Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread

[RamboandBruno]

However, in terms of comparisons, I think December 1989, might resonate a bit more. A really underwhelming start to the season under SGT, but slowly churning through the gears and going on a great run, culminating that calendar year in beating reigning champions Arsenal at home 2-1 then hammering Man Utd 3-0 on Boxing day before beating Chelsea 3-0 away on new years day, and no one could ignore anymore that we were in the title race. I’d take that December again.

Late Mountfield header in front of the North Stand?

Remember that one clearly, think the only time I've been in the NS. Got in 10 mins late, Holte chocabloc, so couldn't get in there - we used to just pitch up in those days.

I was 15 and first season in a few years I didnt get a season ticket, but didn’t really need one as you say. I lived in the family home in Hockley then, however, I missed the Arsenal game as somehow contrived to drop and lose my few quid entrance money on the way from the number 8 bus stop through Aston Park. I realised when I got to the turnstiles So had to turn around and go home. Was at the Man utd game and Chelsea away though.

[eye digress]

There is a bit of meejah attention stirring - the Graun rushed out an article on us last night. Reads as a bit of a space filler mind, from the otherwise admirable Ben Fisher.

[Sexual Ealing]

BBC preview of the game, just now, told us that Arsenal will go 7 points clear for a few hours at least, if they win. No mention of the fact that the Villa will go 2nd in the table if we win!

Sounds like you already knew anyway.

[N'ZMAV]

Normally I'd be nervous but I don't mind losing to these. The fans are so great, as is the manager.

Of all the posts I've disagreed with in my H&V career, I disagree with this one the most.

Sarcasm?

it's got to be...

their fans are idiots and their manager is disgusting

[Smirker]

BBC preview of the game, just now, told us that Arsenal will go 7 points clear for a few hours at least, if they win. No mention of the fact that the Villa will go 2nd in the table if we win!

If you were the manager would you be using this to motivate the players?

I would.

I'd be drumming it into them for weeks, making smarmy comments in training about how they're only showing the top four in the league table because we're 5th, then the top three because we're 4th. I'd be saying they think you're not good enough. They ignore you because they think you're irrelevant.

By the time it came to kick off my players would want blood and would be ready to run through a brick wall.

[eye digress]

I was 15 and first season in a few years I didnt get a season ticket, but didn’t really need one as you say. I lived in the family home in Hockley then, however, I missed the Arsenal game as somehow contrived to drop and lose my few quid entrance money on the way from the number 8 bus stop through Aston Park. I realised when I got to the turnstiles So had to turn around and go home. Was at the Man utd game and Chelsea away though.

Don't think I was at the Man Utd game. I was - may still be - a year or two older than you, and my bus was the 9 (plus whatever bus/train out of town, can't recall the number). But I do remember that maybe a couple of pound coins was all you needed to get in, maybe a fiver all in with transport, a programme and a Bovril (?).

Recall that Arsenal match as a not very enjoyable game per se, very tight, few chances, very tense. Great result!

[Brazilian Villain]

BBC preview of the game, just now, told us that Arsenal will go 7 points clear for a few hours at least, if they win. No mention of the fact that the Villa will go 2nd in the table if we win!

If you were the manager would you be using this to motivate the players?

I'd show Ollie your posts.

[Brend'Watkins]

You would think the BBC would want a Villa win so that they could say “a bad day for Keir Starmer’s Arsenal” or, “a result that could mark a leadership challenge” if only Chris Mason did the sports round up.

[stevo_st]

7-2

[Brend'Watkins]

BBC preview of the game, just now, told us that Arsenal will go 7 points clear for a few hours at least, if they win. No mention of the fact that the Villa will go 2nd in the table if we win!

If you were the manager would you be using this to motivate the players?

I'd show Ollie your posts.

Ha ha 🤣

[Villa Lew]

58% going for a Villa win, can't remember it ever being that high for an Arsenal match, that's what I like positivity, going 3-2 Villa, Ollie to get the winner in the 101st minute.

[Rigadon]

Ah, I see for those of us watching remotely we have the delights of TNT coverage to look forward to. Marvellous!

[Tayls_7]

Normally I'd be nervous but I don't mind losing to these. The fans are so great, as is the manager.

Of all the posts I've disagreed with in my H&V career, I disagree with this one the most.

Sarcasm?

it's got to be...

their fans are idiots and their manager is disgusting

Yes. Dripping with sarcasm.

[PeterWithesShin]

It is an honour to have AFTV at Villa Park though.

[RamboandBruno]

I was 15 and first season in a few years I didnt get a season ticket, but didn’t really need one as you say. I lived in the family home in Hockley then, however, I missed the Arsenal game as somehow contrived to drop and lose my few quid entrance money on the way from the number 8 bus stop through Aston Park. I realised when I got to the turnstiles So had to turn around and go home. Was at the Man utd game and Chelsea away though.

Don't think I was at the Man Utd game. I was - may still be - a year or two older than you, and my bus was the 9 (plus whatever bus/train out of town, can't recall the number). But I do remember that maybe a couple of pound coins was all you needed to get in, maybe a fiver all in with transport, a programme and a Bovril (?).

Recall that Arsenal match as a not very enjoyable game per se, very tight, few chances, very tense. Great result!

The number 9 goes everywhere….i went to secondary school in Bearwood