At Nyon, the final result of the draw.
[Photo: Getty Images via Soccernet]
Of all possible teams in Europe's elite competitions Arsenal drew today FC Barcelona. Again, the media will make one of those storms with Cesc return, Cesc and DNA, Cesc and robots, Cesc and Hitler, Cesc and Facebook and who know not. It is also the return of one of Arsenal's favourites, Thierry Henry.
What it appears more attractive, at least on paper is the clash of styles which are dubbed as "similar". I think, on a more personal basis that whoever gets through will have nearly one half trophy. Again, I must extend my hate for FCB. I want blood for what happened in Paris four years ago.
Denilson gives the early lead to the Gunners.
[Photo: Getty Images via Soccernet's Photo Gallery]
Reactions were varied to say the least. Arsene comments bordered between anxiety and reality. It was also a trip down to memory lane for the gaffer as he kept wining about the tie being 50-50, of Cesc and Messi and who knows what else.
Following the draw an immediate impressive amount of reactions came from all non-Arsenal quarters throughout Europe.
From Txiki Begiristain to Vicente del Bosque. Gerard Piqué, Barcelona's centre-back, made some statements too.
The mailbox from F365 had also some words from fans. Anyway, I just want to reiterate that I fucking hate Barcelona.
Vermaelen, astounded by the referee's decision.
[Photo: Getty Images via Soccernet's Photo Gallery]
After the Champions league draw the Gunners made a another comeback at the top of the Premier League table, as they beat the Hammers. In any case, the first half produced some wonderful football, mainly occurring on the West Ham end. It took the visitors only five minutes to break the Irons, and it was through Denilson who laid a low shot after some tough job. This early goal created expectation from the crowd; strangely, this dreamy stage appeared to give the home team that extra punch that in so many matches they have lacked.
The game of Zola's men was resumed to heavy challenges and a set of opportunities that managed to scare more than one spectator at the Grove. Again the Gunners relied on their lofty touch to weave different kinds of plays -some which, in the case of being scored would have paid the ticket for the local supporters- mainly by Arshavin and Bendtner. Reaching the thirtieth minute, the north Londoners were pushing so far to the edge their rivals that their defence, led by ex-Gunner Upson came to the rescue in no more than three times.
Near the end of the first period, Vermaelen made one of those doubtful tackles and obviously, my fellow countryman Franco went down. This was the actual turning point of the match, where the Gunners were with ten men expecting to Diamanti to score and take things to another level but the fact that Almunia saved halted the match and gave a tremendous psychological advantage to the home team, despite being with eleven men.
Another clean sheet from the Spaniard, here saving the spot kick.
[Photo: Getty Images via Soccernet's Photo Gallery]
With ten men infield, Wenger adjusted some things, including Song as the centre-half partnering Campbell. It took not really much for the Frenchman's eleven to see the product of Vermaelen's sent-off: the full power (if it can be called that) of the Hammers attack proved the Gunners defence. Nevertheless they withstanded it with resilience until the entrance of Diaby, in the 58th. His presence was required to balance the loss of control in the midfield section.
The imminent threat the Hammers posed was assured by the woodwork that Cole hit in the 78th minute. The home team made the Gunners suffer for at least the 80th until another penalty kick was awarded, this time after Upson handed in the edge of the box a lob from Cesc. The captain converted the penalty to give supporters a smile, and the travelling fans a rough travel to the other end.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment