Ade Bar None - Milan None
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 itI 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.
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
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
Ade indeed has done great, but there no denying that rvp is our best striker/player.
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!
He cant come on the pitch and put the ball in the net
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.