It feels slightly odd that we don't have a game until Sunday, doesn't it? I'm feeling sort of deprived of my fix. Sunday might as well be March - given that we have the dull inconvenience of Christmas Day and Boxing Day to get through first.

Bah, humbug, I say.

And then it all gets silly. Arsenal and Liverpool in the space of a decent hangover, and then Blackburn every couple of days for the rest of January (I think I'll stay on the wagon for them).

Returning to the prospect of Wenger's Ladies away and the Waiter's Misfits at home, in previous seasons - let's face it - the doom-mongers would have been out in force, and rightly so. This would have been the point in the season where O'Neill's charges would have been found out: with no depth in the squad, no versatility in the method of play, and injuries and suspensions biting, these would be precisely the fixtures we wouldn't want right now.

And I should be fearing that our fabulous form of now is about to come - as scheduled - to a shuddering halt.

But I don't think it is.

I have to be honest. I don't fear Arsenal any more than Stoke. Perhaps even less, because I don't think they have Stoke's balls. I think they will labour to break us down, I think our midfield has more fluidity, penetration and bite than theirs right now and, well, er, apologies - I think we're a better side.

Not scared, Arsene - sorry.

And then our favourite FSW brings his scouso-hispanic rabble to Villa Park. Sorry, Rafa - again...not scared. Yes, I know it's disrespectful, amigo, but why should we be scared of a Liverpool side with mediocrity everywhere Torres and Gerrard aren't, and poor form wherever they are. Liverpool are a mess at the moment, and I'd far rather face them than Portsmouth. A side than knows it's in the shit and is working its balls off to get out of it.

The point of this isn't to do down two previous members of what, in olden times, used to be called 'the big four'. (Remember that?)

It's simply to suggest that if certain commenter's see these two 'big' games as the crux of our season, they're wrong. These days, they're just two games like any other. Perhaps, even, slightly more favourable for us.

I really wouldn't like to be playing Bolton and West Ham over Christmas, but Arsenal and Liverpool I can deal with.

Just not scared.

And on that provocative note, may I wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas and the finally requited love of those you lust after most.

Comments (72)

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carl said:

... JUST NOT SCARED! UTV

Comment 1, made on December 23, 2009 at 1.24 pm

Chris Atkins said:

... I think we stand a decent chance in both games. I just hope that should we have a blip in these two games that the fans 100% get behind the team still and roar them back into winning ways.

Comment 2, made on December 23, 2009 at 1.32 pm

adam said:

... No twitchy bum for me im afraid

Comment 3, made on December 23, 2009 at 1.32 pm

Alex Glynn said:

... VDS - I know if we have a blip I'll be shouting loud enough support to reach Villa Park..

Comment 4, made on December 23, 2009 at 1.43 pm

James Collins is the ginger Paolo Cesare Maldini said:

... I'd take 4 points now.

Comment 5, made on December 23, 2009 at 1.43 pm

James said:

... Just not scared Yes we can

Comment 6, made on December 23, 2009 at 1.45 pm

James Clift said:

... Mines always twitchy till the full time whistle goes and the three points are in the bag.

Comment 7, made on December 23, 2009 at 1.54 pm

John Samuels said:

... I'd take two points. It would keep us in contention and keep the unbeaten run going. Realistically I think you have to look at the Liverpool game as a fantastic opportunity to get some fan support behind us with a win at home. Doing the double on pool will put some more daylight between us and them ready for the fourth place run in. We could lose to Arsenal and I wouldn't care. It's away at the Emirates where they are brilliant and I personally think they have a shot at the title with a new striker in Jan and a few lucky breaks with injuries. That said, I think everyone is with me when I say we can win both. I just can't imagine Villa losing at the moment. I worry less about the big games because our lads have no problem motivating themselves for games like this. It's probably a blessing that on a cold, snowy winter morning when all you want to do is stay in bed that you have Arsenal away and not Hull or Stoke away. We might have slipped up against the like of them. If we win we are odds on to make the top four. If we lose we were expected to lose and there is every chance we'll have a shot at the top four anyway. UTV!

Comment 8, made on December 23, 2009 at 1.58 pm

Keith said:

... Excellent post Doc, but lets see how positive everyone is after our next defeat. Talking of twitchy arseholes, when is Redknapp in court again?

Comment 9, made on December 23, 2009 at 2.10 pm

Vijay Daryanani said:

... Has anyone seen the front page of The Sun today?? So who do you think it is?? I would take 3 points, 1 win, 1 loss, that would set us up nicely for the new year! UTV

Comment 10, made on December 23, 2009 at 2.14 pm

John Samuels said:

... I think from a game plan perspective MoN should be thinking about putting as much pressure on their defence as possible. They have three first team LB's out so the slow, flat footed Silvestre will be playing there alongside a less than convincing Gallas at CB. We should get a fair amount of joy down the right and given their appaling defensive record at set pieces we should be able to score. The Arsenal game will be about keeping them out. If we concede only one goal I think we'll win. Any more than that and it'll be a draw or a loss. Liverpool will be more about keeping Gerrard and Torres quiet. Petrov man marking Gerrard while MIlner picks up the slack in midfield would probably be the way to go. Dunne and Carlos have enough to keep Torres pretty quiet. Both games will be tough, but with a solid team ethic and lots of hard work we should be able to get at least four points out of these two games. The defence and big brad will be tested and we'll have to take our chances when we get them , but all in all i'm optimistic.

Comment 11, made on December 23, 2009 at 2.16 pm

Rattus NorVillicus said:

... Abandon all hope Ye that play the Villa

Comment 12, made on December 23, 2009 at 2.21 pm

jamie hancox said:

... Feel the same Doc, neither fill me with any more dread than Sunderland last week.

Comment 13, made on December 23, 2009 at 2.27 pm

Rios.Jockstrap said:

... Feel the same Doc, neither fill me with any more dread than Sunderland last week In fact, i dreaded both Sunderland and Stoke. Manure, the Arse, and the Red Circus? Not on ya nelly!!

Comment 14, made on December 23, 2009 at 2.41 pm

keith said:

... as we move into the realms of last seasons debacle we fear no repeat, we fear no one. we may stumble along the way but are reassured that mon will lead us to the top 4 and that legs will not tire until mathmaically we are there. to restore the faith of the non believers chalices will be bestowed along the way, soon once again the cry of yes we can will ring through the forum keep the faith

Comment 15, made on December 23, 2009 at 2.43 pm

frem said:

... i would take a piont at arsenal and all three against liverpool.

Comment 16, made on December 23, 2009 at 2.48 pm

sean said:

... I'm not so confident. The 'big' teams will raise their games even more so for us now. I do like all the optimism, however i would not be suprised if we did loose both games. We have put in an almight shift over the past few weeks and i just think that effort will take toll. Maybe i'm wrong but i just can't see us winnning on Sunday, we have to keep realistic; we've done really really well but i just think it's one task too many to get a result their. However, if we win the next two games, we are in a title race- i tell you now.

Comment 17, made on December 23, 2009 at 2.53 pm

invinciblevilla said:

... It will be hard at Arsenal dont lets kid ourselves. We will have to work our socks off to try to get a result. I am worried that such over exertion could have a bearing on the 'pool match, basically we will be knackered and have a shorter break than the opposition to recover. Right now I would take 3 points!

Comment 18, made on December 23, 2009 at 3.00 pm

stephen said:

... good to see we have more tickets available for away Blackburn match, lets hope Jimbo doesn't nab all of them again

Comment 19, made on December 23, 2009 at 3.01 pm

Mark said:

... seano_star said: ... I'm not so confident. The 'big' teams will raise their games even more so for us now. I do like all the optimism, however i would not be suprised if we did loose both games. We have put in an almight shift over the past few weeks and i just think that effort will take toll. Maybe i'm wrong but i just can't see us winnning on Sunday, we have to keep realistic; we've done really really well but i just think it's one task too many to get a result their. However, if we win the next two games, we are in a title race- i tell you now. All teams need to raise their game to beat us. We are now more than a bogey team for some, we are a club to be genuinely feared. However, we must not become complacent and adapt, improvise and overcome any obstacles in our path for glory.

Comment 20, made on December 23, 2009 at 3.22 pm

proxopera said:

... hoping for 6 points but 4 is more realistic. Spending too much time on this site so until Sunday morning , adieu my villianious colleagues & happy christmas.

Comment 21, made on December 23, 2009 at 3.33 pm

jerry said:

... Has anyone seen the front page of The Sun today?? So who do you think it is?? All will be revealed. Eventually. How about this one? http://www.newsoftheworld.co.u...andal.html

Comment 22, made on December 23, 2009 at 3.47 pm

Andi said:

... Talking of twitchy arseholes, when is Redknapp in court again? No twitchy time we shouldnt be scared of anyone or worried even, they should be worried about us and evidentially they are reading their blog's. The tables have turned, the winds of change have swept through this is OUR TIME, lets take it to them and give them a right good old proper spanking in their own back yard, then back to VILLA PARK to sign of the NEW YEAR in front of the CLARET AND BLUE faithful. LETS HAV IT !!!

Comment 23, made on December 23, 2009 at 3.57 pm

Andi said:

... 6 points, worst case 4 and a good laugh at rafa before, during and after the liverpool game

Comment 24, made on December 23, 2009 at 4.00 pm

John Clark said:

... I'm with you, Doc. Not scared. And I don't think the players are, either. Whatever anyone says, breaking the Old Trafford hex has to have had a positive effect on the players. Sure, they haven't been at Villa Park for 26 years, but that institutional memory remains. Getting that win, the toughest of all for Villa, says anything is possible, that we can play with anyone in the league on our day. So...Arsenal. Good side obviously, but we should be looking for a result, and I agree, I don't think, overall, that they're really that much better than us. We may not win, but I wouldn't be surprised if we do. I think we're bigger, stronger and faster than they are. All i know is that I'm looking forward to the game. And that speaks volumes. Liverpool...Well, they could be desperate. Perhaps the lads will be tired, but they wont' be afraid. For some reason, I think Liverpool's style, their ability to convert, will present a more difficult game than Arsenal. What these two games will really show is the players' state of mind. If they really believe they're worthy of a top-four spot, they'll acquit themselves well and go and grab it. The quality is there, the team is good enough. They just have to believe.

Comment 25, made on December 23, 2009 at 4.19 pm

Andi said:

... Good News Cuellar has come out and said he is staying with us as well !!!

Comment 26, made on December 23, 2009 at 4.26 pm

neil bangor said:

... Statman here Chiefy, I wrote that on the last blog, Carlos happy We are the team in form at the mo. Arse fans think we will terrorise their left flank with Ash and Gabby. We have a great squad with fantastic spirit and self belief. I am sooooooo looking to sunday. Trouble is, we fly in to Luton on sat night. Hope its open. Am I going to get 2 tickets for VP on tues.? The last 2 posts were brilliant with the following repartee Happy Christmas

Comment 27, made on December 23, 2009 at 4.45 pm

Paul Theiss said:

... Arsenal are a top squad that has maintained their form despite having a bit of an injury crisis. A loss wouldn't surprise me, although a win wouldn't surprise me either. It should be a fine game. I'm a bit bothered by these MON to Liverpool rumors.

Comment 28, made on December 23, 2009 at 5.01 pm

beh said:

... Maybe a lone voice here but i don`t see liverpool as a busted flush, yet. Last year, Benitez had a schizoid episode, pool wobbled, then they went on a run and nearly won the league. Hicks and gillette are messing them up but thankfully, i don`t think they can sack rafa, yet. Fans would lynch them unless they got mourinho as repacement - who they can have by the way, i`m sure he`s the result of a dodgy liason between howard wilkinson and columbo. Whether mon would go anywhere else i don`t know but i do think he`ll be continually linked with the "big four " . I guess it`s something we`ll have to get used too.

Comment 29, made on December 23, 2009 at 6.04 pm

Andy Scarborough said:

... Keef Talking of twitchy arseholes, when is Redknapp in court again? You naughty boy It's comments like that which make 'Arry have a go at our supporters.

Comment 30, made on December 23, 2009 at 6.05 pm

Rattus NorVillicus said:

... beh said: ... Maybe a lone voice here but i don`t see liverpool as a busted flush, I'm afraid I do see that flush as very much busted. Benitez has lost the dressing room. They are in meltdown. Gerrard is playing with an injury, Maschcarano is suspended, Torres needs a hernia operation, Carragher is too old, Lucas, Kuyt, who else Dossena ? can't even remember their names, are all crap. Johnson can't defend. Aquilani is the new Keane (we should buy him). A busted, busted, flush. Still leaking to the media, saying they want Heskey now. Arse to them. When will MON put in a spoof bid for Torres or Gerrard ? We might even get one of them the way things are going.

Comment 31, made on December 23, 2009 at 7.53 pm

Stathis said:

... My best buddy is an Arsenal fan for life, so as u can all imagine there's a lot of banter goin on between us these days ) I made a comparison in my mind between Villa's first team, this season, and Arsenal's first team. My conclusion is we're better in most positions. Better goalie, better defensive line, better wingers, better striker. In fact the only players i'd take from Arsenal are Fabregas and Arshavin. We cant fear Arsenal. We have a team workin very well together at the moment, and we have established individuals. Hell, isnt -or wasnt?- Wenger himself, after our very own Gabby? Why? Because he doesnt have a Gabby in his team. Same goes for Liverpool, just take a moment and compare their current startin 11 with ours, i reckon they're no better. And like in Arsenal's case, i'd take only two players from them, Gerrard and Torres.

Comment 32, made on December 23, 2009 at 8.29 pm

Mark said:

... Vainn, I tend to agree tho rate Arshavin and Fabregas are exceptional players. I also rate Van Persie, but thankfully we won't be seeing him. I just wish we had a bit heavier firepower. Gabby is coming along nicely.

Comment 33, made on December 23, 2009 at 8.44 pm

jerry said:

... I'm afraid I do see that flush as very much busted. Benitez has lost the dressing room. They are in meltdown. Gerrard is playing with an injury, Maschcarano is suspended, Torres needs a hernia operation, Carragher is too old, Lucas, Kuyt, who else Dossena ? can't even remember their names, are all crap. Johnson can't defend. Aquilani is the new Keane (we should buy him). A busted, busted, flush. Still leaking to the media, saying they want Heskey now. Arse to them. When will MON put in a spoof bid for Torres or Gerrard ? We might even get one of them the way things are going. Agree totally. In fact I could have put this, unchanged, directly into my piece earlier today. Still unsettling other clubs' players with leaks. Spoof bids? Yes, yes I'd love to see that. Moreover, the window will be here in a few days and some other club with a new manager will do it for us. And it won't be spoof. If Mancini goes to work with a will in the window with bids for Gerrard or Torres, it will be turmoil. The bad news is that I won't be able to resist writing about it. You guys only have Damian to protect you from my ramblings about the waiter. At the beginning of the season, I predicted that there was a possibility that two Sky 4 teams could falter. And that can still happen. Spuds continue to press and Man City will be stronger with Mancini. Falling out of the CL isn't just disaster for LFC. United, Chelsea and Arsenal are better placed to survive the shock than 'pool but it won't be pleasant. I fancy we can take something from the gooners on 27th. Then LFC. I can't wait. If we win I shall break my vow and give some match analysis together with some waiter analysis, some Gillett and Hicks analysis and some bindipper analysis. Expect some words fellow Villans.

Comment 34, made on December 23, 2009 at 9.15 pm

Steve Badger said:

... What a spot on post! I totally agree, we have nothing to fear, same as against Man U. I'm pretty confident we'll win both of these, although I can also see us not getting the result at the Emirates. That wouldn't bother me, because it will be tiredness that might lose us that one, imo. Pool, however is a shoe-in. I genuinely believe they have temporarily totally lost the plot. I'm a bit bothered by these MON to Liverpool rumors. Absolute utter bollox mate, don't worry. MON has seen the way they work and wouldn't touch that club with a bargepole unless they were to get new owners. He simply won't have any truck with their methods.

Comment 35, made on December 23, 2009 at 9.20 pm

Martin Clabon said:

... great post as Doc Any combination of results possible as we should not kid ourselves that these are nto two decent teams we are up against - but so are we now. The big difference for me now is I feel we have a realistic chance of beating anyone. When we palyed in the FA Cup Final against Chelsea a few years ago I was resigned to losing as despite being a glass half full type of guy we were simply not good enough and the top teams could roll over us when they wanted to. That is not the case now Merry Christmas all

Comment 36, made on December 23, 2009 at 9.40 pm

Steve Badger said:

... That is not the case now And it's demonstrated in that Arse site. Win the next 2 games and we're seriously in the running.

Comment 37, made on December 24, 2009 at 12.14 am

Rattus NorVillicus said:

... Win the next 2 games and we're seriously in the running. It would be like a revolution. The storming of the Winter Palace Nothing would ever be the same again. Then LFC. I can't wait. If we win I shall break my vow and give some match analysis together with some waiter analysis I expect the waiter might be getting some profesional analysis in an institution somewhere if we beat them.

Comment 38, made on December 24, 2009 at 7.09 am

neil bangor said:

... Love it Jerry. Well stated Pancho and you. I agree, despite disbelief and predictions of meltdown by the media, we are the form team with the form players. Some posters want Ash dropped,opp fans have him as their 1st choice! Did anyone read the pieces on AVFC site by Ciaran Clark? He waxes lyrical about big John and Petrov,especially. I watched the Chelsea game on TV, the commentator said it was Chelsea's best performance of the season,yet we still won! If Arsenal play really well and gain a result,do not be negative or disappointed. It was the silly results like Blackburn and WHU,where we thought just turning up was sufficient, that riled. Maybe they are used by MON and Dunne to raise performances before the matches. MON will not leave, we have a happy set up with great control. I said yesterday,who would go to Liverpool? They have no money with an inadequate stadium. Arsene showed the way with profligacy, sort the stadium out before wasting money on expensive crap. Warnock before Johnston and millions to spareDunne and Collins over Lescott, enough said. Good article about the 2 centre backs at B'ham,Johnston and Dann,apparently reason for good defence. Pity they can't score goals Let's change UTV for Yes We Can which becomes YWC

Comment 39, made on December 24, 2009 at 7.32 am

neil bangor said:

... Pancho, who is the photo? Are you Lord Lucan?

Comment 40, made on December 24, 2009 at 7.34 am

Daniel Wilson said:

... http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/ho...-race.html Wouldn't say no to a bit of that...

Comment 41, made on December 24, 2009 at 7.49 am

Scrumpy said:

... I'd love two wins as it would set us up with a serious tilt at one of the top four spots (and I don't care which). In some ways two draws may be better than a win and a loss, as although it would be less points and give Chelski, Manure, Citeh and Spuds an advantage, it would also help scupper Arse and Pool, and keep things very close and tight. So I can't decide on that. If we had to lose one I think I would go with Darwin and side with survival of the fittest, i.e I think Arsenal are stronger, so go for the wounded Scousers and then let the rest of the pack finish them off. Again with Torres and Gerrard they will never be completely out of it no matter how dire now, but a bit more turmoil and we could see them implode (and a Torres bid from Citeh would then make sense - Red-Neck-Hicks and Gimp (or whatever the 'Pool owners are called) would have to balance the impending loss of TV money from CL against ready cash from Dubai - and given how much I think they feel for their club, they would take the cash in a split second). By the way, I hope MON is linked with one of the top 4 clubs for the next few years, as I am really hoping that we are actually one of them (if not this, then in the next year or two) UTV!!

Comment 42, made on December 24, 2009 at 7.58 am

Andi said:

... Kenwyne Jones ?!?!?!?! loving that EMULE of to the scouse for a final pay day and to help RAFA clutch at straws while KENWYNE COMES IN and assists Gabby and Co seal top 4 finish....Not only would we get rid of EMULE we could arguably make it even harder for Liverpool to score goals WIN WIN

Comment 43, made on December 24, 2009 at 8.05 am

neil bangor said:

... I agree with Scrumpy, 2 draws minimum, though 4 pts would be acceptable No to KJ, we dont want a Sunderland cast off. Bellamy will be cheaper and much better. Benayoun is class This season is the best chance ever of breakage of sky 4. It is like the Man U result, it was always going to happen. Always think you are the best without too much arrogance. Terry came down a peg or two with those two goals at Holte End YWC

Comment 44, made on December 24, 2009 at 8.06 am

neil bangor said:

... Rafa now linked with bargain bucket players. Maybe he should raid Elland Road? Chiefy, we can do better than KJ. MON did not buy Bent, why KJ? Benayoun, an experienced prem player fits the bill. I also perceive Rafa does not like him, going by his substitutions. Makes a change not wanting any more defenders Tell you what,good time to be a Brummie resident. Villa, SHU and WBA all riding high. Funny, always had a soft spot for WBA, best local team in late 60s early 70s, Astle and Brown Remember Kaye? Big Ron was there before Man U YWC

Comment 45, made on December 24, 2009 at 8.14 am

frem said:

... i would rather have keane than jones. Again Oneill wont go and get a goalscorer like keane.

Comment 46, made on December 24, 2009 at 8.16 am

frem said:

... he just loves target men oneill. its getting anoying now. For the same price he could go and get a palific goalscorer like keane or vagnar love but instead he loves root one footy.

Comment 47, made on December 24, 2009 at 8.27 am

frem said:

... i would take keane and jones in January with heskey and hare going out. Keane jones Gabi Carew - What a strike force.

Comment 48, made on December 24, 2009 at 8.31 am

frem said:

... you are all saying about jones and gabi playing together but when gabi gets the chances he does not take all of them. We need a striker that takes his chances when they come. Gabi mist to great chances against stoke and we need a striker that we berry them. Keane is still my choice.

Comment 49, made on December 24, 2009 at 8.37 am

James said:

... Family festive fighting has already hit in Nan's house. Guess whose wife has booked panto tickets for Sunday afternoon. Oh yes she has.....

Comment 50, made on December 24, 2009 at 8.41 am

Andi said:

... Nanwasafan - PANTO tickets didnt think we had Liverpool till Tuesday ???

Comment 51, made on December 24, 2009 at 8.42 am

frem said:

... it says spurs nees to sell before they can buy. A double swoop for jenas and keane on the cards.

Comment 52, made on December 24, 2009 at 8.45 am

marty said:

... feels forever..... cant wait for arsenal, liverpool, and blackburn!

Comment 53, made on December 24, 2009 at 8.45 am

stephen said:

... LOL NAN, needed cheering up...tried getting Blackburn away tickets this morning but all sold out

Comment 54, made on December 24, 2009 at 8.47 am

James said:

... Cue Arsene Wenger and getting Alladin jokes.

Comment 55, made on December 24, 2009 at 8.50 am

frem said:

... I think it will be a busy transfer window for us. Heskey and reo going out. And pennant could be on the cards alongside keane, jenas and jones.

Comment 56, made on December 24, 2009 at 8.54 am

Mark said:

... Nan, With all the festive festoonery, I'm sure your wife has just got herself confused with 'Panto' and Arsenal VIP away tickets. In the same way the punch drunk SFW really meant he was going to realistically finish in the bottom 4 and not the top 4. SEEMPLES!!

Comment 57, made on December 24, 2009 at 9.01 am

frem said:

... ADD MY POSTS !!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment 58, made on December 24, 2009 at 9.13 am

Andi said:

... I get it now DOH !!!!

Comment 59, made on December 24, 2009 at 9.19 am

Car Frost said:

... This takes arrogance to a new level.. ( Interview with an Arsenal blogger on another site ) If you could have a couple of our players, who would they be and why? Gabriel Agbonlahor to solve our current striking problems and provide a stable cover for Robin Van Persie. Richard Dunne for defensive cover. Ashley Young for midfield cover.

Comment 60, made on December 24, 2009 at 9.27 am

Andi said:

... If you could have a couple of our players, who would they be and why? Gabriel Agbonlahor to solve our current striking problems and provide a stable cover for Robin Van Persie. Richard Dunne for defensive cover. Ashley Young for midfield cover. Cover ???!?!?! have they been on the same stuff as RAFA, all of them would walk straight into their team of should be's, they wont be saying that when we open a can of WHOOP ASS on them on sunday

Comment 61, made on December 24, 2009 at 9.42 am

marty said:

... PANDEV LETS GET FU*KIG PANDEV! That guy is probably worth 17 million and we can get him for freeeeeeeeeeeeee lazio were crazy to ban that guy just for asking to transfer! if we had pandev we could win the league!!!!! striker/attacking mid fielder!

Comment 62, made on December 24, 2009 at 9.48 am

Car Frost said:

... Thats the spirit Chiefy .. I think it shows they are a little worried. I hope it's freezing on Sunday too, noticed Gallas and co even with golves, tights and scarfs get put off in this weather. Can you imagine the Dunnster worrying about it being cold?

Comment 63, made on December 24, 2009 at 10.01 am

neil bangor said:

... Arsenal fans must be thick! Our players are way better than theirs or Liverpools. I seriously would only want Cesc, Rip van Persie,Stevie G,Torres and Benayoun.Apart from those mentioned,if there was a fire sale by Rafa,he would not raise muchToo many foreigners at Arse. We have a good local, committed team. Come on Nan,YWC

Comment 64, made on December 24, 2009 at 10.07 am

keith said:

... merry christmas to all villa fans wherever you may be happy new year yes we can

Comment 65, made on December 24, 2009 at 10.22 am

Steve Badger said:

... This takes arrogance to a new level.. ( Interview with an Arsenal blogger on another site ) Yes, Ive read that before coming on here. I left a comment saying it was arrogant. What a tosspot, imo.

Comment 66, made on December 24, 2009 at 10.37 am

Scrumpy said:

... Surely Arsenal are the team for panto season.... Arsene and the eleven dwarves

Comment 67, made on December 24, 2009 at 10.50 am

tinker said:

... Lets just do it on the pitch and show them who plays the best football in England and with English players, we will rip em apart Carew, Downing and Gabby to score, with Gabby causing havoc and Gallas been sent off. The Villa revolution is gaining pace and the old sky big 4 better be worried, very worried. Happy Xmas. PS Santa is from Brooklyn

Comment 68, made on December 24, 2009 at 2.17 pm

Eazzy said:

... what you guys been smoking.....seriously share it...none of ur players can make it into da arsenal team

Comment 69, made on December 24, 2009 at 7.57 pm

Fabgooner said:

... Aren't you guys getting a bit too carried away? Yes you're playing well now, you beat Manu etc, but you've obviously not seen many Arsenal matches, or even if you have, you've jumped on the media stereotypes. I like Abgonlahor, but he's still a back-up to RvP, specially in our system. And if you really think that Gallas is less that convincing, then you've not seen more than a single match. I'd take the Vermaelen-Gallas partnership over any other in the PL. Have you seen Vermaelen play except for the Burnley game, his one poor performance? Sagna and Clichy are among the best RB's and LB's in the PL. We're fielding our 4th choice LB, but see the Hull game again, we's not bad. Song has been our most consistent performer. Cesc is Cesc. Denilson, Nasri, Diaby and Rosicky are all very good. Arshavin and RvP aremuch better than Gabby, as much as I think he's a very good player. The third spot in the front would go to Rosicky, but he's injured, so probably Walcott or Eduardo will take it. None of them are in good form and they both lack match fitness and confidence, but Eduardo played well against Hull and got a goal. Really, the question is who Arsenal would take from Villa. And before anyone says I've not seen Villa matches, I've seen a few of them recently. I was excited before the Chelsea game too and I was looking forward to it, but we still lost that one. Just because you're overconfident does't mean the other team is crap. Arsenal are undoubtedly a better team than Villa, the very fact that we're challenging for the title and you're challenging for a top 4 place says it all. If you think we're not challenging for the title, take a look at the points table, 2 behind Manu with a game in hand, and look at the number of people who are going to come back from injury. Really, no offence, but most of the comments and the post itself is a bit arrogant.

Comment 70, made on December 25, 2009 at 7.27 am

gareth the gooner said:

... Hey, interesting post. To be fair I'm dreading the match against your lot on Sunday but then I am an eternal pessimist. I was dreading the Hull match last week too "The point of this isn't to do down two previous members of what, in olden times, used to be called 'the big four'." Aren't we still called the big four? I think we've earned the right after we have been finishing consistently in the top 4 for the last 10 years or so. Remember last year? With regards to the Arsenal Villa team, I think it's hard to judge who are the better players because Villa are a very defensive team and Arsenal are a very attacking team. All the same I would take Ashley Young, Brad Friedel and put them in front of Walcott (until he's properly match fit and scoring hat tricks again) and Almunia. Other than that I find it hard to let any of the Arsenal players go from the first team. You'd get a few on the bench though: -----------Friedel-------------- Sagna--Gallas--Vermaelen--Clichy ------------Song---------------- -------Nasri----Fabregas-------- Young/Walcott-Van Persie--Arshavin Or if it's 4-4-2: -----------Friedel-------------- Sagna--Gallas--Vermaelen--Clichy Young--Petrov--Fabregas--Arshavin ------Van Persie--Carew---------- I'd only take a match fit Walcott over Young in Arsenal's system because Walcott is more consistent (when not injured) and he is the fastest player in the league. Milner would be getting close to the team too as he's been on fire as of late, though I'd still rate Nasri higher. Remember his 2 goals against Man United last year? Also, how can some of you say that the only players you would take are Fabregas and Arshavin? Our full backs are being linked with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, AC Milan and just about every other big club out there every single transfer window. Who wants Stephen Warnock or Luke Young? I suppose it's all down to opinion at the end of the day. No doubt come Sunday two brilliant football teams with two of the best managers in Europe will hopefully put on a fantastic spectacle. I'm predicting a 2-0 Villa win. There's that pessimism shining through again. Let's hope I'm wrong

Comment 71, made on December 25, 2009 at 10.15 am

cockneyvillan said:

... Gareth the gooner Yes your right you have earned the right to be called a top 4 side without doubt, but we are making massive strides atm where as you seem to be treading water ! I think comparing the two side individually is a bit of a waste of time. wenger has is philosophy and likes technical players to keep the ball ,pass and move and generally play fantastic football, oneil seems to like a strong physical side who get the ball into attacking positions quickly and play from ther. I think the question is whos the better team? For me and on current form its got to be villa!! Since downings returned to fitness i think we have gone to another level, the main reasons being another good footballer on the pitch but mainly putting milner into a central midfield position. three goals & three assists in 5 games is right up ther with the best!! When i look at the arsenal midfield yes on paper they are all good players, but i think ours just has more balance and its a lot more dangerous, esp now downing, milner & young all rotate and pop up all over the place, weve lost that predictability we had late last year and with a no nonsense defensive unit atm we are looking like a very good side and one all us villans are excited about! Anyway cant wait for the game on sunday, think it going to be a cracker , and even though im as confident as iv ever been with this villa side , arsenal are a great side and it could go either way with the quality you have! Roll on sunday!!

Comment 72, made on December 26, 2009 at 10.12 am

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