Match Preview: Arsenal v Aston Villa: Match Day 17
“It’s encouraging, but we need encouragement and points, and at the moment we’ve only got encouragement. – Arsene Wenger after Arsenal’s loss to Manchester City
The marked difference between the Arsenal squad that went into Manchester this past Sunday and the one that was left decimated in Manchester back in August is remarkable. In the end though they left the northwest with the same result – no points.
But still you would be hard pressed not to be impressed, convinced or any other adjective with how Arsenal have managed to turn around their season. Now, though, they need to show the resolve that got them 22 of 24 points leading into the showdown with City. Now they are on the road again this time to Aston Villa and they need to be relentless in their desire to show that they are indeed a different team.
Losses are only significant if they lead to other losses. That much was evident early this season and late last. We did not recover well from heartbreak after heartbreak. Now, we need to show that we have to fortitude to put the difficulties behind us and march forward again.
The Aston Villa tie is in the heart of the Christmas fixture list with another one coming right up on boxing day (more on that later). Alex Song is set to miss this match after picking up his fifth yellow of the season. Frimpong or Coquelin will get a chance to shine in this match. Ignasi Miquel the reserve team Captain is set to make another start for Arsenal this time as a left back. Johann Djourou left the Manchester City match with a hurt groin which moved Vermaelen back to CB and Koscielny to RB. Miquel came in at LB and for a kid being thrust into big time action actually did alright.
The good thing for Arsenal is that are facing a Villa squad that is not in any way shape or form the resemblance of any Villa squad in recent memory. There is no other way to describe their performance this past weekend as anything other than atrocious. And with the likes of Bentm, Heskey and goal keeper Shay Given amongst the key players injured, Arsenal face an opponent they should run rampant on. To make maters worse for Alex McLeish’s charges they have only picked up four points through their last 6 matches with sides currently above them. And in their last 5 matches they’ve managed 3 losses scoring 2 goals. Ouch.
There is a bit of a revenge factor here as Arsenal will want to send Alex McLeish closer to the relegation line since he was the manager of the Birmingham side that nicked the Gunners to last season’s Carling Cup. Additionally, Arsenal will want to exact a bit of hide out of Villa for their 2-1 win last season at the Emirates during the slide that shall remain nameless.
All in all this kind of match is nice to have after a grueling duel with Manchester City. They shouldn’t take it easy but in reality they have more than enough quality still in the side (with all of our injuries) to inflict some real pain on Villa.
How the Match Should Play Out:
Arsenal will look to put this bed early and send the Villa fans on their merry way before the second half and the way Villa allowed Liverpool to run all over them, so should the Gunners. If Villa are not careful they could find themselves on a real hiding. With Bent out and Agbonlahor a shell of his former self, Villa have very little potency in attack which means they likely will look to just get the ball to Gabby A as the lone striker up top. In other words we will need our keys because Villa are going to park the bus.
Players to Watch
Arsenal. Robin Van Persie. The dutchman has reportedly asked his manager not to take him out during the Christmas fixtures as he would like a go at the scoring title. This is the equivalent of a starting pitcher (baseball reference) telling the coach he wants the ball in the 9th when he is already pushing his pitch count. If true, I love it! Give Van Persie the damn ball.
Aston Villa. Gabriel Agbonlahor. If only because there is no one else of note in this squad. Gabbie A is a shell of the potential world beater everyone thought he was. I mark it up to the absence of Martin O’Neill who was bringing the lad along. I sense a trip to Sunderland come summer time.
Probable Starting XI:
Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Wilshere (ankle) Sagna (ankle) Gibbs (hernia) Jenkinson (back fracture) Diaby (hamstring) Santos (knee) Fabianksi (knee) Mannone (shoulder) Song (suspended – 1) Djourou (groin)
Aston Villa: Bent (thigh) Given (hamstring) Herd (ankle) Heskey (achilles) Lichaj (hip)
Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Van Persie 20 (15 league)
Aston Villa: Aguerro 13 (11 league)
Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 1
Aston Villa: 2
Goals For:
Arsenal (away): 2.1
Aston Villa (home): 1.3
Goals Against:
Arsenal (away): 2.4
Aston Villa: (home): 1.1
Last Five:
Arsenal: LWWDW
Aston Villa: LWLDL
Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 7
Aston Villa: -7
Match Official:
Referee: Jon Moss (Matches 4, R1 Y11)
Broadcast Information:
US: Not available
UK: BBC Radio 5 1745 BST
GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!!
www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2
Aston Villa: 0
The Final Word:
I didn’t put out a post game on the Manchester City match not because I was pissed off at the team or any of the other feelings I had during the beginning of the season. I didn’t write one, because I didn’t know how to accurately talk about feeling positive and proud after a heart wrenching loss.
I was proud of this team in that display. With so many injuries. With the billions of dollars assembled against it, Arsenal went out and played a good solid game. They played a game where I have to agree with this statement – they deserved more than they got. But in the end its the score that matters and the score said they deserved nothing.
What made the loss so heart wrenching wasn’t the loss. Especially after such a great run. What made it heart wrenching was the 4 losses that preceeded it. Two of which could’ve been possibly avoided had our transfer business concluded before the end of the summer. Forget who they brought in. I firmly believe that the who doesn’t matter as the the three key players and even the likes of Jenkinson have shown they can play. Santos has been a find and Arteta and Mertesacker are giving us a dimension we haven’t had since 2005 or so leadership and experience.
No, had we got these guys in earlier and their acclimation to the team, system and in some cases the league happened earlier, maybe the defeat to Liverpool winds up a draw and maybe the errors at Blackburn don’t happen because everyone knows their role and they are playing together. The run of 22 points from 24 was because the players that came in finally felt at ease in our system. That along with leadership, the rocket boot of Van Persie and the heart of Vermaelen and a couple other intangibles transformed this team from a nightmare to a challenger. Had it happened earlier talk of being out of the title race wouldn’t be happening – in my opinion.
And finally this – I really want some in the Premier League’s officiating office to explain two things to me – 1. What in the name of all . . . constitutes a bloody handball. The Manchester City match is now the second time we’ve been hard done this by handball non-calls. The ball strikes Richards in the arm – according to the rules thats a handball – further more its in the box it’s a PK. Then let’s not forget Van Der Vaart’s handling of the ball before his goal in the NLD. The calls for handball are too arbitrary and seem to be open to interpretation when they shouldn’t be. And 2. What the hell are refs seeing that some’s scrotum across the line constitutes an offside call. Next to the handball calling I’ve never seen something so arbitrary as what constitutes a hand ball call.
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it appears Arsene and Arsenal are seriously considering that loan move for Thierry Henry. 2 month loan.
That way, we don’t have to buy anyone.
Gervinho going to the ACoN in late January is a big loss. He is part of the engine that is running well on offense.
I’m not against signing TH14, never would be… but what else are we going to do…
It is time to write off some of these players… Diaby, Rosicky, Ashavin… all need to be considered to be sent packing… though who the hell would take a player like Diaby, who NEVER plays? Not sure. How about outright releasing him?
Chamakh is also going to the ACoN… so while I’d love to see him sold back to France, where its rumored, he’s going to miss 4 to 6 weeks for someone else or… for us. He’s been missing for about a year at Arsenal anyway.
7 days from now, the window opens.
We need a FB immediately, loan or otherwise…
Need another offensive option, if its TH14, and / other…
and I think the time is RIPE to spend whatever it takes to bring in a young talented star player… and we’ve been rumored with at least 6 to 8 of them!
Can’t wait for the window. Not sure why, as it inevitably brings rage and disappointment… but I am!
Merry Christmas to all the YAMA people.
:)
Gotta bad feeling that the DAG is working on something and that my thoughts will get buried….Oh well….(Hopefully he’s just doing a little last minute X-mas shopping….)
Yesterday’s draw between London’s two top teams was interesting. Spurs started strong but tailed off and their one gimp (VDV) was maybe a bigger loss than Chelsea’s pair (Ivanovic, Obi Mikel), or maybe Chelsea are just the deeper, if currently less cohesive squad. Ade should’ve won it for Spurs, but Terry was Johnny on the spot. Likewise, little Ramires should’ve done a Yossi with his open header. (In truth there were plenty of decent chances and not much in the way of quality finishing.) We will have to beat one (or both) of them when we play them at home if we hope to grab our special trophy (top 4)….. Personally I’d rather we kept Spurs out of the special group as they will (maybe) have to set some of their better players free (Ade on double everybody else’s salary, for example) if they fail to land the CL money…..Chelsea, of course, are in it for the longer haul, but it is curious if Abramovich will be happy/patient with AVB only playing for a CL spot (and progress in that tourney)…..
As for our match with Villa, we were able to scrape by, and rotate a little, playing three very young players. Coquelin and Frimpong made the usual mistakes of playing too hard, too early (both picking up early yellows) while making plenty of giveaways. Ramsey just played very poorly, making his share, and utterly failing when he might’ve put the game away.
Even on a computer stream you could see the look on the Captain’s face when he made what he thought was a sure assist for 2-nil. The pass couldn’t have been more perfect, and if the roles had been reversed it was as sure a goal as a spot kick. Taking it first time from 22 yards was the clearest sign yet of a player hoping for the best but lacking real confidence. Compare it to his last goal, in the dying moments against Marseille, where he settled the ball with a touch before slotting into a corner….(And think of the other blundered chances in between)…..
One on one with the keeper is always a moment of truth and it would have been 50-50 had it been either Gervinho or Theo in that spot. The more experienced sorts (Arteta, Rosicky, Benayoun or even Arsh or Mahk) probably would have a better percentage, but maybe couldn’t even get themselves into that position. Clearly, if we hope to keep moving forward, we need to convert these sorts of chances. The cry to buy is loud and clear amongst the fantasy footballers (Henry on loan also sounds good to me….), but maybe somebody already on our books could do the job. I’m not talking about a certain tall guy currently doing time (but out on bail?) in the Northeast (Bendtner)…..Instead, a deft touch and maybe a chipped finish might’ve been in order (Carlos Vela). Or maybe it’s time for the Ox to add league goals to the ones he’s scored in the CC and CL…. Who knows, but I think Ramsey might do better watching for awhile and maybe Yossi’s goal and much touted professional approach (you don’t hear that so much about Arshavin….) suggests he’s due a start. Rosicky for Frimpong was a telling substitution as well; maybe he still has a role to play…..
Obviously we’re still woefully thin (was it Gibbs or Diaby who just had another surgery?)…..and we need significantly more depth as the matches come at us. (A loss might be better than a draw in the FA cup….) In the meantime, I guess we just take them one at a time (delaying them as necessary….) and keep fingers crossed or touching wood or whatever it is you’re supposed to do with your fingers….
Arsenal might have to beat out Chelsea for 4th place, because Tottenham is a very good team at the moment.
I hope Chelsea come back and draw this match, but Spurs are just all over them to start.
Spurs have a lot of talent… and experience at the back… they have no choice but to sign Adebayor permanently… he’s playing very well for them.
Chelsea REALLY need to make some moves in January…
and if they do, then Arsenal REALLY REALLY need to make some moves in January to counter.
If they win today, they’ll be up 5 points on Arsneal and Chelsea with a game in hand…
Are you watching Arsene? or are you making some calls to get those deals done for January 1st?
;)
@stag133,
1-1 draw. Perfect for Arsenal.
Spurs are looking good at the moment and I enjoy watching them play. But I don’t think they’re as good as their current league standing makes out, neither are they as bad as many here and elsewhere seem to think (they’re definitely a step up from the spurs of a few years ago).. A shame Adebayor doesn’t have AfCon to go to this year but I can see them struggling if things start to misclick. Right now everyone on the team is on the same wavelength
Chelsea looking very suspect at the back and they will strengthen in the area. That said, if we keep up our recent consistency (probably goes hand in hand with VP staying fit), I think we should be able to take them. I’m quietly hoping that AVB gets sacked. I do rate him and think he’ll sort this Chelsea out given time and money.
Back to winning ways with 3 points, that was all that was needed really. I think Coquelin playing at RB was a mistake, Wenger maybe shoulda gone with 3 at the back until at least one of our full backs returns. Anyone know whether Gibbs is back for the Wolves game or is he out longer?
@George, George.. as I noted below, he had a “Set Back”… he won’t be back soon.
Since this was a weekday game, and because there’s very few comments, I’m guessing most people (like me) were unable to see the game. So here’s some good highlights I found for anyone interested: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xn61rn_aston-villa-v-arsenal_sport?start=383#from=embediframe
Going off just that I can’t really add to the conversation too much. Glad to see RVP equal Henry’s record of Arsenal goals in a calendar year. Commentator said he was only 2 behind Alan Shearer’s BPL record. Also, Alan Hutton is a joke. That’s about all.
Well ground out win. And Wigan do us another favour and hold Pool to a draw. I hope they stay up, Wigan, starting to grow on me!
Pretty messy game all in all. We gave away possession far too cheaply far too often. A bit of credit to Villa for the pressure they put us in but I would have expected Arsenal to handle it better. Frimpong, much as I like hime, was the prime culprit in this and we improved very visibly when Rosicky came on in his place.
Their goal? I suspect Mertesacker is going to cop a lot of blame for it but in my eyes I think Vermaelen’s header played a bigger factor in it. Not sure how much Mertesacker could have done other than switch on nitro-boost to get there first or drop off completely (tough thing for a defender to instantly decide to do)
RVP’s booking was an absolute joke, we better appeal that!! Oh and I love his blasted penalties. Good to see he’s taking them like that again as opposed to trying to place them like at Utd. Does make me skip a beat though as hitting it with that much power naturally makes you less accurate (maybe not in his case…)
Well, we got it done!
A win on the road in the EPL is always a good thing… and I am happy that the late goal came from Benayoun… maybe we can get someone else going offensively, and putting the biscuit in the basket… beside RVP.
3 points… and moving on.
I read the Boxing day game could be postponed 1 day, due to possible Underground Transit Strikes in London… and that most folks would have difficulty getting to the match.
Also, Gibbs had a set-back…. as always with our injured players, so we have NO FB’s… in the near future, which is why we are rumored to be discussing Wayne Bridge coming in on loan.
I say DO IT. Its a loan… and the player has experience and can try to prove he still has value… we can’t continue to play CB’s or Midfielders out of position.
@stag133,
I’d rather offer up myself to play before I’d want to see Wayne Bridge here. Did you see him play last season? He was atrocious!! No thanks…
@OziKenyan, ummm, sorry Ozi, don’t see you getting a contract!!!… and I’ll take the guy who’s played in some big games for a short term loan, over CB’s playing out of position. Its not a transfer, its just a loan. Better to have some cover than none.
@stag133,
I’ll personally take a match-fit, Arsenal-savvy, playing week-in-week-out out of position CB vs a washed-up LB who trains with City’s kids, doesn’t play at all, clearly has lost his drive in football and has been complete shite whenever I have seen him play (including his ‘prime’).
I’ll be very disappointed if Bridge ended up at Arsenal.
Like I said in the previous thread, this match worries me quite a bit. Before ours on Sunday I watched the end of the Villa-Pool match and, even though they were two goals down, they were playing very conservatively, as if they had already chucked that result and were thinking about this one. It was hateful to watch, but there was a sort of evil discipline about it which made sense…..
McCleish’s team will set out to be very stubborn and will be playing for a point, while perhaps trying to nick more off a set piece or bit of brilliance from Gagby Agby on a counter. (“Gagby”, I call him, because he makes plenty of chances but often fails to convert them; you can see why they broke the bank to obtain Darren Bent…..) As we know, given the traditional (confidence-free) options on our bench, the longer the match goes on with us needing a goal, the tougher it will get. Hopefully we get some luck and an early breakthrough or two, in which case we might be able to get some minutes for new (and better) bench contributors.
We need a better match today from Aaron Ramsey. I actually think he’s doing quite well given that he’s so young (21st birthday on Boxing Day….) and that he missed a season plus due to his horror injury. Fresh from that he’s been given the responsibility of taking over Cesc’s spot at Arsenal AND the captaincy of his national team from a manager who probably had some serious confidence/responsibility issues of his own(!!) I tend not to want to try and get inside the heads of players, but it would seem too much for even the most established, experienced sort. To put it all on a kid seems waaaaay too much. That said, our best chance vs City was the ball that fell to him 4 yards out and he fluffed it. Likewise, he seems at the nexus of much of the growing indecision of our attackers in front of goal (RVP’s wonder volley vs Everton being the big exception). With Song (and any overlapping wingbacks….) missing today, we need young Aaron to do the right thing at the right time throughout today’s match, or in lieu of that, do the smarter, less exciting work (defensive harrying and simple possession oriented offense) which might allow others (Arteta mostly) to get further forward and create (if not take) goal scoring opportunities.
Anyhow, far from a simple task and a big gut-check (as they say) for the team. As usual, I’ll be hoping for the best. I expect challenges of my own in the GDC (if anybody cares to join me….), where I’ll be wrestling with a two lap-top, set-up—No TV, WTF?…..