Villa rescued a point at the Emirates Saturday evening in match that looked to be beyond redemption after Arsenal went 2-0 to the good. The outrage-despair machine is running at full capacity, and it’s fun to be part of the Gunners’ problems for a second year running.
Another tough fixture after a couple ‘easier’ ones that helped Villa find their feet again. Is it asking too much for Villa to log a second away win in a week? Maybe so. But if Tielemans is any guide, maybe the occasion will get the team’s attention from the off.
Another Boxing Day, another breakdown. Naturally it was disappointing, as was the officiating that contributed to it. That’s been much more the focus than the match itself, which is never a good thing.
Given other current events, I have to say I’m glad I managed to miss out on Villa’s losing streak while chasing around temples, castles, and gardens, and marveling at the audiovisual cacophony of Shibuya and Shinjuku and the beauty of autumn in the Japanese alps.
Returning to action today at Craven Cottage are Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana. Ezri Konsa, Jaden Philogene and John McGinn all make the bench. Good news. But the big surprise is Boubacar Kamara. That’s obviously very good news, while also pointing to the long road faced by Tyrone Mings.
