Arsenal v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[Stu]

Don't get why we're playing Arsenal again, when we've not faced Forest yet. For probably decades, it's always been clubs play everyone in the first half of the season then the reverse fixture in the second half, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

It was arranged so that our ream can stay in London after playing Chelsea and do the "10 things to do in London according to Tripadvisor" thing.

Angus Steak House

I loved that Londoners were doing that on Reddit and Tripadvisor lmao.

[PeterWithesShin]

I fully expect us to make it 3 unbeaten there. They must be sick of the sight of us having only beaten us once in the last 5 matches, losing 3 of them.

[andyh]

It’s amusing that Tom Ross is still given a couple of minutes in the pre match pressers to ask his ridiculous questions.
Unai was rightly pissed at him today.

[RamboandBruno]

I fully expect us to make it 3 unbeaten there. They must be sick of the sight of us having only beaten us once in the last 5 matches, losing 3 of them.

I think we’ve beaten them twice since coming back up, 3-0 under Smith in covid times and 2-0 under Emery two seasons ago. Drew last season, which I think leaves three defeats, first season back up 2-3, Deanos last stand in October 2021, 2-1, or possibly 3-1 and at some point under Gerard, 2-1??

So LWLLWD

Still not bad

[cdbearsfan]

Six wins, six defeats and one draw since we, unlike them, earned our place in the top flight. Can't imagine too many teams have a better record against them in that time.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Annnnnnoooother one!!!!!

I didn't see Digne celebrate at Stamford Bridge. Now I'm concerned about tomorrow.

[PeterWithesShin]

I fully expect us to make it 3 unbeaten there. They must be sick of the sight of us having only beaten us once in the last 5 matches, losing 3 of them.

I think we’ve beaten them twice since coming back up, 3-0 under Smith in covid times and 2-0 under Emery two seasons ago. Drew last season, which I think leaves three defeats, first season back up 2-3, Deanos last stand in October 2021, 2-1, or possibly 3-1 and at some point under Gerard, 2-1??

So LWLLWD

Still not bad

I meant last 5 home and away.

[RamboandBruno]

I fully expect us to make it 3 unbeaten there. They must be sick of the sight of us having only beaten us once in the last 5 matches, losing 3 of them.

I think we’ve beaten them twice since coming back up, 3-0 under Smith in covid times and 2-0 under Emery two seasons ago. Drew last season, which I think leaves three defeats, first season back up 2-3, Deanos last stand in October 2021, 2-1, or possibly 3-1 and at some point under Gerard, 2-1??

So LWLLWD

Still not bad

I meant last 5 home and away.

Ah sorry my misunderstanding

[algy]

Don't get why we're playing Arsenal again, when we've not faced Forest yet. For probably decades, it's always been clubs play everyone in the first half of the season then the reverse fixture in the second half, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

There are multiple considerations when the fixture list is compiled, many more than back in the day and these anomalies are not that rare anymore and it happens in the other leagues. The reverse Southampton fixture for the Rags is the same tonight.

I assume this happens elsewhere, but in the league my parents’ hometown team play they always play local derbys on Boxing Day with the return game on New Years Day. Pretty much guarantees a good turnout for both.

 (Well, they did when they were in the Welsh 4th/5th division - I’ve not checked but I assume they do so in the Welsh 3rd tier too … got promoted to it last season for the first time in a bit over 30 years and are desperately trying to do well but avoid promotion as the travelling costs in the 2nd tier are too much!)

[eamonn]

It’s amusing that Tom Ross is still given a couple of minutes in the pre match pressers to ask his ridiculous questions.
Unai was rightly pissed at him today.

What did the silly sausage ask? Did they begin with "How...?" as in How much/How pleased... the usual generic shite. Damon Green was the man for this. Alas.

[andyh]

Something along the lines of ‘you won’t talk about being in a title race, but do the players talk about it’
Unai gave him the 10 yard stare for a few seconds before answering and putting him in his place.