Ratings & Reactions: Villa v Arsenal

[Sulberto21]

Excellent excellent win. Very good changes too although I don't think Traore should have gone off. Maybe put him in the centre? But Barkley's performance on the ball in the second half was good. Off the ball we still need more maybe it's the formation. 

Watkins was effing magnificent. Cash, Konsa, Mings especially and Targett were superb. And when they did get in Emi was there. 

Nakamba well done top stuff.

[Brumstopdogs]

LOL

[osmark86]

shoutout for SJM performance. he worked his bollocks off this game and did very well!

[stewiek2]

Solid win that. We're far better second half than first half and could have had more goals. For all Arsenal's possession they had **** all up front. Watkins, Mings, Cash and Targett were excellent.

[The_Steve]

Fantastic defensive performance. Towering stuff from everyone.

We defended and kept our shape despite some relentess Arsenal pressing.

Ross had a pretty good first half, but faded again. Some questioned the Ramsey sub, but his energy was a big difference, we kept our shape and could continue to break at speed.

Trez did very well. We needed his defensive play.

Selfless performance from Jack up and down the pitch despite the best efforts of Arsenal to kick lumps out of him - he also kept Saka quiet.

Watkins is just so good, unlucky not to score more today, but took his goal so well.

Traore is a wizard but should have scored after that amazing turn. Subbed at the right time.

McGinn back to his best today.

Nakamba did well and didn't deserve his booking.

[Sulberto21]

Just now, Mantis said:

Yet another solid win. We really are on a different planet to last season.

Targett on fire again.

[OutByEaster?]

Grafted. Not always easy to watch and Arsenal will feel they should have got something out of it, but we earned the points with the effort we put into protecting our lead.

I thought Cash was outstanding, the back four were really, really good, but for me Watkins was man of the match, the effort he puts in, week in, week out is extraordinary he's a dynamo, he never stops running - he gives us a first line of defence and a great outlet, he's brilliant.

In midfield we're still not quite right, Nkamba did very well again and I think will be pushing to start games, McGinn also was back on form, Barkley for me isn't in the game enough and isn't doing enough when he is, but he's playing a strange role and I'm not sure the shape is right with him in the side. 

What's noticeable is that where teams are now closing down and doubling up on Grealish, his fitness means that after about an hour he starts to find space and run them. Traore tires a little bit in games but he's fun to watch and Trez is great off the bench with the extra energy he brings.

Decent performance, but a very good three points.

 

[The Other Mat]

Just now, DJ_Villain said:

When was the last time we beat Arsenal twice in a league season?!

The first premier league season I think... 92-93?

[Robtaylor200]

I can say it now MINGS MOTM, great game for him all defence were tremendous. Martinez gives them the finger with another clean sheet. Took the chance when we had it 

Great result for us. great result 

[Designer1]

We weren't at our best, Jack had a quiet game and yet we've just beaten Arsenal.

Let that sink in for a second. Massive progress.

[SuperTed]

Said it in the match thread and I’ll say it again, I criticised Mings after the Burnley match, perhaps unfairly but he was brilliant today! Well done Ty and well done lads! 
 

On another note, big big love and respect to you all for your kind words and comments for my second cousin Lee in the match thread. Hopefully all our lads who are unwell come out of this bad spell with a Villa team pushing for Europe! 
 

Villa Forever!

[gwi1890]

Back 5 where great,Nakamba had a good game to,  Traore was busting his gut in the first half pressing well and should have scored. Ref was inconsistent and you could tell he wanted Arsenal to score

[Osirus]

[Rodders]

was very critical of the team sheet before hand, but very pleased with the result. Defended very well, and had chances on the break. Particularly pleased to see earlier subs too, Ramsay and Trezeguet worth more time on the pitch too. Though we now have weeks in between games so that will help. Barkley could be benched too, not sure why he was upset at coming off. 

[Vive_La_Villa]

Massive reaction which I said in the pre match thread I thought we would get. They really dug deep against a good team, well done to them. Mings superb!

Also a **** you to some of our own fans that seem to love to write us and Smith off whenever we lose a game. You know who you are. 

Edited February 6, 2021 by Vive_La_Villa

[TheMightyVillans]

Mings and Cash incredible. Should have scored another in the 2nd half. Think we were lucky to hold on first half but deserved the win after 2nd half performance.

Edited February 6, 2021 by TheMightyVillans

[Talldarkandransome]

4-0 aggregate double over these lot makes for lovely reading 

[The_Rev]

Defended like trojans. Mings, Targett, Cash, Watkins, Nakamba & Grealish all excellent today.  We had a little bit of the shithouse about us today and we needed it.  For all of Arsenal's pressure they didn't really do much we couldn't cope with.  10/10 all round, and finally the team get a few days off to recover from this insane run of fixtures. 

[Greenfly]

A full week's rest before the next game as well. That was probably the toughest run of fixtures we'll face this season, and we managed 9 from a possible 18. I'd say that's not bad, all things considered.

[The_Steve]

2 minutes ago, osmark86 said:

The ref was being a total dick this game. the yellow on Grealish was completely inexplicable.

I counted so many fouls not given, which really benefited Arsenal in the turnovers.

Xhaka is totally allowed to karate kick Jack though.