outlaw_member
Established Member
Milan 0-2 Arsenal, read the scoreboard after the 2nd Round Champions League match, reached it's climax. As the hordes of Milanista's exited the stadium, the traveling army celebrated victoriously, after witnessing the first ever English team to win at the San Siro, against AC Milan. The defeat of Milan, came as a surprise for most football fans but the two legged tie, painted a completely different picture, as the young Arsenal stars outgunned the Champions League holders. The deadlock was finally broken in the 83rd minute by Cesc Fabregas, after a host of missed chances looked like being Arsenal's achilles heel. Shortly after, Adebayor scored his 1st CL goal to make it 2-0 after some great play by subsitute, Theo Walcott. This was no less than what Arsenal deserved, as they ran the old and experienced Milan team ragged. For some, this result was the end of an era for Milan, whilst the start of one, for Arsenal. Milan, for long had been the best, the Champions League had to offer. Since the start of the decade, they had reached the final 3 times, whilst lifting it twice. For Arsenal, this was one of their greatest scalp's and a statement of intent, that the red boys from North London are to be avoided. The new generation were adamant in proving that they will not be chokers on the European stage, unlike their predecessors, and yesterdays victory went a long way to prove this. Milan were truly awful throughout both legs, and a lot was down to the way Arsenal persevered with their exquisite possession game, whilst displaying their new found powerful pressing, best embodied by Mattieu Flamini. The movement, technique and play was probably like looking at a younger version of yourself, for some of the Milan players. Amidst the glory, there was some despair, as Paolo Maldini played his last ever Champions League game. The 39 year old Italian, who will retire at the end of the season, has 5 Champions Leagues medals to his name and 6 if you count his father, Cesare. Paolo is as elegant, as a defender could get, rivalling the great Beckenbauer. Even at 39 he displayed a great piece of skill after nutmegging Sagna. Arguably the best Milan performer of the tie, he will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest players of all time.
After Arsenal's European exploits, the focus will now be back on the league. Wigan Athletic await Arsenal at the JJB stadium, as Arsenal look to maintain their fragile lead. Having drawn the last 2 league games, Arsenal will be looking to confirm there title winning aspirations. Only one point separates them from Man Utd, so the Gunners can no longer afford to slip up. With only 10 games left, and trips to Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge still remaining. The table toppers face an uphill task to hold on to top spot, which they have held throughout most of the season. Yesterday's victory, was exactly the boost Arsenal needed to help see them through to the end. With their form starting to stutter in recent weeks, victory against Wigan can put them back on the right track to winning the league. Over confidence is the only real weakness of the new generation, and this needs to be avoided if Arsenal are to overcome the Northerners.
Reaching the Quarter Finals of the Champions League and being top of the Premier League, has got many Arsenal fans dreaming of the elusive 'CL and EPL Double'. As First Team players like Robin Van Persie, Kolo Toure and Tomas Rosicky are close to returning, the Arsenal team will be stronger than ever, as they will be able to field there strongest eleven for the first time, in more than 5 months. If any Arsenal team can win this variation of 'The Double' its this one, as character and determination is the backbone of the team, whilst keeping in mind the quality that goes with it. The scary thing is that, this Arsenal team is way ahead of schedule.
After Arsenal's European exploits, the focus will now be back on the league. Wigan Athletic await Arsenal at the JJB stadium, as Arsenal look to maintain their fragile lead. Having drawn the last 2 league games, Arsenal will be looking to confirm there title winning aspirations. Only one point separates them from Man Utd, so the Gunners can no longer afford to slip up. With only 10 games left, and trips to Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge still remaining. The table toppers face an uphill task to hold on to top spot, which they have held throughout most of the season. Yesterday's victory, was exactly the boost Arsenal needed to help see them through to the end. With their form starting to stutter in recent weeks, victory against Wigan can put them back on the right track to winning the league. Over confidence is the only real weakness of the new generation, and this needs to be avoided if Arsenal are to overcome the Northerners.
Reaching the Quarter Finals of the Champions League and being top of the Premier League, has got many Arsenal fans dreaming of the elusive 'CL and EPL Double'. As First Team players like Robin Van Persie, Kolo Toure and Tomas Rosicky are close to returning, the Arsenal team will be stronger than ever, as they will be able to field there strongest eleven for the first time, in more than 5 months. If any Arsenal team can win this variation of 'The Double' its this one, as character and determination is the backbone of the team, whilst keeping in mind the quality that goes with it. The scary thing is that, this Arsenal team is way ahead of schedule.
