The Form book:
Arsenal are unbeaten in the league and suffered their first loss of the season against Seville this past Tuesday. Villa have won 4 straight league games and are unbeaten for 5 games.
Optimist View:
Villa are surely due for a loss. So Arsenal should win this.
Pessimist View:
Villa are on a roll so why should that stop now? Moreover, Arsenal might find it hard to recover from that first loss.
The Fence View:
It is going to be a hard fought tie, 1-1.
Unfortunately, I can’t break out of a subjective frame of mind to objectively preview the game. While I am stuck cycling through the three views, I am sure others can bring a measured look to tomorrow’s game.
In the meantime, to get myself in the optimist frame of mind, I can dream of that Pires goal from a few years ago. What a lob, that too over Peter Schmichel!!
48 Responses to “Aston Villa vs Arsenal”
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November 30th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
The real issue here is for the first time this season the team will be playing after a bad loss, I mean the game at sevilla was not a big deal but the way in which it was lost so we need to wallop the villans but I don’t see that happening with the loss of Fabregas and Hleb and with their form coming into this game, it sure is going to be a tense game though but i see us drawing this game at worst.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
It will be tight. John Carew — Valencia — 2-1. I will always remember that game in my initial days of Arsenal support and wondering why we played so poorly. Villa are a very decent team and I’d be really relieved if Agbonlahor doesn’t play tomorrow; he is absolutely on fire this season. Laursen and Knight are a fairly decent CB partnership and with the fiesty Reo Coker in the middle they are a good side with pace and power. The good thing is — they are ona streak themselves so they will come out and play which can only be good for us.
As for us I hope Hleb and Clichy don’t start if unfit. If they’re fit and I guess Gary Lewin knows best then the lineup will possibly be a 4-5-1 with Hleb in the hole again. If not then here’s what I think it’ll be:
Almunia
Sagna Toure Gallas Hoyte
Eboue Flamini Denilson Theo
Rosicky
Adebayor
However after seeing how Traore got slaughtered on Matchday 5 he might well put Theo up front in a 4-4-2 and put Rosicky on the left if he’s feeling adventurous. Still I doubt very much AW playing a 4-4-2 with RVP out and till he gains confidence in Eduardo; will play 4-5-1 all the time.
We’ll nick this though: Aston Villa 0-Arsenal 1
Lastly can someone explain how much this is in terms of travel? Actually will be great if someone can explain why North England is harder and which current EPL teams are the toughest geographically. Sure that will be enlightening for me sitting 5000+ miles away :).Thnx
November 30th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
LDE, I still have bad memories of that Valencia game. Despite all my positive feelings that day, I could anticipate that loss.
Even now, I am weary of Carew causing damage. I have bad visions of him rising up from a free-kick or a corner and heading the ball in. Or him holding up the ball and muscling someone off the ball.
Must Banish negative thoughts!
November 30th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
I wrote this earlier today but it’s more appropriate on this thread.
Wenger probably won’t play a 4-5-1 tomorrow because Hleb isn’t there. Hleb is the closest thing to Cruyff I’ve ever seen (minus the goals). With his ability, he’s the next best option when RvP or Ade aren’t fit. There is no one in the team that can do what Hleb does so a 4-4-2 is a reasonable expectation.
I’ve been a Rosicky fan for years and know exactly what he’s capable of. He can play that central role as well as anyone in our team but the boss has asked him to play left attacking midfield. I’d love to see Rosicky get a run centrally but who do we have that can play wide left? Diaby didn’t do well. Eduardo continually left Traore exposed on Tuesday, as would Denilson, so what’s the best thing to do?
Wenger is already being foreced to make changes so he will not voluntarily make that many more. Traore or Hoyte will play LB (I thought Hoyte played well on Tuesday). Flamini needs a game but I wouldn’t start him against Villa as Diarra’s fitter. If Denilson plays too deep, like he has been, then bring on Flamini at LM and move Rosicky central. Our favorable match up is Eboue on Bouma as he’s fat and slow. If Eboue can get a position to run at Bouma in the box then I guarantee Bouma’s going to kick him.
This game has Eduardo written all over it. Man U ripped Villa because they were ball watching. If they lost track of Rooney, for crying out loud, then they’ll lose track of Eduardo. I’ve watched Rosicky for six years and he’s truly a playmaker. Villa will respect him because he can shoot so we need someone making clever runs behind their ball-watching defenders. If Tomas plays CM and Eduardo starts, then the Crozilian could bag a hattrick tomorrow. We’ll see what happens.
November 30th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
I think Villa will struggle against us as long as AW keeps his formation positive. I realize it easy to say and harder to accomplish when you are missing the likes of Fabregas, Van Persie and possibly Hleb. But Villa have no pace in their back four. Also, they are missing Reo Coker due to suspension. Hopefully Clichy will be fit to handle some of their pace up front. If he is out, I am not sure what the other options are. Maybe give Hoyte a shot or put Flamini in the left back slot and start Diarra in the center. I will throw up in my mouth if AW puts Gallas on the left and Phil in the middle with Kolo. I hope he sticks to 4-4-2 and forces Young and Agbonlahor to do some defending.
November 30th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
If Clichy can’t play, then I will be hoping for a line up of
Almunia
Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Flamini
Eboue, Flamini, Rosicky,Walcott
Adebayor, Eduardo.
During the Sevilla, I thought Traore looked good going forward, I wonder if Wenger will give a spot at LM, to gives a more defensive spine on the left lane
November 30th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
Games at Villa are always hard to predict and history tells us they are low scoring games that Arsenal usually come away from unscathed. Villa have improved and they have a nice mixture of pace and power up front but if we play a high tempo game with purpose we should have the ball long enough to subdue them and stop them pinning us into our half. Whether we implement that style will be dependant on Hleb and Rosicky playing. If those two play along with Diarra I see us being too strong for Villa and creating lots of chances. If they don’t, Villa will turn us over too often and overpower us.
We should be confident though. We’re three points clear with a game in hand and I don’t expect us to be nervy with that in mind. If we slip up tomorrow then we will start to see herky-jerky Arsenal at Newcastle in midweek.
November 30th, 2007 at 5:20 pm
Slight problem there “groovehouse”. Flamini has been good this year. In fact his play has cause Arsenal to redefine it’s defensive pressure from ‘passive’ (Gilberto) to ‘aggresive’. But he can’t play LB and CM at the same time. If Clichy can’t go then we could try Hoyte. Traore may need to regain his confidence. Fortunately for Traore, he wasn’t at home or he might have gotten ‘Songed’ after that performance.
November 30th, 2007 at 5:20 pm
@6 agreed
with the following exceptions:
so it’s Diarra at the CM position
Flamster definitely can’t play in 2 positions at once
LM midfield is what bothers me.
If Tomas gets his act together and runs the show then villa’s doomed!
In a wierd way this may be a better test than the two big onces we’ve played this season. After all everyone (almost) was fit then unlike now!
November 30th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
Nigel Reo-Coker, the midfield player, will be absent through suspension for Aston Villa. Leading scorer Gabriel Agbonlahor and midfielder Stiliyan Petrov both look like shaking off ankle injuries.
Mathieu Flamini (thigh) is back in contention along with captain William Gallas and striker Emmanuel Adebayor. Full-back Gael Clichy (thigh) and winger Alexander Hleb (hamstring) also face fitness tests.
Cruising the Villa fan sites, they seem mostly hopeful of “nicking a win,” and would certainly be okay with a draw.
In response to LDE’s question about why Up North is so hard: It’s colder and wetter, and in the days before foreign players were everywhere, northern teams were traditionally more robust and direct, even downright cut-throat. Its like living in Miami and travelling up to some snow-covered state in the Mid West where they only eat beef with their bare hands.
If we shake off Seville and get back to normal selves, we can easily fight for a point at Villa, but without our maestros in midfield, it’s a little hard to see us winning. Unless we start making corners and freekicks pay again. I’m praying for a win though. A Theo cut-back? An Adebayor header finally hits the target?
November 30th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
I agree more with the later line-ups then the earlier ones.
Starting XI: Almunia, Toure, Gallas, Sagna, Diarra, Flamini, Eboue, Rosicky Walcott, Adebayor, and Eduardo.
The possible backline combinations are almost mind-boggling. When Wenger signed Sagna he said he could play anywhere along the back 4- why not move him to LB? Eboue or Diarra could be RB then. I’d be a bit concerned with Flamini at either FB position seeing he just recovered from a thigh strain- the recovery sprinting at the FB position would be more of a challenge than the constant midfield running IMO.
Hopefully the Sevilla match will allow Gilberto and Hoyte to be better prepared to play if needed for Arsenal.
I think this will be a tough test for us, I am hoping for a few to step up and wow us. Low scoring IMO as Villa will focus on a tight defense- O’Neill won’t have the team playing into our style. Bendtner will play some too- a change ups in tactics later in the game may be just what we need..
November 30th, 2007 at 6:05 pm
@Groovehouse…. I agree with hakyn, Flamini is a hardworker, but I think it’s a bit too much to ask for Flamini to play 2 positions in one game!! :))))
Almunia
Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Flamini
Eboue, Flamini, Rosicky,Walcott
Adebayor, Eduardo.
November 30th, 2007 at 6:54 pm
Sorry y’all, was heading to the airport and sent that in a hurry. Actually this was the line up I was going for
Almunia
Diarra, Toure, Gallas, Sagna
Eboue, Rosicky, Flamini, Walcott
Adebayor, Eduardo
November 30th, 2007 at 8:47 pm
rosicky can not and should NOT play CM in a 4-4-2. he can be a second striker or play CM in a 4-5-1 but not in a 4-4-2.
fabregas is the only one of our AMs used in the center because he is the most static and relies on his pin point passing. hleb and rosicky move around ALL the time - so in a 4-4-2 you are exposing yourself way too much.
i say in this game we use the ade/bendtner and have the best defenders in there.
so sagna at LB, diarra at RB. this will make us solid and will mean that agbonlahor and young will have no outlet. gallas and toure can handle carew.
the funniest thing is that we can lose both this game and the newcastle game and still stay on top of the league. the newcastle game is actually a make up.
i hope the players get this in mind and relax.
November 30th, 2007 at 9:29 pm
Hey Sacchine G,
When in doubt always take the optimistic view!
Your optimistic view is somewhat skewed because it puts control of the games outcome in Villa’s hands. Villa are surely due a loss? Does this mean that Arsenal aren’t due a win?
The truthful optimist would simply say: Villa are surely due a loss alright, Arsenal will simply steamroll over them. Now we’re talking optimist.
This is a no brain-er fellow devotees of the long cannon, Villa can not stand up to Arsenal’s (continuous shelling of) balls.
November 30th, 2007 at 9:55 pm
We’re the first place team with a three point lead. The manager, the team and the supporters should go into the game with the attitude of “come and catch me if you can”. That would be the ManU and Chelsea attitudes in years gone by.
November 30th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
I think it will come down to how well Flamini plays coming back. If he is able to play the way he has been, and show few effects from the layoff, then him and Rosicky will be enough to see us get a 1-0 or 2-1 win.
November 30th, 2007 at 11:42 pm
I must say, this Arsenal Sarandi in Argentina are starting to make some waves. I hope they don’t get to big as they’re starting to impede on our “newsnow” a bit too often for comfort ;^)
November 30th, 2007 at 11:59 pm
Villa do not score a lot at home. They’ve played 7 home games and have scored 11 and conceded 7. So, they’ve scored an average of approximately 1.5 goals per home game and have conceded an average of exactly 1 goal per home game.
Going by the number of goals they’ve scored at home games from the 75th minute - i.e., 3 out of 11 goals, or approximately 27.3% - their attacking potency in the final quarter is not fearsome. Perhaps it need not be as they’ve only lost 2 of 7 home matches; they won the other 5. The inference is that they put themselves in very good positions before the last quarter.
In addition, 3 of their 11 goals scored in 7 home games have come in the first half. 8 of their 11 goals scored in 7 home games have come in the second half. Thus, 72.7% of their goals have come in the second half.
Going by the number of goals they’ve conceded at home games from the 75th minute - 2 in 7 home matches, or approximately 28.5% porousness or 71.5% tightness - their defensive concentration at home in the last quarter seems impressive.
Arsenal away have scored 9 and conceded 4. An astonishing 6 of 9 Arsenal away goals or 66.6% have come in the second half. 3 of those 6 or 50% of Arsenal’s second half away goals came against Tottenham. Arsenal away have scored 4 of their 9 goals or 44.4% in the last quarter. That’s an incredible amount of attacking will, stamina, and concentration.
Of the goals conceded by Arsenal away, only 1 or 25% have been in the last quarter (against Reading in the 87th minute). That’s a good level of defensive concentration.
From the statistics, a few conclusions suggest themselves. But, we should probably resist drawing those conclusions as football is not mathematics. The human element often interposes against the precise workings of the pure mathematics.
Have a great day and enjoy the game where ever you are watching it.
December 1st, 2007 at 12:36 am
I forgot to add that Arsenal away have conceded in a surprising 4 of 5 games or precisely 80%. The only time Arsenal away did not concede was against West Ham exactly two months and 2 days ago.
In 5 away games, Arsenal scored first on three occasions (against Blackburn, West Ham and Reading) and conceded first on two occasions (against Liverpool and Tottenham). The team has an enviable 11 points out of a possible 15 points in this season’s away games. If you want to vent, you may blame Lehmann at Ewood Park or the technically near-perfect but profligate finishing at Anfield. Don’t do it though; it’s not worth it. Stuff happens in life.
This season, Arsenal have not conceded more than 1 goal in an away game. And Arsenal is the only team this season to have scored in every Premier League match. The team remains unbeaten in 20 Premier League matches since it lost to West Ham on April 7, 2007 at the Emirates. It’s been 8 months since Arsenal lost an away game (against Liverpool at Anfield on March 31, 2007). That 4-1 loss against Liverpool and the 2-2 draw against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on April 21, 2007 were the only times in this calender year that Arsenal conceded more than one goal in one away match.
Before the season began, I had Arsenal for the quadruple. Once in a while, I have moments of doubt. In May, we’ll see.
By the way, the game at Sevilla was an inconsequential game and was rightly treated as such by Wenger. However, it consolidated my thoughts that we could let Gilberto go without shedding oceans of tears. He’s been a gentleman, but we would not deny ourselves anything drastic were he to leave in the summer. He should not leave in January.
December 1st, 2007 at 12:57 am
I want Sagna, Diarra and Flamini (provided all are fit) in the FB and DM positions. The permutation is Wenger’s call. That way, we should be able to deal with Carew and the speedy wingers (Young and Agbonlahor). Once we do that, it is upto us to win the game with our passing and creativity. Somehow I have a strong feeling we will win this game 1-0.
December 1st, 2007 at 5:22 am
Is it time to bring back Lehmann? Almunia’s looked good because he hasn’t had much to do. The other night, a bit more was asked of him. Sevilla had five shots on goal and 3 of them went in (as Jack in NY would say, precisely 60%). While he can’t really be faulted for either of those goals, sometimes it’s good to have keepers who can make saves that he wouldn’t have been at fault for conceeding.
I’m thinking the smash to the face from Cristiano Ronaldo right before half time last year. I’m remembering the look on Solskjaer’s face when his well placed shot didn’t finish at the death last year. I’m remembering the ridiculous save on Raul’s shot in the CL. When Kanoute stepped up to take that penalty, I know I was wishing Lehmann were on the pitch with memories of Argentines on my mind. Why not play a World Class player? I guess Wenger knows because I don’t
Speaking of keepers, Carson had an awesome game against Arsenal last year even though we beat them 4-0. The Croatia game was just a managerial goof and not a true story of his quality. Zat Knight, too, has had a few good games against us including the season opener while he was still at Fulham.
BTW, would Wenger really play midfielders at fullback when he’s got fit fullbacks (Hoyte and Traore)? Who knows. Hoyte played very well Tuesday while Traore, at 18, was forced to cope with two of the most explosive players in world football will little help from the midfield. It doesn’t mean he can’t do a good job for us today, does it?
December 1st, 2007 at 6:01 am
It looks like everyone missed Wenger saying on Arsenal.com - The Arsenal manager has ruled out adding to his resources in the centre of the park but added that his side might be “a bit short” in defence.
He also said - “We might have Johann Djourou back though. We have the option to recall him.”
Might? Lost faith in Djourou?
December 1st, 2007 at 7:32 am
why bother to analysis every word AW used? I think what he’s trying to say is - there is an “option” to bring Djourou back, or not, as there is a clause in his loan contract. no more, no less.
December 1st, 2007 at 7:55 am
Thnx MacMac 4 the explanation of the North games. Still though what I really wanted to know was .. Where are the midlands? Where is Birmingham and Reading and say Sheffield United? Pompey is a south team..but they still say it is very tough down there. Is that too because of the weather or because of the atmosphere in general? And really is London warm then compared to say Blackburn? Thats all I wanted to know.
@JackinNY: Quadruple!!! I like that and the thought comes in once in a way but I keep banishing it because the season’s so long. It’d be nice though!
December 1st, 2007 at 8:19 am
Andez, when the loan move was announced, it was clearly mentioned that it was only till Jan. What happened? Anyway, the main talking point is not Djourou, that Wenger is looking to strengthen in central defense. Something which if it happens will cheer just about every Arsenal fan.
December 1st, 2007 at 9:16 am
LDE, http://footballclubs.dyndns.org/ here is the link u can check out all the location of clubs in Europe!
The midland clubs from what i known, the most famous one included Aston Villa, Birmingham, WBA and Wolves.
i think when they say the Northern clubs are tougher is only a preception. I don’t think all the clubs from the North should be labelled as tough, and clubs from the South should be labelled as soft.
once upon a time the Southern England sides were tough as nail. Wimbledon was one. And i bet no one dared to call Arsenal under George Graham as a “soft” side.
it just happened that today Blackburn and Bolton the likes play a physical style and they happened to be up the North part of England.
December 1st, 2007 at 9:39 am
Thnx Andez!!
Here’s one I found too… http://www.itraveluk.co.uk/images/maps/england.gif
I don’t like these loan deals. While great for a player it invariably means he is not gonna make it at Arsenal. However Bendtner might be an exception .. lets see
December 1st, 2007 at 9:40 am
Any news on the “late” fitness tests on Clichy and Hleb? How late are these really?
Once the team takes off for a game away from home, it’s tough to get any news.
December 1st, 2007 at 9:55 am
I think Wenger counts Diarra as a RB and CM. Yeah, Hoyte is an option for either FB position but I think it comes down to the LB position. I don’t think Traore’s time is now, esp. for an away game. I like the backline of Diarra, Toure, Gallas, and Sagna better than one with Hoyte. From the fans perspective, who can handle runs from Young and Agbonlahor best? Diarra and Sagna for me, hope whoever Wenger selects does the job…
I too am intrigued by the idea of a recall for Lehmann but I think he is letting Almunia run with the opportunity. Lehmann got dropped for some bad performances- Almunia will likely have to do the same for Wenger to reconsider. IMO Wenger is balancing long-term positives with short-term gains with both DM and GK right now.
December 1st, 2007 at 10:15 am
Almunia
Sagna Toure Gallas Clichy/Traore
Eboue Flamini Diarra Rosicky
Bendtner Adebayor
I think the Bendtner and Adebayor combination upfront could do loads of damage. Both mobile and intelligent players, hold the ball up well, and can bring the midfielders into the game.
Diarra and Flamini for defensive solidity in the middle, meaning you are relying on Rosicky for creativity.
Eboue, despite his play acting is fast becoming an essential player in the squad. His play is becoming more mature and consistent, and his experience clearly makes him a better choice than Walcott at the moment.
December 1st, 2007 at 10:18 am
Diaby missing too at the moment is a great shame he would have been valuable to have in this sequence of games…
December 1st, 2007 at 11:16 am
Speaking of Diaby he scored last time round at Villa Park when we were coming of a horrendous run of games on a late late kickoff with a fluky deflection of a wild Baptista strike in the 9th minute and we won 0-1 with an early goal. I say something of the same will happen today ; well atleast goal tally wise coz neither the Beast nor the “next Viera” are playing
. I’m just in a good mood.. anyone remember that weird game last year where we did FA for the whole game and still won somehow. Maybe coz Villa did FA as well 
I’d love Lehmann back but its not right. There are things which are above quality; ur ethics and moral standards being one of them. I’m not sure if AW will give Jens a chance again; unless Almunia gaffes badly somewhere. It would be unfair otherwise.
December 1st, 2007 at 11:21 am
Those sort of things only happen to Arsenal when the games are relatively meaningless. In the game Diaby scored in Arsenal were basically a shoe-in for the champions league spot so they played a bit carefree and got a bit of luck.
Generally, when Arsenal are involved in important title-winning games, we have to work our asses off to get a goal and the numerous chances Villa created last year would likely go in in today’s game. We got the luck last year; they’re probably due for it this year.
December 1st, 2007 at 12:20 pm
I dont think Gilberto will play again… I think both Diarra and Flamini should be arsenal’s defensive midfielders for years to come…. Flamini is the french gattuso - great name… and diarra is more powerful than makelele and will probably be even better….
I’ve lost all faith in Senderos too. Shame.. sounds like Djourou might not be ready either… Hopefully Wenger will buy experienced defensive cover for this season…. if we can get through to January still top of the league, a bit of short term investment in the team might be exactly what is required to bring silverware this year.
December 1st, 2007 at 12:36 pm
We need to stay ahead or level of ManU till Jan. When Toure goes, anything can happen. If the attack stays fit and plays well, we can still win a lot of games. If not, there could be lot of draws and some losses. Anyway, before looking ahead, we need to make sure we are in touch with ManU, cause they are the only side who won’t be affected by the ACN.
December 1st, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Clichy, Hleb and Rosicky all start. It’s Diarra and Flamini in the middle. Ade alone up front.
December 1st, 2007 at 1:01 pm
Happy with that line-up.
I dont understand what all the fuss has been about playing 4-5-1… we’ve played it pretty much since van persie has been injured and it is the formation that best suits hleb… the results speak for themselves…. The reading game was the perfect example of the value of playing 4-5-1
December 1st, 2007 at 1:15 pm
Bentley score twice today. I know some feel that he is not good enough for Arsenal. I feel that if he was patient, he would playing regularly for us now. I hope Bendtner doesn’t leave like Bentley.
December 1st, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Rocka, the problem with 4-5-1 is not that we don’t attack or create chances, but who scores the goal. Ade is a bit of a hit and miss striker and we end relying on Cesc (who is missing today).
Anyway, coming to the game, I thought we were quite superb in the first half. We must have created atleast 7-8 chances. Their goal came when Flamini gave the ball away loosely and there were two deflections before Gardner scored.
Our goals were preluded by some sublime passing. We had many half chances, two to Flamini, one to Hleb, one to Rosicky. If we continue in this form, we should easily win. I hope we don’t do something stupid and concede early in the second half.
Diarra has been awesome and thanks to him, Flamini has been able to storm forward and be on the end of some chances. No Cesc, no problem. I will score, says Flamini.
December 1st, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Yeah, great 1st half IMO. The dynamic interchange between our 2 CM has been something I’ve loved this year. Diarra has had a few shots in addition to Flamini’s chances. Aston Villa started looking dizzy trying to follow all our runs. Yeah, it was a loose pass by Flamini that started Aston Villa’s goal but our defense should have handled it. Really a broken play that resulted in a goal because Gallas’s redirection. Almunia was wrong-footed and appeared to heading the wrong way- not for blocking the shot mind, but forcing him to try the harder shot- right post was a tougher shot for Gardner to convert IMO. I also think that all our passing will continue to wear them down. Go Gunners!
December 1st, 2007 at 2:24 pm
I love 4-5-1
Someone always scores and hleb is just brilliant in this formation
December 1st, 2007 at 3:15 pm
hat off to the whole team. They really BATTLED their heart out this match. A big big victory. Hopefully Hleb’s injury is not serious, otherwise it’s a big big blow as well.
December 1st, 2007 at 3:15 pm
Complete reverse in the second half. Villa all over us. Once Hleb was off, we just couldn’t keep the ball on the ground and play our passing/possession football.
Delighted with the 3 points.
December 1st, 2007 at 3:18 pm
Great result. Four more points this week please.
Nipuna, would Bentley play ahead of Hleb or Rosicky? On current form, no. On any form, no.
December 1st, 2007 at 3:21 pm
Bentley wouldn’t play ahead of Helb or Rosicky, but he (or maybe someone like SWP) might play over eboue
December 1st, 2007 at 3:22 pm
IrishG, the question is - would Bentley play ahead of Eboue. And how times has Eboue played this season? A lot. Maybe he wanted to be first choice, but even as backup, he would have got lots of opportunities.
December 1st, 2007 at 3:35 pm
Points in the bag! Team showed resilience but didn’t look comfortable passing around with AV’s pressure in the 2nd half. Hopefully Fabregas is back for Newcastle- Diarra seemed to drop off 2nd half and Flamini a bit too. Adebayor looked real tired the last 20 or so. Won away after being a goal down, shows why we should challenge for the title this year. I’ll take a bit of luck too…