Arsenal vs. AC Milan Highlights - Late Adebayor miss means there’s work to do in Italy
Posted by Arsenalist on February 19th, 2008
Adebayor’s header at the end would’ve been nice but in the end we have nothing to show for dominating the game. A win at the San Siro will be difficult but if there’s one thing Arsenal know after this game, it’s that they have what it takes to beat Milan. As the boss himself said, we were a little nervous in the final third and deserved at least a couple goals. Toure’s early injury looked to be a setback but Senderos filled in nicely, Fabregas was awesome and Hleb magnificent. Milan were backtracking for the better part of the match only choosing to attack when Arsenal chose to take a break from their onslaught.
The best chance of the evening fell to Adebayor in the closing seconds but his open-net header hit the crossbar. He should’ve scored. Earlier in the match, his five yard pass was too strong which would’ve been a sure Arsenal goal. The big man did cause Milan problems all game long with his size, but never connected on any of the tempting crosses from Sagna or Hleb. The introduction of Bendtner to add some height saw the largely ineffective Eduardo taken out but he couldn’t free himself for any clean headers. Theo Walcott, an injury time introduction, created the final Adebayor chance and got around his defender with ease. Wenger will be sure to use this weapon nicely in the away leg.
Kaka was held in check and Arsenal played smart football on the back-line never allowing Milan and the dangerous Alexandre Pato any room to create. Jens Lehmann didn’t have to do much but his quick outlets, confident clearances and leadership in the back was a welcome sign. Lest we forget, Jens is still a good goalie.
Arsenal tie 0-0 but dominate against the mighty Italians. In two weeks time, this young Arsenal squad will play the biggest game of their lives. After dominating AC Milan for a large portion of this contest, we have the confidence we need to pull of the first ever win by an English club against AC Milan in the hostile atmosphere that is the San Siro. It’s time for the Gunners to pull of yet another Italian Job, just like they did years go against Inter Milan.
Match Highlights Download
[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=N9zGBUSHmUc]
Arsene Wenger Post Match Interview (Audio’s a bit off) Download
[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=i_9axZdDgCM]
Starting Lineups and Introduction Download
[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=UHBE2V2lzMA]
February 19th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Clicky clicky clicky. Loving your work, brotha
February 19th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
G’day bud,
The blog has become regular reading for me as both a hardcore gooner and a casual raps fan, so I’m glad to support you with a few clicks.
Here’s hoping Arsenal do what the Scousers did today and come back hungry after a humiliating result at the weekend.
Up the arse!!
February 20th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
I am watching the match against Milan in my new Adebayor Jersey # 25 !!!
DAMN!! Emmanuel nearly scored!
February 20th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
He screwed up that 5-yard pass though, that would’ve been a sure goal.
February 20th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Ade’s header hit the bar????? damn!
February 20th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Disappointing result, should have had a goal or two in the bag.
Not ready to give up on the tie by any means, but we definitely could have used the lift, outplaying teams and not scoring was Arsenal’s trademark last year and it pretty much ruined the season.
February 20th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Thanks Arsenalist.
February 27th, 2008 at 6:17 am
it,s a good team arsenal