. Score and we win.

I dont think Partey should have been on the pitch, a 2nd booking for a late shirt tug on Onana or Rogers, but Emi must do better. Digne shackled Saka, although doesn't offer as much going forwards as Ian.

Subs and injuries made the first 30 a bit stop start. Pur 2nd ball was a rushed and wayward at times, after beating the press. Rogers continues to impress and I'm hopeful JJ is nearing full fitness too.

I'd like a Diaby replacement and another centre half, but we look a really good side. Easier to be sanguine in August, but lots of positives.

[VillaTim]

We lacked quality in the final third today . Same at West Ham where we would on a better day have scored 5 or 6 . It's early days though and the signs are we will dismantle lots of teams in the division especially if we can hone our finishing .

[kippaxvilla2]

As per 2016-17 we are going to give someone a good spanking soon.

[Small Rodent]

To be beaten 2-0 and their goalkeeper get man of the match says a lot about the game.

[ChicagoLion]

We were nowhere near our peak performances of last season.
Too many players not at the right level.
Watkins was awful, Bailey reverted to the player of 2 seasons ago.
Good teams do not give up the ball as easily as we did.
Nothing positive about losing at Villa Park.

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Righto.

[Dave]

Another word for Morgan Rogers, who sometimes literally reminds of Kaká.

And Gascoigne at times!

/Yaya Toure?

That's the comparison I used with my mate earlier- he doesn't rely on pace, he doesn't rely on skill, he doesn't rely on strength. He has all three in pretty equal measures.

It's ridiculous what's happened to him since he looked alright in January when we were beating Middlesbrough.

[adrenachrome]

How long was it before we launched a meaningful attack? For the first 25 minutes we were under the cosh.

As somebody close to my tinnitus affected ear vociferously opined: "Vaym all over us on the flanx, we'm too narra!".

We could have scored 3 goals from breakaways, but we never dominated the pattern of play at any point.

[devilla]

Absolute shit show at the ground trying to get in. Also, the "this is Villa Park" screen - yes we know. Bring back the match clock?

That's exactly what I thought. I couldn't read the time from the Holte, had to take a photo of it then zoom in.

On a more positive note they've made a good job of the bogs, nicely refurbished and clean.

[pelty]

For me, Arsenal are overrated by many here. They are good but so are we, and today we were better save for Watkins who was shite on toast. Two games straight he has been poor and it cost us today.