Arsenal vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[London Villan]

Apart from his winning goals and assists in the last few games, what has he done?

[Rigadon]

Nice of the Guardian to try and sell our forwards to Woolwich. Appalling, disrespectful and pathetic.

They make suitable bedfellows.

Talking like this match is a shop window for them. Arseholes.

I read that too. Shame, John Brewin can be good, but do you think for one tiny second they’d be writing that about Son or Palmer? No chance.  And Isak would be too expensive, but Duran?  Nah, it’s only Villa.  Poor show. 

[AlexAlexCropley]

I fancy a tetchy 0-0 here with lots of complaining from the home side

Got to be worth £10 on the win with a £5 draw saver

Next to a shoeing for them,this is my close second preference

[Stu]

Nice of the Guardian to try and sell our forwards to Woolwich. Appalling, disrespectful and pathetic.

They make suitable bedfellows.

Talking like this match is a shop window for them. Arseholes.

I read that too. Shame, John Brewin can be good, but do you think for one tiny second they’d be writing that about Son or Palmer? No chance.  And Isak would be too expensive, but Duran?  Nah, it’s only Villa.  Poor show. 

To save anyone looking for it:

Villa’s forwards to catch Arteta’s eye?
If Arsenal’s books for the January window look closed, a meeting with Aston Villa casts forward thoughts to summer business. During Wednesday’s north London derby it was not difficult to wonder how much greater the margin of victory might have been with either Ollie Watkins or Jhon Durán leading the Gunners frontline. If Martin Zubimendi is an expected summer arrival, adding to an already packed midfield, where does a forward come in? Gabriel Jesus’s knee injury delays his possible sale while increasing the need for reinforcements. Villa have been busy, with Donyell Malen coming in from Dortmund and Jaden Philogene sold to Ipswich. Monchi, Villa’s president of football operations, has never been shy of selling players to bring in further talent. Watkins, who is 29, was on the mark at Everton for his first goal of 2025. Duran, 21, unused at Goodison after suspension, may be Arsenal’s next-best option to the imperious, and probably far too expensive, Alexander Isak. John Brewin

Neither Ollie nor Jhon are likely to be cheap. Arsenal would have to pay through the nose for either.

[London Villan]

There is as much chance of us signing Saka as there is of either of our two going to Arsenal in this window.

[RichardBatchelor]

Nice of the Guardian to try and sell our forwards to Woolwich. Appalling, disrespectful and pathetic.

They make suitable bedfellows.

Talking like this match is a shop window for them. Arseholes.

I read that too. Shame, John Brewin can be good, but do you think for one tiny second they’d be writing that about Son or Palmer? No chance.  And Isak would be too expensive, but Duran?  Nah, it’s only Villa.  Poor show. 

To save anyone looking for it:

Villa’s forwards to catch Arteta’s eye?
If Arsenal’s books for the January window look closed, a meeting with Aston Villa casts forward thoughts to summer business. During Wednesday’s north London derby it was not difficult to wonder how much greater the margin of victory might have been with either Ollie Watkins or Jhon Durán leading the Gunners frontline. If Martin Zubimendi is an expected summer arrival, adding to an already packed midfield, where does a forward come in? Gabriel Jesus’s knee injury delays his possible sale while increasing the need for reinforcements. Villa have been busy, with Donyell Malen coming in from Dortmund and Jaden Philogene sold to Ipswich. Monchi, Villa’s president of football operations, has never been shy of selling players to bring in further talent. Watkins, who is 29, was on the mark at Everton for his first goal of 2025. Duran, 21, unused at Goodison after suspension, may be Arsenal’s next-best option to the imperious, and probably far too expensive, Alexander Isak. John Brewin

Neither Ollie nor Jhon are likely to be cheap. Arsenal would have to pay through the nose for either.

Blimey, what a twat! He’s usually pretty good as well. How about actually mentioning the game?

[markeeeebeeee2005]

I’ll watch the game and have a good think if Odegaard could be a good impact sub for when Tielemans needs a rest.

[Cliftonville Villlain]

Arsenal meltdowns are legendary when Villa have the temerity to beat them. We played them off the park earlier in the season despite the loss. A comfortable 2-0 Villa win.

[ADVILLAFAN]

Think we'll miss Pau badly in this one, his passing out from the back had really caused Arse issues previously.

[Rigadon]

Think we'll miss Pau badly in this one, his passing out from the back had really caused Arse issues previously.

Hmm.  His passing is extraordinary often, but I'm not sure I'd have him over Mings to keep Arsenal out from corners, which appears to be their main attacking threat at the moment. 

[eamonn]

Yes, I expect Ty to pwn Gabriel at set-pieces.

[Brazilian Villain]

Footy's back, 3-0 win for Villa.

[Footy-Vill]

New Year warm wishes to everyone.
Let's have a fantastic and blessed 2025
My prediction
0-1 away win
Watkins with the goal.
He's scored 3 goals in 4 games at Emirates stadium
UTV!

[Brazilian Villain]

Same to you, F-V. Let's hope 2025 is a great year on the football front.

[Louzie0]

HNY to you too, Footy, good to see you again.
I hope Ollie frightens Arsenal again tomorrow, as well!

I’m wondering if Unai will use Malen at some point; understand he’s an ex Arsenal lad so that could help with the mind games.