With little else to write about in terms of actual club news, that we haven't already covered, I thought I'd have a look at this season and why I believe, we stand a better chance in beating Arsenal to fourth place and why I think they'll bottle it.

I know I've done this before, well about two months ago was the last time, but it's not here, so I'm doing it again. Basically at the start of the season I predicted we'd finish 6th, then in or around November or December I predicted we'd finish 5th. I'm not changing anything I've predicted, as we're all allowed to change our minds, but I do think it's possible we can take fourth.

I even predicted In January I think, that we'd secure fourth place by the Fulham match on May 9th, but none of us could have known we'd have such a bad run of form, but even after such a horrid time, we're still fifth and only six points off Arsenal. It's not such a bad place to be in and we and while six points seems a lot, it's not and we are within touching distance.

But before I delve into my reasons for this and my look at the last few games, I've got a sort of disclaimer to make you aware of and it's based very much on getting better or progressing as a club.

The reason I mention progress is because for me, that is really all I'm interested in seeing. If we finish in the top four this season it's a huge bonus, but we should all ultimately be very happy if we end up finishing fifth, or even sixth, as long as we've done better than last season.

At the end of the day we should and we all will be happy and to develop next season we have to learn from our mistakes, which I believe we will.

Bottom line, we're basically new to this and when I say new, I mean new to having absolutely the right manager. Sure, he might have made a mistake or two this season, but we all know he's not going to make the same mistakes next season and look at how the mistakes were fixed after his first and second seasons; if the same things happen after this one, we've every right to feel confident.

Now, this might be seen as a bit of a rallying call, but it's not. It's just that when I look at what games we have left and the games Arsenal have left, it just sort of looks like we'll pick up more points than them and that when you equal it all out, we'll finish above them.

Don't get me wrong, Arsenal have a strength that we are still figuring out, but our strength is that we are heading in the right direction. We are not one of the perceived top four clubs but Arsenal are. The thing is, Arsenal sit bottom of that list at the moment and we're very much top of the chasing pack and we are very much heading in one direction.

Okay, it's easier to make the step up to top six than it is to make the step into the top four and then from fourth to third or even second, but as long as you are making progress and you have the right people at the club those steps will be made and after the season we have had, it's impossible to say it's not going to happen and the same can be said for Arsenal.

However, it is actually easier for Arsenal to stay in the top four than it is for us to take it from them, but we've got no more distractions, they have two and while we can take it from them, they can also give it to us too.

But, despite the distractions, it might be that Arsenal don't bottle it and they might go on the type of run that, if they'd had throughout the season, would have won them the league, but it's a big ask and with the Champions League, the FA Cup and games against Liverpool and Manchester United away and Chelsea at home, you'd have to be a brave man to completely write us off. Some might say, despite everything, that you'd be a brave man to bet against us.

You see, of our seven remaining games I think the hardest is coming up this Sunday and after that, the Fulham game, on paper, will probably be the most difficult, but Arsenal have the potential to play twice as many games as us and with the Premier League now not a possibility, although don't be surprised to hear Arsene Wenger claim they're still in the race after they beat Villarreal tonight, I don't think their League form is going to stand up to the demands of playing so many games this late in the season.

This six point gap could be reduced to three after this weekend, although I wouldn't be surprised if it was down to four and then after that we have six more games to make that up - it's not impossible and like I said, when you look at the fixture list for both teams, it actually looks possible.

Now, for the record, Arsenal do have a good record against the other top four teams and they've got players coming back and there is a strong argument that they'll pick up points at Anfield and Old Trafford but at the same time, you could argue that the fitness levels of the players coming back might not be at 100% and that the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool are always going to be difficult to beat, especially as both of them are within touching distance of the league. My point is, if you had to put money on it you'd probably not put it on Arsenal at the moment.

I mean no disrespect to Arsenal when I write that, it's only that I'm an optimistic Aston Villa fan and like I've said above, it's going to be easier for Arsenal to keep fourth than it will be for us to take it, but us Aston Villa fans, while still new to knowing we are heading in the right direction finally, we're slowly getting used to it.

So, it's not about Arsenal slipping up in the league, but that is a possibility considering the games they have coming up in the Champions League and FA Cup, it's about us regaining form and confidence and taking games to other teams and picking up the points. If we do that, then even if you take away the distractions of the Champions League and FA Cup for Arsenal, they've got a much tougher end to the season than us and as the optimistic Aston Villa fan, I can see us still doing it and I think if you were to ask a neutral football fan, I think most would agree that it really does come down to our form and our results over anything else.

It's just about us now and Martin O'Neill has to find that spark again and if he does, we'll find out on Sunday, I believe we can take fourth place. I just hope, if we do, Arsenal don't go on to win the Champions League, because if Arsenal play to the potential we all know they can in these remaining Champions League games, they could go on and win it; it's just a huge ask.

I also want to add, just for the record, that when I say 'bottle it', it's not meant to be derogatory towards Arsenal. I just can't see Arsenal putting the same emphasis on the league that they will put into the Champions League and FA Cup matches and there is every possibility that the players might have an eye on upcoming fixtures.

It's only natural and like I've suggested above, we might actually need that to happen, but at the same time it might not, but I've got to have hope and as long as we do our job, everything is possible in football and we've seen stranger things happen.

Comments (124)

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Pete Hutton said:

... good blog damian UTV for Sunday, we need it...

Comment 1, made on April 07, 2009 at 10.46 am

PSV Hangover said:

... Good Article ... However, I think Villa have already 'bottled it'

Comment 2, made on April 07, 2009 at 10.46 am

paranoid_ormandroyd said:

... If you look at the remaining fixtures, it is possible. They have Manure, Chelski and Liverpool to play - a likely three points maximum; whereas all our fixtures are winnable. They also have horrible fixture congestion with the FA cup, CL games and rescheduled PL games. I think this Sundays game is massive for us. Win it, and we can kick on. A draw, and I reckon it's over if they beat Wigan.

Comment 3, made on April 07, 2009 at 10.47 am

Damian said:

... PSV Hangover There is a strong argument for that but at the same time, you can't expect to entertain that ..

Comment 4, made on April 07, 2009 at 10.48 am

Jarrod said:

... No thanks

Comment 5, made on April 07, 2009 at 10.49 am

Fbf said:

... I like the spirit of this article. But quite honestly I don't see ARsenal missing out on top 4. In any case, they are still outside favorites to win the CL. And as a football fan, It'd be painful to miss out on Arsenal's football. I'm not saying Villa are bad team to watch. They did outplay Arsenal earlier this season. But they are prone to losing in the qualifiers and lose against European teams (they were dreadful in UEFA cup to be honest), and it's about 30-70 with stronger teams going to be involved in qualifying stages from next season.

Comment 6, made on April 07, 2009 at 10.50 am

mike said:

... Headline meant no doubt to get people to read the article, I am a gooner and am not as wound up as i though i would be by it. You make a fair point as a Villa fan and your entitled to "big up" you team, unfortunately for you I think that we are going from strength to strength and with players like Ade, Cesc, Theo , Eduardo and Arshavin having not played for about 3 months fatigue will not be a problem. Your poor run has knocked your chances and from an outsiders point of view it seems that Heskey was a poor purchase. Good luck at breaking into the top four next season hopefully at Chavskis expense and not ours Mike the Gooner

Comment 7, made on April 07, 2009 at 10.51 am

villa for 6th said:

... when is the last time villa won a match?

Comment 8, made on April 07, 2009 at 10.52 am

dicey said:

... Villa are out of it stop dreaming instead watch out for Everton that should be your main worry!! Villa are gona finish sixth.

Comment 9, made on April 07, 2009 at 10.52 am

Randy said:

... Champions League? You're having a laugh. You wouldn't even get into the group stage. Be a disgrace to the EPL with your pathetic defend defend defend and hoof the ball to those diving twats Agmongloser and Young.

Comment 10, made on April 07, 2009 at 10.54 am

MEGAginge said:

... You seem to have reiterated the same point 11 ways above, but frankly, I can't see Villa getting anywhere near the Arsenal. You've capitulated, and I'd be much more worried about Everton, West Ham and Wigan biting at your feet than optimistically looking up at something out of reach.

Comment 11, made on April 07, 2009 at 10.54 am

Damian said:

... mike i'm a football fan and as such my vocabulary is limited - i did think of other phrases but this one just worked .. it also wasn't meant to wind anyone up - hats off to arsenal, you've had a bad season by your standards - it's just that i can smell blood and i think you'll get stronger next season so if we're going to do it, this may be our best chance for a few seasons

Comment 12, made on April 07, 2009 at 10.54 am

Randy said:

... Learn some new tactics you one dimensional team. Everton will thrash you. You played the weakest manure team that has ever been fielded since 1943 and still bottled it.

Comment 13, made on April 07, 2009 at 10.55 am

YON said:

... A desperate post. We beat Chelsea and United earlier in the season already and drew against Pool with 10 men. Take this... we beat United without Adebayor, RVP, Rosicky, Edaurdo, Arshavin and Toure. Add that to the team that beat a fully fit United squad (except Hargreaves) and we will beat them with a greater margin if anything.

Comment 14, made on April 07, 2009 at 10.56 am

arsenal said:

... hmmm, a bit too optomistic i fear a good piece but arsenal's squad is alot better than villa's, arsene wenger is a better manager than o'neil and at the end of the day, villa have had "nothing else to distract them" for some time now...and have been losing all the way, villas confidence is 0, arsenals is flying high. and villas idea of a tough run in of games is different to arsenal's, who look at clashes with the top 4 as opportunities for 3 points, not get hammered 5 bloody nill by liverpool. enjoy 6th spot, after everton over take you this weekend i don't mean any disrespect, this is just the not so shiny side of the coin that you chose to ignore

Comment 15, made on April 07, 2009 at 10.57 am

Mr Scooch said:

... I like Villa. And if we were to lose our top 4 spot to anyone in the league it'd be you lot. O'Neill is a great manager and seems to be a decent bloke. But I don't see us losing 4th at the moment. We've got a lot of players coming back from injury. We've got an incredible new signing in Arshavin and we're on an unbeaten run of nearly 20 games now. A couple of months ago I honestly thought you'd got it and we were gonna be playing UEFA cup football next year, but with your recent bad run I think we'll be fine. Next season may be a different matter tho as you'll only get better. I don't necessarily think you'll take our top 4 spot (I think we will challenge for the title next year as long as we don't get the same amount of injuries. Or maybe that's my blind Gooner faith coming out) but with a couple more signings you'll be there abouts. I'll stop short of saying good luck as I wouldn't mean it if I said it, but I hope you beat Everton to 5th place!!!

Comment 16, made on April 07, 2009 at 10.57 am

mel chester said:

... 79-94 The Mad Dog in the Fog is embarrassed by yer wishy-washy apology lack of nut sackfansmanship

Comment 17, made on April 07, 2009 at 10.58 am

Rocky7 said:

... Gooner in peace here. It's interesting to read that you think we'll bottle it. I'm not saying we won't, because anything can happen in football, but just looking at the facts leads me to believe you're very wrong about that. Fact 1. We may have Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool still to play, but we've already faced all three and not lost, infact we've only dropped 2 points. Fact 2. We haven't lost in the league since November. 17 league games unbeaten, four wins on the bounce whilst Villa have dropped points by the bucket load recently. Momentum, as any good coach will tell you, is priceless. Fact 3. Since Wenger's arrival, he's yet to finish outside the top four, our experience in closing these things out is pivotal. Fact 4. We've played most of the season with injuries to massive players, they are all now on their way back, and as Cesc and Ade proved at the weekend, they're important players to boot. Add the signing of Arshavin who has been awesome since he signed, and it's pretty clear cut why we are now starting to perform. I think had we had to play United, Chelsea and Liverpool when you did and vice versa, you would have pipped us, but as things stand those games will just come too late in the day to help Villa. To beat us to fourth we have to drop one point every game, whilst winning every match from now until the end of the season ..... and with three consecutive loses for Villa, I just can't see that happening. But when all is said and done, you have been brilliant this year, and have laid a decent foundation for the next campaign .... I'm sure you'll be back to try and crack the top four next year

Comment 18, made on April 07, 2009 at 10.59 am

Gooner1 said:

... A few good points there mate. When people go on about our (Arsenal's) great unbeaten run (17 games in the prem) they fail to mention that nearly half have been draws. Also the fact that we have only stepped up our games since November when we were already out of the race for the title. Too many young players and not enough bollocks in the team. However, the fact is that we are just as likely to go to OT and Anfield and get a result as we are Stoke or Fulham (both of which we have lost). Fact is, it's not even worth predicting Arsenal's results as I go every week and never have any idea which team will turn up. We had successive draws at home to Fulham, Sunderland, West Ham and narrowly beat Pompey, Wigan, West Brom etc at home and can beat Man Utd and even Chavski away. It'll be a fight to the death imo.

Comment 19, made on April 07, 2009 at 10.59 am

sol said:

... this turned up on my doorstep via newsnow so i gave it a read out of curiosity. while i can understand villa's optimism - cant deny u put in a great performance against united. but saying we will bottle it and goin as far: "Some might say, despite everything, that you'd be a brave man to bet against us" yeah ok u played well against man u - u still lost. ur boy petrov has circled that problem of urs of not ebing able to close out games in the last 10 minutes. whose to say this problem wont continue cuz it doesnt look like uve adequately adressed it. liverpool and arsenal are the form teams in the league without question and with players coming back fresh with no fatigue like walcott, adebayor, fabregas - even eduardo and rosicky (fingers crossed) we can handle the fixture congestion. arshavin is cup tied so he will not go to the european games - he will stay relatively fresh and this guy is a match winner. our squad is coming together at a time when we need it the most and it will be able to withstand the rigours of the next crucial 3 weeks. our record against the top 4 this season is very good, beat united, beat chelsea at the bridge and managed a draw against liverpool wen we deserved more. wen it comes to a full strength first team, we can imo match the other teams punch for punch. and lets have a look at ur games too. fulham away is where both liverpool and united struggled, everton who are having a strong end to the season, u have to play teams fighting for their lives - boro and newcastle. its not straightforward at all for u either. yeah we r playing the big teams - but we r a big team and we have shown it by beating them this season. im sorry, i just cant c it realistically happening for u.

Comment 20, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.00 am

G10 said:

... Ahhh, isn't this cute? Hey sport, you should be worried about whether or not you can garner enough points to finish 6th and leave the big boys to worry about big boys stuff, yeah?

Comment 21, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.01 am

John Carrol said:

... Sure, Arsenal have tough games coming up but I can't even remeber the last time we won. With our horrible form I'm really glad if we finish fifth. Everton looked really impressive at the weekend and Man U were shite. I don't think we were any good and we were rightfully beaten. Lets get this CL crap out of our heads once and for all. We're not nearly good enough.

Comment 22, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.01 am

Vertino said:

... I was worried when Villa were leading 2-1. Worried as an Arsenal fan because the gap would shorten. But then I was also worried for Villa, because if Utd levelled then Villa would go on to lose. The latter is what exactly happened. True we have tougher games but you guys have not exactly dispatched smaller opposition especially at home either. Remember the bad run in the Prem started against Stoke for Villa didn't it?

Comment 23, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.01 am | url

James said:

... Arsenal fans obviously get up earlier than Villa fans. Have you all just finished your paper rounds? Good stuff Damian. Very positive. Is this the smame ref from Sunday? http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/eng...984554.stm

Comment 24, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.02 am

Damian said:

... Rocky7, Gooner1, sol it is all very much down to us but we could win all our remaining fixtures and still finish 5th, but as long as we do that, we're actually going to need arsenal to drop a few points i'm not saying arsenal are going to. i'm saying you might. i'm ultimately saying we need you to bottle it to some extent but i'm not saying you will. in fact i'm saying you might not - but if that is what we need, surely there is no harm in 'hoping for it'

Comment 25, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.03 am

sTE said:

... yeh right

Comment 26, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.03 am

LB said:

... Basic principle of life: the more things have to go right for you to reach your goal, the less chance you have. You need so many things to go right for you and wrong for Arsenal that the chances of it all going your way are just about nil.

Comment 27, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.04 am

GreenGooner said:

... Lets all laugh at Villa, u bottled it, CHAMPIONS LEAGUE YER HAVING A LAUGH DREAM ON AND EVERTON WILL TAKE 5TH SPOT

Comment 28, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.04 am

Steve said:

... You seem to contradict yourself in every sentence. When you say "it's just about us now" are you honestly saying that if you can get your form back you WILL take fourth? Six points is a lot to make up. And more than anything else, you need to actually get your form before coming up with a statement like that. You say that the points difference will be 4 by the weekend as though that is a conservative estimate and could well be more. On current form, who's more likely to drop points on Saturday? The gap is more likely to be 9 than it is 3. Also, we are simply a better side. As we showed last season, when we have something approaching our first team on the field instead of in the tretment room we are a title-contending team. We've beaten Chelsea away and United at home this year and have no fear whatsoever about a trip to Anfield. Villa are a side short of energy and confidence, two things we now have in abundance as our injured players return and our 17 game unbeaten run goes on. I'm not saying you DEFINATELY have no NO chance of overtaking us, but frankly I'd be absolutely amazed if it happened. Anyway, it's all irrelevent once we get home from Rome in May with that big old trophy in our hands!! May the best team win!

Comment 29, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.04 am

kieron said:

... Oh dear, sounds like the cockney c**ts are a little worried to say the least. Why else would they come on here spouting off. Be scared, be very scared!

Comment 30, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.04 am

Scottiee said:

... Arsenal have not been beaten in the league since November. Arsenal have NOT CONCEDED a goal at Emirates since December. And you expect them to lose almost 50% of their remianing fixtures?! How many games is it since Villa last won? 8? 9? Villa would probably need to win every remaining game to finish 4th! The fact is that it would take a huuuuge swing in fortunes for both teams for them to swap places in the league. And what about Everton? You have dismised them completely! You automatically think that Villa are going to be at Everton this weekend! Why?! They are the better team at the moment! Don't get me wrong it would be great to see Villa in the top 4 but it's beyond them this season. next season it could be a real possibility though if money was spent wisely.

Comment 31, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.07 am

dicey said:

... there is no blood anymore demian its gone, instead Everton are smelling blood on you guys!! good luck on sunday.

Comment 32, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.07 am

kieron said:

... Nevermind utd, liverpool and chelsea you will be done over by wigan this weekend. You southern boys don't like it rough!

Comment 33, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.07 am

Don said:

... You're overrating your team, mate. Everton look more likely to challenge for a 4th spot. They're one point behind you and I'll bet on them being 5th this time next Monday.

Comment 34, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.10 am

kieron said:

... Yes one point behind, 4 after sunday! Then they have man utd and chelsea, they will be out of it by then. Do your homework son!

Comment 35, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.11 am

Gooner1 said:

... I can never understand why these things just turn into a slanging match. The fella is perfectly within his rights to express his opinion on his OWN blog. We'll get a reputation like the shit down the road if nobody can argue their points sensibly and eloquently.

Comment 36, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.12 am

kieron said:

... Well said Mr.Gooner, at least one of you has some sense. I personally think it will go down to the last game of the season and we may well finish on the same points. I f so you will take it with your superior goal difference. But good luck to you and we will see.

Comment 37, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.14 am

Damian said:

... Everyone is allowed an opinion, but I can honestly say, that I didn't expect some of these from Arsenal fans. I've had to delete a few. It seems to me that the uneducated few (some really good comments from some Arsenal fans above) are running scared. All Aston Villa can do is win as many as possible. Yes, we need Arsenal to drop points and if at the end of the season we are 4th, then they would have bottled it. All I'm saying is, I fancy they might and that for us to finish fourth, we need that to happen. Doesn't mean it's going to happen but nobody can say it isn't going to happen.

Comment 38, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.14 am

peter haworth said:

... Good post,really enjoyed it.The everton match now seems a defining moment in our season,if we win i believe it will be a very tight finish for 4th.We have a really good run in much easier than the gooners who just have to many matches despite the size of their squad.Hopefully MON has learnt a good deal this season and will build for the future.It is apparent that you cannot expect to compete for the top 4,play in europe,compete for all the cups with such a tiny squad.We do not have the same quality squad players as the top 4 and next season Man city and Spurs will be different opposition.Our best ever chance is NOW and we could do it,if MON can use his famous man management skills to lift the players for that final push.I just hope Randy Lerner will invest heavily to build the squad.If we had suffered the injuries that gooners and everton experienced we would have been stuffed.

Comment 39, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.14 am

Conlon said:

... I think villa fans are dreaming if they think 4th place is a possibility. Arsenal are on a great run, have a great record against the top teams and are capable of picking up points against Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea. I think Villa are on a bad run of form and will probably lose 3 of the remainding 7 games. Would'nt be surprised if Everton over took Villa .........Stick to the Uefa cup, its where you belong!!!!

Comment 40, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.17 am

Jamie said:

... Good Article... I'm an Arsenal Fan, I do think we will finish 4th... but Villa are deffo still in with a shout... but only if we lose all 3 against the other big four sides... and Villa win every match, which even though your fixtures appear easier is still a huge ask after such a bad run. I think Everton on the weekend is a tough game... they're in a good vein of form... and lookin at some of the Villa guys sunday after that late defeat they looked tired and very demorilised. I was gutted for them sunday i have to say! Alot of your players have had to play every game this season... and with our squad all returning I think we should have enough depth to deal with the FA Cup, CL and Prem... And i do think Wenger will stick in some youngsters in the FA cup, But having said all that i still think your lads hav a chance... Good Luck Villa may the best side win!! If ya dont manage it this season then hopefulli you'll knock the Chavs out the top 4 next season!!!

Comment 41, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.18 am

sol said:

... i get it, nothin wrong with bein optimistic at all, hell, wen arsenal were in that dismal run of form about 8 points behind u, i was in the minority maintaining optimism and hoping for a blip of form on ur part. thing is, we have had our bad run of form, we're cracking on rite now. its gona b difficult for villa to get out of the rut they find themselves in and then have a run of wins. i wud luv for villa to break into the top 4, but not at the expense of a proper football team. by all means, strengthen in the summer and displace the chavs in chelsea of their top 4 place. a neutral, unbiased football fan wud always choose to watch arsenal over chelsea. simple.

Comment 42, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.20 am

kieron said:

... Conlon - Its arsenals to loose, thats for sure but they have done before. They have too many games and they can't live on past results against the big four. Besides they won't beat Wigan at the weekend.

Comment 43, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.20 am

ppp said:

... interesting to read your blog - good spirit. but the truth is that arsenal are getting better not worse (i'm arsenal by the way) and even tho you've every right to fancy your chances after beating us pretty easily earlier in the season you might not be considering just how woeful we were and how removed from the ordinairy such form was for the arsenal. that's why this season has seen a massive gang of moaners at the emirates but the real boys knew we'd come through it and that's what we're doing at the moment. it's fair to say we're the weakest of the big four because we've not spent cash in the same way on peak career players. but before long your midlands boys will be chasing liverpool and chelsea rather than our lot. good luck! you ain't catching the arse now tho...

Comment 44, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.23 am

Gooner1 said:

... Personally I can see us both dropping 2 points at the weekend. Wigan away is never easy (especially after a CL away game) and Everton have been good away for most of the season. That'll probably help us in some respects as it's one game closer to the end of the season. I just had a look at your fixture list and Fulham away and Boro away if they are still in with a chance of staying up are the only potential hazzards. I'd be much more comfortable if our lead over you was more substancial.

Comment 45, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.24 am

Lewis AFC said:

... Aston villa have had a Decent season but it wont happen next season , when arsenal have picked up the pase as they have now they make villa look dump. villa havnt won a game in 9 games , wise up and stop dreamin u dopey C**TS

Comment 46, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.26 am

Don said:

... 12 Sun14:00H EvertonPREM 18 Sat15:00H West Ham UnitedPREM 25 Sat15:00A Bolton WanderersPREM May 2009 2 Sat15:00H Hull CityPREM 9 Sat15:00A FulhamPREM 16 Sat15:00A MiddlesbroughPREM 24 Sun16:00H Newcastle UnitedPREM Hull City, West Ham, Fulham and Newcastle are teams likely to get a result against you. And Bolton away is hard for ANY team. YOU'RE OVERRATING YOUR TEAM.

Comment 47, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.28 am

deledudu said:

... Fair enough, you are a Villa fan and no one can deny you your right to your delusions, its every fans' prerogative. Its akin to us also saying we're still in the title race. Without our wishful thoughts, football loses its magic, dream on!

Comment 48, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.35 am | url

alfie said:

... We're over the bad patch and just at the right time with Arsenal having some tough games. Laursen and Bouma's return just around the corner and Carew in great form there's no reason we can't put the pressure on Arsenal and possibly snatch 4th.

Comment 49, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.36 am

Sam said:

... Come On, forget about Arsenal, U guys should be thinking of Everton and if ur Losing run has come to an END. How sure r u guys the Aston Villa will after this weekend be on the 5th position. Think About It.

Comment 50, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.39 am

kieron said:

... Sam, don't forget about Everton. It's not ridiculous to think Villa could take fourth, Everton fifth and you sixth!!

Comment 51, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.46 am

Graham Page said:

... As a gooner obviously I hope that we hang on to 4th or even go higher. However if Villa do get there they'll deserve it. You are a classy club with an excellent manager and I wish you every success. The ideal scenario would be for Chelski to collapse and both of us get in the top 4!

Comment 52, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.49 am

Ed 'gooner' ren said:

... you would think arsenal would bottle it.. coz you need to live in hope!! HAHA

Comment 53, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.57 am

Goonerdan said:

... You guys are really clutching at straws arent you...We are unbeaten this year and are now starting to play some of our best stuff with players returning all the time...You will do well to keep 5th Everton will probably beat you and go into 5th this weekend anyway...I dont remember the last time you won a game... Neither you nor Everton would bring anything to the champions league anyway and much like those who tried to hijack the top 4 before would fail at the qualifying stage meaning 1 less english club in the competition...

Comment 54, made on April 07, 2009 at 11.58 am

Craptain Brad said:

... Great Article mate (even as an Arsenal fan) Wasn't Arsenal bashing at all and was just pointing out some facts and a reason why Villa fans still have a reason to be optomistic about the outcome of this season. We do still have to play the top 3 however by the time we come to play Chelsea and Man Utd the title could be decided and either one could have a big CL game to think about and therfore putting out a "weakened team" which could work very much in our favour. I still think with our returning players and Arshavin's instant impact we will be a hard team to beat for the remaining seasons games.

Comment 55, made on April 07, 2009 at 12.00 pm | url

olubengo said:

... people are allowed to dream, but lets face it aston villa, have come to an end in the run, rather than to look at gunners, you have to remember that the chevar just 4 points above gunners, i too been a gunner we are looking at chev and not below good luck next season

Comment 56, made on April 07, 2009 at 12.03 pm

AL said:

... i think aston need to pick something up this weekend and take it game by game, at this moment, there is no race for 4th place, villa are in danger of turning a great season into a disaster, they need to arrest the slump, and come back strong next season. talk of 4th place is foolish, villa are very much a confidence side, right now every struggling team wants to face villa as they appear to be a soft touch, theyve turned around stokes, spurs, and man utds recent blips and everton see them as a nice scalp. big effort now to hang on to 5th is needed, the top 4 are a million miles away

Comment 57, made on April 07, 2009 at 12.04 pm

Christian said:

... Everton's run-in is too awkward for them to catch us, so they'll have to settle for 6th. Arsenal's run-in is just a bad, but the 6 point gap and the extra point their goal difference is worth will be too much to bridge before the end of the season. Still, 5th will be an improvement on last season and we've had a great time trying to reach the Top 4. A final point, if we did snatch 4th we'd have to play a Champs League qualifier (and they're likely to be pretty decent opposition). I understand that if we lost at this stage we wouldn't even be eligible for the Europa Cup. So, perhaps 5th in a roundabout way is more beneficial in this stage of our development.

Comment 58, made on April 07, 2009 at 12.05 pm

Jerome said:

... Evan as an Arsenal fan I don't think it's bias of me to say Villa has the easiest of the remaining fixture. Arsenal have two cups and the league to concentrate on, while you guys don't. And then in the league we have to play the top three clubs. Historically, this shouldn't really be a worry since Arsenal typically get the most points in terms of top 4 head to heads. We've thus far taken 7 out of a possible 9 against the top 3. We outplayed Chelsea (they only had one shot the entire game), had the game of the season against Man U, and got lucky against Liverpool. WIth exception of Liverpool (and perhaps Man U) those four clubs are in different situations. Chelsea have a new manager and a reinvigorated Drogba,and Man U are in somewhat of a slump and seem to be almost unravelling ever since Liverpool done them up the duff. Those matches are going to be something. However, Villa still have a few difficult games. Fulham and Everton will be a challenge. Similarly consider if Middlesbough and Newcastle haven't been relegated, even those last two games could prove mighty difficult for you. Needless to say, the battle for 4th, 5th, and 6th is looking quite interesting. Hell, Moyes himself seemed to think it may be Everton challenging for 4th.

Comment 59, made on April 07, 2009 at 12.06 pm

Paul Egan said:

... Good article, Damian. It's a very fair argument and I'm surprised you've ruffled so many Gooners' feathers. The fact is we are improving. I'd have taken 65 points at the start of the season, and wherever that gets us will be fine. We've obviously put a lot of pressure on the lads by demanding 4th place this season, but it's only because Arsenal aren't going to have another bad season next year and Liverpool seem to have improved. Next season will be much harder, so many of us see this season as a golden opportunity to sneek it. It wouldn't make us one of the 'big four', but it would help us in the transfer window. It could happen, but I'd still be happy with that 65 point total and a decent transfer window.

Comment 60, made on April 07, 2009 at 12.07 pm

AL said:

... 5th would be a great finish for villa, given the size of the squad, they just need to decide what their best formation is,they looked best with 5 in the middle and agbonlahor upfront, but hes young and was never going to carry the fight all season, the same with young who is no longer a surprise package, 2 outstanding players still and with the right signings villa could improve next season. hopefully the season has shown barry that he can achieve things at the villa, they will need to keep him, as for arsenal, they might be the team to beat next season, all their main players will be approaching their mid 20s peak.

Comment 61, made on April 07, 2009 at 12.10 pm

Jerome said:

... A good article by the way. Don't worry about some of my peers. Hell, I battled enough of them when sticking up for Bendtner, Denilson, and Song, and to mention all the ridiculous calls for Wenger's resignation. I think for Villa to break into the top 4, it'll take O'Neil figuring out how to beat Chelsea, Liverpool, and Man U moreso than everyone underneath.

Comment 62, made on April 07, 2009 at 12.16 pm

Max said:

... I find it funny that anyone can get this wound up about a blog from a Villa supporter backing his team. Christ some people need to relax a little, it is football, anything can happen. Villa may get 4th, 5th, 6th, Arsenal may get 3rd, 4th, 5th whatever... at least it has been an exciting league this year and will hopefully not be decided until the last game. No matter how Villa finish this year it has been a great season, getting some of our lads involved with the internationals, ruffling some feathers in the league and a bit of experience from UEFA (yes as dismal as it was). The only disappointments I have had at all with the lads this season has been the domestic cups, but you get used to that as a Villa fan, recent seasons anyways.

Comment 63, made on April 07, 2009 at 12.17 pm

taglor said:

... Well i got a Villa scarf yesterday and feel like a kid and love Villa more than anything

Comment 64, made on April 07, 2009 at 12.26 pm

Gregdavillain said:

... Hahahah you gooners, we havent won in 9 games, and 6 in the league and we only trail you by 6 points, so even after a terrible run Yes we are still in with a shout. I agree your best player arshavin wears a spurs jersey under his gooner 1 one and whould be a white hart lane legend now only they wouldnt pay up (tight bastards) Yes i agree you have better players and have been a better club over the last 10 years. But if your team approached the rest of the league like most of your arrogant supports that will suit us fine, as you will surely drop points. We are not going to shirk the challenege jsut because we are no longer in poll position. As regards the UTD match i must say the atmosphere was electric and the 12th man dragged UTD over the line, well we do not have to face that any more this season and i think the Everton game is coming at the right time, we've bottle too much lately and that will shore us up against villa. Things will be tighter than you gooners think. villa Villa VILLA, villa Villa VILLA!!!!!!!!!

Comment 65, made on April 07, 2009 at 12.26 pm

Ramon Maklouf said:

... There is just something about this article I do not like. Very well written article but it does not sit well with me. I think we are breathing a real sense of false optimisim... I don't think we appreciate the challenge this week of Everton. They are a very strong side who will come out and give us a headache. There midfield is so strong that some of them were playing 2 positions throughout the season - strikers and mids.. IF we win this game, then yeah I could see the justification in writing this article... BUT this game is massive... I actually think we can get 4th but it is becoming increasingly unlikely. I think we are expecting Arsenal to pick up the old habits they had last year but it does not seem like it is happening. And the worst thing ? We are almost justifying this hope that Arsenal will slip up based on the assumption they still the rest of the best to play! They have an unbelivably good record against the 'Big4' this season tho.. Whilst I still believe the top4 is possible [read one of my comments on the ManUtd article], I'm sorry Damo but 6pts is massive... And with 7 games to go... Things aren't looking to good. I know you didn't try too, but I think this article inadverently downplays the task we have infront of us... I don't think Arse will bottle it. They will play their younger kids in the FACup and probably get knocked out in the next round of CL, allowing them to concentrate on cementing 4th. I hope I'm wrong tho.. Damn these assignments making me all pessimistic.. UTV!

Comment 66, made on April 07, 2009 at 12.47 pm

Josh said:

... Gotta love football fans haven't you.

Comment 67, made on April 07, 2009 at 12.50 pm

Damian said:

... Ramonicus If we beat Everton on Sunday will you be more optimistic, knowing that Arsenal have two competitions to play in and trips to Anfield and Old Trafford and a game at home against a resurgent Chelsea?

Comment 68, made on April 07, 2009 at 12.58 pm

MEGAginge said:

... Optimism is fine, but its just that. We've taken 10 points from 12 against the other big 4 members this season. Why do you think that signals anything at all positive for Villa? I see the only threat as the Mancs. I'd expect atleast 9 points from 12 again in these 3 features. A top 3 finish is on the cards for Arsenal if we play as we have recently. The best chance Villa have got at the top 4 is Chelski.

Comment 69, made on April 07, 2009 at 1.01 pm

Damian said:

... MEGAginge And how many points did you take off them last season, was it 6 in total? I might be wrong with that .. it was a quick search - but the reason why it signals something positive for Villa, is because you've already done so much better than you did last season against them and chances are (looking at it from an optimistic Aston Villa fans point of view) you won't get as many the second time around. Also - you can't expect nine points from 12 if you're only playing three games.

Comment 70, made on April 07, 2009 at 1.11 pm

thenry said:

... what a fantasy article. villa punched above their weight this season and had some very lucky results earlier int he season where u kept nicking lucky wins. Arsenal have had their shitiest season since 2006 so many top players injured for most of the season, if villa had to cope with the same level of absentes would they have coped? u lot are just like tootenham in 2006 flattering to decieve and when the business end of the seaon comes u fall apart. thats why the top 4 are the top 4 and it will stay that way. the rest fo you teams are just there to make up the numbers and once ina while u have have your day in the sun by beating one of the top 4. get real villa fans ur team is shyte and so is your manager for chucking the euro game. most of your players are average and not good enough for any of the top teams only barry would make the Arsenal bench. ROTFLMAO at villa fans thinking they could get into the top 4. now get back down where u belong. ps why are all u villa fans discounting west ham game they will beat your lot have u seen them play recently zola has done a great job and they are going for europe. as fopr wigan if everton can beat them 4-0 then on current form we will destroy them. THE CESC IS BACK!!!!

Comment 71, made on April 07, 2009 at 1.18 pm

Tony Sydney said:

... There's nothing like an optimistic fan, but this piece of authoring is all PIE IN THE SKY stuff. Given that Villa haven't won a game against anybody in many moons, what makes you think they are going to win ANY of these supposedly easier games they've got coming up ? - just have a look at who they haven't been able to beat and you will see a team that is far more likely to finish 6th than even 4th or 5th ! Villa had their chance and BOTTLED it deluxe they day they blew that 2 goal late in the last few mins at home to Stoke. Since that day Arsenal have been flying and Villa have been legless. Any slight hope they had for challenging for 4th ended when (admittedly after playing so well and deserving at least a point) they once again blew a golden opportunity when leading at Old Trafford with just 10 mins to go. Couldn't even hang on for a draw. Frankly, I cannot see any fresh blood breaking into the top 4 for years to come. Teams like Villa, Tottenham once and even Everton have teased for long periods in different seasons - but when it all boils down at the business end, the top 4 always do enough and the status quo remains. Forget about Arsenal's demanding extra "workload" playing games in 3 separate competitions - they will more than likely thrive on it, especially with the fresher legs of some of the long term injured players returning - and these are some quality studs, not just squad players. This weekend's key tips: Aston Villa 1 Everton 1, Arsenal 2 Wigan 0.

Comment 72, made on April 07, 2009 at 1.20 pm

The Mighty Steve said:

... For all those Arsenal fans who think they belong in the Champions League, how many times have you been in the competition, and how many times have you won it? About time a few other teams had a chance at it I think, you and Chelsea seem incapable.

Comment 73, made on April 07, 2009 at 1.28 pm | url

MEGAginge said:

... My mistake on the numbers I'm not sure what drew me to said rushed opinion, but I stand by it in principal. We gained less last season as we were playing worse last season. Your entitled to your optimism but I won't be joining you in the bet you speak of. I don't enjoy throwing money down the drain. Good luck with the rest of the season.

Comment 74, made on April 07, 2009 at 1.31 pm

adam curley said:

... the way i see it is the pressure is on the arse not us. some of the posts from the gooners are hilarious, they honestly think they are, and always will be, a top four side. UTV. YES WE CAN

Comment 75, made on April 07, 2009 at 1.32 pm

Christian said:

... Are these Arsenal fans the same one's who were calling for Wenger's head? Saying he'd taken them as far as he could when they trailed us by 11 points? And what's all this mocking and laughter about Villa 'thinking they could be top 4'?? Christ, I'd keep a very low profile if I were a Gunner and we were sitting not-so-pretty at the BOTTOM of the Big 4 and even having to have these childish conversations with Everton and Villa fans. I don't see any United, Chelsea or Liverpool fans blogging on here, they're not sweating. But a few of you might be after you've played the real big THREE.

Comment 76, made on April 07, 2009 at 1.37 pm

anon said:

... The problem is for Villa is that they too dont have the easiset run in with Everton next up and it will take a lot to turn around their current trot. All the luck was used up in the first half of the season, and if Everton win and go above Villa then I think mentally that will be a huge blow Arsenal have also got players back at the right time and it is also important to note that Arshavin is cup tied which means he will play every EPL game and get a lengthy rest each week.

Comment 77, made on April 07, 2009 at 1.40 pm

CaptainFab said:

... a gooner here. got sth to share. i clearly remember a sentence from Wenger. he told the fans and the team not to think about villa, but focus on themselves. i think it's absolutely correct. if one just keeps hoping their rivals dropping points before actually gaining points, that's useless. even if arsenal suddenly drop lots of points (which i dont think they will) but you guys just do the same, it makes no difference. PS you guys are looking up, and so are we! i fancy a third! you have strong faith and optimism in aston villa, we gooners have the same FAITH and BELIEF in ARSENAL -- not only about finishing at fourth, but sth more!

Comment 78, made on April 07, 2009 at 1.41 pm

MEGAginge said:

... "Are these Arsenal fans the same one's who were calling for Wenger's head?" No.

Comment 79, made on April 07, 2009 at 1.45 pm

AusGunner said:

... It'd be great to see Villa finish in the top 4, just hopefully not at our expense! I actually think we're on a great run of form and I'd be surprised if we lost another league game, or more than one, for the remainder of the season. We're starting to play to the ability that we know we're capable of and that's going to make us very hard to beat. I think Villa's loss to United could really sour the mood there. That said, I admire your optimism. If more of our fans had that level of optimism consistently then we might be even better placed in the league than we are now.

Comment 80, made on April 07, 2009 at 1.51 pm

Christian said:

... MEGAginge, good glad to hear that you lot are the faithful support blogging on here today. We'll just have to wait til you crash out of Europe and lose a couple of the games against the Big 3 to hear from your other fans again...

Comment 81, made on April 07, 2009 at 1.54 pm

thenry said:

... are these the same villa fans who were gloating when they were 6 points ahead? as for our right to be in the top 4 its no ones right to be in the top 4 but we have along with man u been the only teams to consistently be in the top 4 for the 12 years. we were never out of the top 2 untill 2006 so 3 years whilst we finish rebuildind the team and moving to a new stadium in that time we have struggeled but still the outsiders who spent fortunes could not break into the top 4. we have spent net less oney then villa in holding our status so it cant be about money. as for winning the champions league, if it was that clear cut then man u barca chavs and madrid should be winning it every year or every other year. it does not happen but the thing is u gotta be in it to win it. that is where you villa fans will always be left dreaming as you will not make it there thsi year or the next or the next. the top 4 will streangthen and can pull players of the level villa have no chance with. even our acadamies are full of the next generation of stars in our case all English. watch out for the English CESC JACK WILSHIRE and EMANUAL FRIMPONG the next english Viera. the future is bright the future is THE RED AND WHITE OF ARSENAL. villa top 4 ROTFLMAO! havnt heard anything so funny since the spuds thought they were top 4 ROTFLAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment 82, made on April 07, 2009 at 2.00 pm

Damian said:

... thenry you are a little deluded. while i am hoping for you to bottle it you seem certain of a few things .. when you're not even the top team in your town time for you to put things into perspective

Comment 83, made on April 07, 2009 at 2.25 pm

Fitzy_7 said:

... if we dont beat everton on sunday our season is as good as over simple as...but how exactly do we stand a better chance of beating arsenal to 4th when their 6 points clear?????

Comment 84, made on April 07, 2009 at 2.26 pm

Damian said:

... Fitzy_7 Because they have to play in two tournaments and a match at Old Trafford and Anfield, then one at home against Chelsea. I'm not saying they are going to lose those - but if we can flip our form on it's head and battle through - with the games Arsenal have coming up, there is a chance they'll bugger it up.

Comment 85, made on April 07, 2009 at 2.28 pm

Ramon Maklouf said:

... Ramonicus If we beat Everton on Sunday will you be more optimistic, knowing that Arsenal have two competitions to play in and trips to Anfield and Old Trafford and a game at home against a resurgent Chelsea? Simple answer ? Yes! The thing is we still have to beat Everton. That is no easy task by all means. IF we beat them, which, by playing 5 in the middle, I think we can, then I will be the first to start commenting on how this may be where our 'luck' takes a turn for the better... Look, I'm already optimistic I just thought that this article, as good as it is written, is diminshing the mountain we have to climb in order to achieve a top4 place, in the hope of aspiring the fans to believe we can... All this hope talk is very inspiring, and I was swept up by it... BUT we haven't won since Feburary Damo... That is concerning... To end on a high, the one thing that stuck out in my mind is MON's post-match interview. If you notice, he hasn't yet given up on a top4 place and to me that gives me hope.. I think if this ManUtd game was the turning point in our season when we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and start the fightback... then maybe, just maybe we can do it... UTV!

Comment 86, made on April 07, 2009 at 2.32 pm

Daniel Wilson said:

... Unfortunatly I think we need to be aiming to cement our 5th place now. I said when we were 2-1 up at Old trafford that if we won it would be the start of something special and if we lost it ur confidence would hit an all time rock bottom, and we all know what happened. It's been a great year on the best part for us. I never expected to be challenging for 4th and I think we have come on leaps and bounds. Hopefully in the summer we can splash some cash and get some tallent in, not just young and english either and who knows what could happen next year. Arsenal have had a bad season but personaly I think that if all their squad had been there they would be the main threat to United right now and chelsea & liverpool would be the ones hanging on. I hope to be proved wrong, I want 4th as much as any Villa fan, but who knows, if we finnish 5th and have a good run in the new europa league it could be another massive step up for us. Getting knocked out in the qualifiers for the champions League could do more damage to us than not qualifying atall. Small steps forward, give it time and we will get to where we want to be, we just need to be patient.

Comment 87, made on April 07, 2009 at 2.34 pm

Damian said:

... Ramonicus So, it can hardly be false optimism, if for you and me and lot of other people, it comes down to one match. If we lose on Sunday, most will accept that it's going to be extremely difficult to catch two teams, let alone just Arsenal, so Sunday becomes important and I can guarantee you and everyone else, that if we win, everyone will be talking about top four again. I might just be talking about it earlier than most.

Comment 88, made on April 07, 2009 at 2.35 pm

Fitzy_7 said:

... we do have the easier run in but arsenal are on fire at the moment... ill be amazed if they drop more than 6 points lets just hope

Comment 89, made on April 07, 2009 at 2.35 pm

Jerome said:

... I agree with Ramonicus, Everton is going to be a real challenge for you guys. That Fellani fella is a beast. I think I'd rather have him than Adebayor myself! He'll cause your defender hassle, and Everton do have a solid striking core. If Reo-coker plays as uselessly as he did against Man U, you will be in trouble. I'm not entirely sure what Everton's final fixtures are, but people seem to have totally forgotten about them. They're not that far off from you guys, and if Arsenal do slip, it could be them not you who steals 4th. I wish you all the best, but not too much!

Comment 90, made on April 07, 2009 at 2.44 pm

timao said:

... i don't see any point in fuelling antagonism between villa and arsenal fans - good luckto villa, i'd rather see them in the top four than chelsee, man u or liverpool. but when looking at our run in you should remember that Arsenal we drew against Liverpool under the most adverse conditions imaginable while the Villa basically chucked in the towel under a 5 nil drubbing. You need to be quite a historian to dig out the last time the Arsenal lost 5-0 to anybody and it is a reflection of the relative qualities of both teams and their ability to cope with pressure.

Comment 91, made on April 07, 2009 at 2.44 pm

Fitzy_7 said:

... any news on martin laursen?

Comment 92, made on April 07, 2009 at 2.45 pm

Damian said:

... timao From memory, I'll take a guess at September 1970 .. but I may be wrong.

Comment 93, made on April 07, 2009 at 2.49 pm

Goldie 7 said:

... We need to WIN a match before all this nonsense talk of 4th starts coming back our form of late is bottom of the table check the stats even west brom have better form than us for the 2nd half of the season If it wasn't for those lucky wins against sides where the game looked certain to end in a draw (remember) then we would be 10th of 11th now!!! Lets try and get a win from the next 2 games then start from there, even if we are winnig everton say 2-1 and the clock turns to the dreaded last 10minutes we all know what will happen???? We need to learn how to see out the game to the end and not allowing the opposition to pile on pressure, we just don't know how to do this which is very worrying Would you sell Ashley Young for Bent & Lennon + Cash I would

Comment 94, made on April 07, 2009 at 2.52 pm

timao said:

... goldie - young is one of the best players in the league, you don't improve a team by swapping one good player for two average ones.

Comment 95, made on April 07, 2009 at 3.25 pm

George Templeton said:

... Thanks for this post. Yes it is unlikely that Villa can overcome Arsenal for 4th, but we are still entitled to dream. And I would point out that Villa had a bad run in March last year and then finished the season pretty well (3 W, 2D, 1L after March last season). Now Villa will probably have to win nearly every match, but the schedule is favorable after the Everton match. So I for one will hold out a very small hope. Lets begin by matching our performance of the first 75 minutes against ManU with 90 more minutes of that against Everton on Sunday.

Comment 96, made on April 07, 2009 at 3.41 pm

Gooner1 said:

... Damian, it was a good post. At least it revoked a debate, and if it wasn't the Easter holidays at school it would have probably been more interesting. At the end of the day, 100% of Gooners would rather be having this debate with Villains than the inbreds on the shit side of Seven Sisters. Good luck to you and yours fella, I personally believe that this year would be too soon for you in the C.L but you never know.

Comment 97, made on April 07, 2009 at 3.45 pm

Damian said:

... Gooner1 Thanks and I agree, next season might be too soon, but that raises another thing, which I won't go too deeply into, but it we did get in, money would need to be made available if we were to stand any chance and not just treat it like we treated the UEFA Cup this season, but if we don't get in - then money also has to be made available to get us there and to allow us to compete in the Europa LDV next season, assuming we finish in the top six. Either way, as Aston Villa supporters, we're going to see something this summer in terms of what the agenda really is for our club. So, while this season might be too early for us, next shouldn't be ... hopefully.

Comment 98, made on April 07, 2009 at 3.49 pm

adam curley said:

... off topic but does anyone know anything about a player called Alvaro Negredo we are being linked with

Comment 99, made on April 07, 2009 at 3.52 pm

Damian said:

... This is all I've got .. http://www.thevillablog.co.uk/...phrase=all

Comment 100, made on April 07, 2009 at 4.03 pm

Notts Villan said:

... When it comes to actually winning a European cup both Arsenal and Chelsea are in our Shadow. It must be hard for them having spent all that money on trying to win it and failing so many times. The reason why so many Arsenal fans are coming on OUR blog is because they are genuinely worried that there is still the possibility that they can finish outside the top 4 this season and they see us as a threat. At the end of the day, 4th spot is Arsenals to lose now though. The pressure is on them. I think we'll do Everton on Sunday (we are due a good home result and also will be up for taking revenge for the FA cup defeat at their place). I think getting a good result against Everton will give us the belief and the push we need to take Arsenal to the wire. One thing we can take from this season is that nothing can be taken for granted.. there are still some twists and turns to come yet.

Comment 101, made on April 07, 2009 at 4.53 pm

adam curley said:

... cheers damo

Comment 102, made on April 07, 2009 at 5.04 pm

rockyvilla said:

... What a great post Damo, if only for all the debate its generated. Have really enjoyed all the sensible gunners comments as well as our own.I think we lost our chance of catching them with our dip in form. A chance that was only presented to us through their injury crisis.MON is right to target 4th we have more chance in cementing 5th that way.Looking up is optimistic, looking down is negative. Our main priority is to finish at least 5th.This might not be enough to persuade Barry to stay, but is, i feel where we belong at this stage of our development.Qualifying for CL would mean MON having to get a lot of CL quality players in very quickly, not one of his strengths so far!. 5th should allow us a better pick of the players not wanted by the top 4,but we need to show we can compete wage wise with them to show our ambition.

Comment 103, made on April 07, 2009 at 5.42 pm

Michael said:

... its all well and good saying that arsenal have only dropped 2 points against the big 3 up until now, its like saying villa took 4 points off arsenal, 1 point off pool and 1 point off man u before there bad run, its all in the past and whats ahead that matters, and as arsenal have been poor this season, then i cant see them having the good run against the big 3 twice in one season. if villa had the same fixtures as u do at the end then i would concede 4th place, and possibly even 5th but we dont, after everton we play teams either in the bottom 3, fighting relegation or playing for mid table mediocraty. for villa i predict 17 points from th last 17 games, for arsenal i predict 11 so id say it will go down to goal difference and unfortunately you wil beat us by atleast 10goals, which will kep your team happy for next season when really we know that arsenal are scraping to finish where they want to be and villa are knocking on the door to a place where they didnt aim to be until 2010. as for everton, i predict they will get 11 points in there remaining games, leaving them 8 points behind us in 4th.

Comment 104, made on April 07, 2009 at 5.47 pm

Mathew Dryhurst said:

... I actually think that Villa and Arsenal share many similarities. Formidable away, prone to underperform at home, attack with pace and strength with a solid midfield base, can have trouble closing games etc.. I think it is too easy to draw the conclusion that Arsenal are a 'better' side, although undeniably there are some players in their squad that would challenge for a place on any team on the planet. I think that two things are telling. First, the games between the two sides this season have been vastly entertaining and highly competitive. Villa edged those games, but Arsenals injury list wins them greater sympathies in my book. Secondly, it would be interesting to tally the points earned by both teams against the same opposition, home and away, while disregarding points won in games that the other side has not yet played - for example the points Villa have dropped against the top 3 and points dropped by Arsenal against Bolton, Hull etc... I would wager that we would be about dead even. The season is absolutely not over yet. Any thoughts?

Comment 105, made on April 07, 2009 at 6.19 pm

bob said:

... "timao said: ... i don't see any point in fuelling antagonism between villa and arsenal fans - good luckto villa, i'd rather see them in the top four than chelsee, man u or liverpool. but when looking at our run in you should remember that Arsenal we drew against Liverpool under the most adverse conditions imaginable while the Villa basically chucked in the towel under a 5 nil drubbing. You need to be quite a historian to dig out the last time the Arsenal lost 5-0 to anybody and it is a reflection of the relative qualities of both teams and their ability to cope with pressure." closer to home than 70s damian arsenal not so long ago got battered 6-0 to manure in the first half with a hat-trick from one dwight yorke i for get the exact year but it cannot be more than 10 years ago!

Comment 106, made on April 07, 2009 at 6.38 pm

bob said:

... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QALY0kbJWzs 6-1 sorry

Comment 107, made on April 07, 2009 at 6.41 pm

Damian said:

... good work that bob i´m going to go watch the footy now

Comment 108, made on April 07, 2009 at 7.39 pm

Ken Bonker said:

... Well my money, what bit I have left after paying the lekkie bill, would be on Arsenal, we've blown it, no way back now, and we will be overtaken by Everton. As for MON learning from his mistakes, don't think so, if he thinks he's right, nothing will budge him, eg: his insistence on having players out of position, his view is a footballer should be able to play in any position, I always thought it was better to play them too their strengths, what do I know. Also his transfer buys, get cheap players and make them CL players? don't think so. But the biggest mistake was to play a weak side in Moscow to get out the uefa cup, how did the players react to that? they haven't won since, so I think we now know.

Comment 109, made on April 07, 2009 at 8.00 pm

Phil said:

... To all you Arse n al fans, firstly look at the score, valencia 1 up !!! secondly What are you doing for the english national team?? teams like you and chelsea have ruined it, i had a liking for arsenal back in the late 80's early 90's now i just think its disgraceful that you hardly ever field one english player, its pathetic really, and to the one fan that says about gabby and ash diving, haha dont make me laugh look at the amount of your players that dive around, every player on the field including lehman when he was in goal for you. And as for wenger, well like a typical frenchman will never admit if he is wrong, whenever you lose, he will not accept you were out played in the interviews its always well the ref didnt see this or that, or we should've had a free kick or a penalty, If we are beaten by a better team at least we admit it. So lets just see what happens at the end of the seaon, im not saying we're going to take 4th from you but who knows what will happen, just dont come on here saying we play long ball tactics cos we dont, if you thik that you havent watched us played that often, and dont come back saying ive seen the highlights cos whenever we play the top 4 bbc fail to show our best bits, i.e the 3 clear ON SIDE decissions that went against us on Sunday, its the same with all the commentators around on the bbc they scream and shout when one of the top 4 score, when a goal against them they almost mumble it unless its a screamer

Comment 110, made on April 07, 2009 at 8.15 pm

amnesiac101 said:

... Looks like arsenal could be bottling it right now, UTV

Comment 111, made on April 07, 2009 at 8.36 pm

Daniel Wilson said:

... Gallas & Almunia off injured for Arsenal at half time??

Comment 112, made on April 07, 2009 at 8.45 pm

James said:

... Good job you've got a big squad Arse. Following on from Beds... post, all those people on here saying we should be playing hard ball in the transfer market to keep up with the top 4, if that means going to the lengths SIR Alex does to sign young boys then I'll settle for 5th or 6th. Criminal.

Comment 113, made on April 07, 2009 at 8.55 pm

FKev said:

... I normaly agree with you damian, but this is pure hope fingers crossed & Rose Glasses. If we do win a few games we will only Bottle it again like we have every other time this season We talk big but act like leceister

Comment 114, made on April 07, 2009 at 9.44 pm

steve m said:

... off topic but i saw martin oneil filling up his merc at the new services at the end of the m40 this morning (southbound) He had two newly pressed shirts hanging in the rear. I thought he was off to that dinner tonight at Villa Park. Anybody any ideas on what he was doing heading south?

Comment 115, made on April 07, 2009 at 10.37 pm

Anthony Laud said:

... yeah arsenal really bottled there season tonight didnt they lol! quite the opposite they are prob now favorites out of the 4 sidea that played tonight to get to the final. lets face it we have bottled any chance of 4th - mon has made countless mistakes and f$cked up our season! lets juts hope we dont lose on saturday else West ham will come to villa park the week after harbouring hopes of finishing ahead of us!

Comment 116, made on April 07, 2009 at 10.51 pm

Woodinho said:

... I like it! Positive and hopeful although needlessly longwinded! Look at all the arse-bandits, pathetic twats!

Comment 117, made on April 08, 2009 at 1.12 am

Taj said:

... I feel like you guys villans are disrespect arsenal. I just can't believe we are villans rivals now!!! Believe it or not, we were not supposed to be in this situation if it wasn't because of last season's disappontment that affect our players not winning PL trophies despite leading pretty much the whole season. Get over we ain't your type. We gonna finish 3 not 4th.

Comment 118, made on April 08, 2009 at 4.13 am

George Templeton said:

... Well in terms of Villa's hopes for fourth, tonight could not have gone better. ManU's draw puts them in a position where they could be out (which allows them to concentrate more on the league) while Arsenal are in a good position to go through (which means more fixture congestion). Hopefully whenever ManU play the Gooners, ManU will be out of the CL and Arsenal will still be in. It would be even more helpful if Arsenal beat Chelsea in the FA Cup semi and Everton beat ManU.

Comment 119, made on April 08, 2009 at 6.40 am

Nick said:

... I think we will finish up 3 or so points behind Arsenal for 4th. I think they will drop a few points, but I dont think it will be enough for us to nab 4th. We will have to win out and get lots of help in order to finish 4th. That is a definite long shot, but like anyone with a brain knows, anything can happen. It is a possibility. Anyways every Villa fan should be happy with the season so far. We have shown a lot of growth and improvement over last season, and have played some fantastic football. Just look at some of the games we have been involved in, there is not a more entertaining team in this league. (And for the sake of our defense, i wish there were) The emphasis will now be on our young guys continuing their improvement and MON strengthening the first team this summer. I agree with Damian in saying this summer is massive in determining how far this club will go in the near future.

Comment 120, made on April 08, 2009 at 7.22 am

Tony19 said:

... funny how arsenal fans have just appeard out of their shell now. didnt hear anything of them when we were above them. probably wont when we go back above them aswell ;p

Comment 121, made on April 08, 2009 at 9.46 am

Damian said:

... steve m talk is that martin o'neill doesn't take training and is basically left to himself during the week when there are no games. he'll head over to bodymoor tomorrow or friday or maybe even friday or saturday as the game is at home and on sunday i don't know how true that talk is that he doesn't actually get involved in training .. but that was the talk 2 shirts though .. makes you wonder

Comment 122, made on April 08, 2009 at 11.22 am

Mike F said:

... A six point gap is nothing-just look how fast we lost it! So why in the world would anyone think we can't close it? Arsenal play 8 games in April (to our 4) and still have to play the "big 3". Also, our last 6 games are winnable. Even though we lost Sunday we looked better than we have in a long time so I still have high hopes for the remainder of the season. UTV!

Comment 123, made on April 08, 2009 at 5.34 pm

ideket said:

... Villa did really well this season. Hopefully they'll do better in building upon it than Spurs did when they almost grabbed 4th. But next season Arsenal will be much stronger and hungrier.

Comment 124, made on April 13, 2009 at 11.29 pm

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