So near, yet so far. The impossible dream almost became reality last night as Arsenal fell agonisingly short of the most astonishing European comeback of all time, as the San Siro debacle eventually proved too high an obstacle to overcome.
The Line Up
Injuries to Ramsey, Coquelin, Arteta, Wilshere, and Diaby deprived Wenger of a great deal of choice in the line up, with Oxlade-Chamberlain being asked to play alongside the rejuvenated Rosicky ahead of Song, with the familiar front three of Gervinho, RVP and Walcott up front. The defence had a familiar look, with Gibbs continuing his road to recovery at left back.
The injuries in midfield denied Wenger options on the subs bench, with Chamakh and Park the only attacking options available.
Gary Neville Loves The Ox
Since breaking into the first team in January, Oxlade Chamberlain has gone from strength to strength, and is beginning to look a certainty for England this summer. Having started his Arsenal career on the wing, he played last night in an attacking midfield position, and was an integral part of Arsenal’s first half domination. His positional awareness, for an 18 year old, is excellent and he stuck to his role brilliantly, never afraid to look for the ball and attack. It was his terrific delivery which created Koscielny’s goal, and his run at the nervous Mesbah which won the penalty from which Van Persie converted.
Arsenal’s attacking intent
Wenger’s teams are famed (and often criticised) for their ability to attack. Last night’s first half destruction of AC was the best performance all season, instigated by the drive from midfield of Rosicky and Oxlade-Chamberlain, and the runs from deep of Gibbs and Sagna. AC Milan could not handle our fluidity of movement or our desire, with supposedly world class players – Ibrahimovic, Robinho – looking disinterested.
Rosicky has really taken his game to a new level recently. Whereas before, he was looking tidy but ineffective, he is now looking to influence games with his clever passing and surging runs, and reminding the fans of the gifted playmaker that he was before his long term injury in 2008. Providing that he can maintain this level, Arsenal are well stocked in the centre midfield area, with the experience of Rosicky and Arteta complimenting the youth of Ramsay, Wilshere, Coquelin, Frimpong and Oxlade – Chamberlain.
Tiredness and fatigue ended our hopes
The second half never really got going for Arsenal. Van Persie’s chance apart, we didn’t create, with a number of knocks and general fatigue ultimately ending our hopes.
The situation was not helped by the lack of suitable replacements on the substitutes bench, with Wenger’s eminent distrust in Chamakh and Park the only reason why Oxlade-Chamberlain stayed on as long as he did.
Questions for UEFA?
Firstly, where do they find these referees? What is the qualifying assessment for referees to take charge of Champions League games? Too often, the refs come from small countries and they just don’t seem to have the experience to handle taking charge of such big games. Mr Skomina, last night, had a shocker – too many wrong decisions and yellow cards threatened to ruin the game.
Secondly, last night proved how fantastic football can be if played on a decent pitch. UEFA have a duty to act on football clubs who fail to produce satisfactory playing surfaces.
Thoughts for the future
Whilst last night was tinged with failure, and sadness, the past three games have restored pride in Arsenal and offered fans hope for the future. The emergence of Oxlade Chamberlain, couple with the inspired Rosicky add options and depth to the squad, whilst three of last nights back four (not Gibbs) would make most teams in the Premier League. Koscielny, in particular, is much under rated and is fast becoming my favourite player.
However, if last night taught Wenger anything, it’s that investment is badly needed in the squad this summer, particularly up front, with wide options (I’m not convinced by Gervinho) and support for Van Persie badly needed. Had we had better options on the bench last night, I am convinced that Arsenal would have ended up winning five or six nil.
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