Chips with everything

By Boris Mellor
April 16 2009

Last week Patrick Barclay suggested that Arsenal had been lucky to end the first leg of the CL quarter final with ten men. It is possible that anyone reading his article might have thought that Patrick didn't rate Arsenal's chances that highly in the second leg. Indeed without the refs assistance Wenger's magic wand would not have worked and the Gunners would have left Spain defeated.

You can read his report of the first leg here .

Apology

However that is not the meaning that Patrick intended; what he really meant was that Arsenal have a squad that if kept together can only get better. Patrick is a great admirer of the exuberance of the Arsenal kids and he is shocked:

" to think some Arsenal fans were losing patience with Arsène Wenger a few short weeks ago; how lucky are the rest that he treats the dissidents' views with the scorn of a dictator. Arsenal are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, with Chelsea to play at Wembley on Saturday, and the Champions League, with the advantage of a second leg against United at home."

Thank goodness we have consistent support from Her Majesty's Press, for without it we would have to depend on the fickle nature of fans. Fortunately all was unity and light at the Emirates, with the fans behind the team and manager from the start.

The Match

Both teams wore black armbands in memory of the Hillsborough tragedy, and the crowd applauded a statement remembering the death of 96 Liverpool fans 20 years ago.

There wasn't enough time to get edgy for within ten minutes Walcott had scored. An outrageous back flick from Fabregas reached Theo; Walcott's chip appeared to be going wide but dropped in the net at the very last.

Villarreal have their chips

One goal was not enough, but Villarreal rarely threatened; for most of the game Arsenal were in control. Only one regular member of the back five was present, Kolo. Villarreal had hinted they would take advantage of the missing experience. It never happened.

Wenger had organised the midfield to keep possession, and Song to shield the defence. It worked so well that Arsenal rarely had to defend their goal.  Fabianski dealt with any threat with preemptive sweeping. Perhaps the Spaniards were missing Senna more than the Gunners missed Gallas, Djourou, Almunia, Clichy and Sagna.

I kept waiting for the real Villarreal to turn up - but they never did. On 60 minutes Adebayor dealt the death blow from RvP's precision pass. The game was over, the Walcott penalty was icing on the cake. Villarreal really flipped over it, which was probably evidence that they had lost it. Indeed their manager looked on passively as the rumpus went on.

Three nil down, and with only ten men Villarreal were often under threat of being overwhelmed.  The fact they were not probably had more to do with the fact that Arsenal have bigger fish to fry on Saturday than any resistance they put up.

Stress

I had expected to be stressed out by a tight European encounter, indeed Villarreal were unbeaten by Manchester United earlier in the competition. In fact it was so easy that I got stressed out wondering why I wasn't being stressed out, and fearing that there was a sting in the tail, which there wasn't and that added to the stress until we were kindly awarded a penalty.

Gentle Stroll

A gentle stroll with three goals without reply is the best possible preparation for yet another big seven days ahead. Pires departed the field acknowledging a standing ovation from the Arsenal faithful. I am glad Robert was able to enjoy the new Arsenal in such pleasant and atmospheric surroundings.

As Patrick Barclay has observed age and experience may be overrated. I will leave the last word to Patrick:

"The former United striker Giuseppe Rossi was, at 22, Villarreal's youngest starter. Arsenal had five younger than him - and another five on the bench. Truly this is a remarkable feat of team-building, even by Wenger's standards."

Patrick Barclay - an Apology- as Arsenal take Control

Discussion started by Arsenal Times , 16/04/2009 10:20

Arsenal Times
16/04/2009 10:20

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:18:09:02:39 by Padre Pio.

Reply Quote Report

H.C
16/04/2009 15:05

So I take it the Sack Wenger brigade have all fxxxed off?
Good.
Thought Ronnie O'Sullivan did well in goal

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Padre Pio
16/04/2009 15:55

Is that based on a look a like or is he good at snooker?

I cant stand the hypocrisy of reporters, at least fans genuiinely feel it. meanwhile reporters provide them with the custard pies and express horror when the fans throw them

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Gooner_Mike
16/04/2009 16:10

Well HC most said they would judge him by silverware come may, and I still will. Yes the team has improved but who's to say we wont end up with no trophys, finishing 5th spot in the league.

I still think Wenger played a very dangerous game this year, signings may not always be the answer but just how much has the signing of Arshavin galvanised this team. Had we not snapped him up belatedly then we could have been much the same as we were before christmas.

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Bring back stepanovs!
16/04/2009 16:15

good point h.g it aint all fine and dandy quite yet

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H.C
16/04/2009 16:49

Right,so unless we win something you lot are right and Wenger is wrong?
Jeepers.

Padre Fabs is a dead ringer for the troubled snooker genius

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Optimistic Gunner
17/04/2009 05:22

Quote:

H.C
Right,so unless we win something you lot are right and Wenger is wrong?
Jeepers.

Padre Fabs is a dead ringer for the troubled snooker genius

Nah Cesc is Sylar from Heroes.

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Padre Pio
17/04/2009 09:06

Doesnt HC mean Fabianski?

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H.C
17/04/2009 13:49

Yes - Fabianski and Ronnie O'Sullivan. Spot the difference

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Optimistic Gunner
18/04/2009 03:17

Quote:

Padre Pio
Doesnt HC mean Fabianski?

Oh right my mistake, I forgot that Fabs also applys to Fabianski.

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