Night Game

By Boris Mellor
February 21 2008

Arsenal had at least 16 shots in this game; I did not count more than half a dozen for the Italians. The Gunner's did not create half chances either, they were, on at least a few occasions, gaping wide goal mouth kind of chances, but most were poked lamely straight at the keeper. The most dramatic of all was Ade's header in injury time, which was kept out by a few millimetres of woodwork.

  From where I was sitting, above the North Bank goal, I could not believe it had not gone in, and Ade could not believe he had missed. That was the kind of night it was, I just had the feeling we would not score, a friend had text me a while before, "I'm getting worried we need a goal", I replied that we must not concede.

 I don't believe it

I no longer believed we would score, it was one of those nights, but at least we could avoid the sucker punch.

Clean Sheet is Key
The Arsenal crowd were up for the game, and encouraged the team until the last, and applauded the team off; but there was an air of disappointment at the finish. However, the Gunners did not concede; and with away goals counting double that is an advantage of sorts. Score one goal and Milan have to score two. In addition, Arsenal have often been at their worst when defending a goal lead away. There is no confusion over what they have to do, they will have to attack, but so will Milan.

Milan played some fine football last night, but their main aim was to keep the ball and not concede. They will not be able to do that at the San Siro, unless Arsenal foul up and concede early.

Missing RvP

Last night was what Europe is all about - playing the giants of the game, and they do not come bigger than AC Milan, and maybe that's why our strikers fluffed their lines. I am sure RvP would have put one chance in, that is all that was required, just one.

Ade has done a great job in the league, and I am one of his most fervent supporters, but at only 23, he needs to step up just a little bit more to show he can do it in Europe. However, he was part of a 4-5-1 formation that ensured a clean sheet, but perhaps that did not quite give him the chance he wanted. Nonetheless, a player of RvP's skill and composure could. I just hope the Dutchman can get a start before the next leg. However, whether he does or not Arsenal still have a great chance to progress. It is not over yet.

For a large selection of Arsenal Books, DVDs, PC games AND MORE at Bargain Prices visit the Arsenal Times Store CLICK HERE

Ade Bar None - Milan None

Discussion started by Arsenal Times , 21/02/2008 18:02

Arsenal Times
21/02/2008 18:02

Ade Bar None - Milan None

Reply Quote Report

ArsenalForever
21/02/2008 18:33

like i said adebayor is no henry

4-5-1 worked wonders for us in the 2005-2006 cl because we had a player like henry in the team

adebayor needs a partner and lets hope wenger realizes that

Reply Quote Report

Padre Pio
21/02/2008 18:54

Well he had Eduardo

Reply Quote Report

ArsenalForever
21/02/2008 19:01

eduardo was more of a winger yesterday

i didnt see eduardo really attack anywhere close to the 18 yard area which was why we had so many shots outside the box

we need adebayor to play just behind eduardo...we did the opposite yesterday

Reply Quote Report

Optimistic Gunner
21/02/2008 19:04

Agreed AF.

Reply Quote Report

80'sGoona
21/02/2008 19:11

I honestly feel that if rosicky and rvp both come back, ac wont be able to handle us. not being cocky but the way we can break at speed, i know we can do it.

Ade indeed has done great, but there no denying that rvp is our best striker/player.

Reply Quote Report

Padre Pio
21/02/2008 19:13

Eddy had a good shot that just went over the bar

Reply Quote Report

Emad
21/02/2008 19:22

Good article, Wenger got his tactics spot on y'day. As padre said, it just wouldn't go in for us. On another night we could have won 2-0. We all know Ade could have scored a goal in the end and then we wouldn't even be talking about this.

Reply Quote Report

mapleleafgooner
21/02/2008 20:41

Emad: I disagree that Wenger got his tactic right. We are the home team and the onus is on us to score goals though not conceding was just as important. It is too much to expect Ade as a lone striker to take on the masters of defence. Eduardo was playing on the left wing but his midfield contribution and support for Ade was negligible. Our quartet of Cesc, Helb, Flamini and Eboue outplayed the Milan midfield. So it would have been more effective if Eduardo had played closer to Ade for striker support in a 4-4-2 formation. By playing Eduardo out on left wing in a 4-5-1 formation, he was neither contributing to the midfield nor to supporting Ade. In any case, Eduardo is penalty box striker, not a left winger.

Reply Quote Report

AFC4life
21/02/2008 21:58

lets be realistic.

We played well vs Milan-shoulda won but hit d bar in injury time. Senderos came on for Toure - and had another good game. Flamini carried on his outstanding form, the rest of the players did what we expect them to do Eboue over exaggerating, inability to shoot or play a decent pass.

Walcott was another plus. He has looked poor at times this season, but beating his man putting in a great cross has gunners fans saying why was he not brought on earlier, rather than the usual Walcott is crap.

Now, people time for the truth...

One of RVP or Rosicky has to go. I dont care how much ability RVP has or how could he 'could' be. Bottom line is he DOES NOT play. This is a ridiculous situation to be in. There is no point having a player who gets injured after a small run of games.

We need a reliable striker in who can play AND score. We desperately need RVP in this title run in. If he cant play we might as well sell him in the summer.

Remember, I'm by no means saying he's a bad player, but its having a negative effect on the time that there is this potential game changer in the squad who could do this could do that....but he does not do anything cause he doesnt play!

Reply Quote Report

Padre Pio
21/02/2008 22:26

They made 16 chances against some of the best defenders in Europe so how did Wenger get that wrong?

He cant come on the pitch and put the ball in the net

Reply Quote Report

AJ The Gunner
22/02/2008 13:45

when everyone says milan got the result they came for i can't help but wonder.had we a ruthless finisher milan would have been skined alive.but like they say when you don't take your chances you would be made to pay.but then milan didn't score.this won't be a celtic extra time winner for milan at the san siro.as long as no player gets injured and rosciky and rvp returns we can do it.no nigerian football pundit has given us a chance.we are clearly the underdogs.

Reply Quote Report

H.C
22/02/2008 13:46

It was a magnificent game of football for a start off. I thought Ade had a good game. He was asked to chase a lot of balls in the first half as Arsene had clearly told Fabregas et al to hit it long and bypass Milan's two banks of four. Ade did well here - never gave the Milan defenders a minute's rest and chased everything

In the second half we saw the ball into his feet a lot more as the midfield stepped forward a few yards and we played some wonderful football.

For sure Ade should have netted at the finish, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if he scores in Milan. I think the fellow is getting better and better.

My overriding impression of the game was simply that it was an absolute pleasure to watch - proper high class football and lots of smiles and respect on both sides

Nothing to say we can't go over there and get something, but give me three points tomorrow before anything else.

Reply Quote Report

Padre Pio
22/02/2008 16:07

Here here.

Reply Quote Report

negotiator
22/02/2008 23:26

arsenal can do it

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net