Ratings and Reactions: Villa 1-2 Arsenal

[bradarmstrong_]

If we played like we did in the second half for 90 minutes we may actually get more points at home.

[packoman]

Only positive was Benteke scoring.

[AVTuco]

Could Tekkers be back? Sure hope so. Would mean the world!

[osmark86]

I'm not that disappointed. they showed their true colors in the second half and I expect to see more of it in the near future.

[kevangrealish]

Nice to see an 18 year old in serge gnabry doing well for arsenal...

Lowton was class second half. Benteke looked very lively after his goal.

Also why wasnt marc albrighton or nicklas helenius introduced ?

A point would have been good tonight. But this result isnt great.

[AVFCforever1991]

Despite his defensive vulnerabilities, I think Lowton has to start purely because Benteke needs his deliveries... :-)

[Morpheus]

Much better in the last third of the game and it's **** amazing what crosses into the box will do.

Please note Lambert that when you have a quality target man then **** supply him. We need a quality wide player who can cross in the remaining window.

[VillanousOne]

Sorry to be Mr Negative but the game changed when Arsenal sat back and defended their lead. We had so much ball because they let us

It was only our shocking defending that let them into the game before that, we beat ourselves ultimately.

[GNeeUs]

2nd half was brilliant, shame we didn't knick another goal.

Did Bacuna play AM at some point? He seemed to be just behind Gabby & Benteke.

Guzan 7

Lowton 7

Vlaar 8

Clark 7

Baker ?

Luna 7

Westwood 6

KEA 6

Delph 7

Gabby 8

Benteke 8

Bacuna 7

[Swerbs]

Arsenal have got to be the most petulant rocket polishers in the Premier League.

[abdomlahor]

Crosses into the box cause problems. Who'd have thought it?

[JAMAICAN-VILLAN]

Positives: Concrete Ron, Bacuna, Benteke looked a new man after the goal.

 

Cons: Same old sloppy conceding and shite until the game is gone, when we inevitably start playing like a premier league side.\

 

Team desperately needs a lift, SHOW ME THE MONEY RANDY!

[maqroll]

Vlaar MOTM for me...

 

A tale of two halves tonight. Sadly, that second half performance will probably convince Lerner he doesn't need to spend.

[lapal_fan]

I thought we played okay first half, two minutes of madness cost us dearly.  Great effort in the 2nd half.

 

Overall, not a bad display.

 

Thought Vlaar was MOTM, only got caught out once on 80 mins.

[terrytini]

Once we just played by nature we were fine - the players clearly have fog in their heads, the easiest thing to happen and the hardest to get rid of.

Apart from 1 minute Guzan was untroubled, for possession lovers we had a lot against THE possession team, Vlaar was a rock what a difference it will make now with him back.

And the proof is there - we can play football.

[AVTuco]

Despite his defensive vulnerabilities, I think Lowton has to start purely because Benteke needs his deliveries... :-)

Why doesn't Lambert try Lowton on midfield with Bacuna as RB?

I just don't understand it.

[becks1876]

Negatives: we lost at home again.

positives: Benteke scored a great goal, less booing from the home fans.

 

MOTM Vlarr:

[abdomlahor]

 

Team desperately needs a lift, SHOW ME THE MONEY RANDY!

NO, you can have Grant Holt on loan.

 

Better in the second half, but only because Arsenal sat back. We still looked clueless at breaking them down.

[The_Steve]

Shows what a good side we can be when there's confidence to our play. Bereft of any in the first half. Although I thought we contained Arsenal better early on.

[MessiWillSignForVilla]

Sorry to be Mr Negative but the game changed when Arsenal sat back and defended their lead. We had so much ball because they let us

 

But before that, they didn't create anything, and only really broke through thanks to 2 horrendous mistakes. They may have sat back after their goals, but they weren't that threatening beforehand either.