1st leg Champions league conclusion.

Now that it has been nearly a week I think it is time to comment on this game. In essence I thought Arsenal were more than good value for at least a 1-0 lead to take to Italy. Milan came to defend firstly and try to get something from the game, Arsenal contained the Milan midfield very well and were more than dominant but in European football everything is at a much more magnified level, chances dont come as often and it is hard to be as physically imposing as you can in the premier league. This game produced little in the first 35 minutes, Arsenal were dominant but Milan were comfortable defending very well, then the opportunity came a few minutes before half time. A quick one two opened up the Milan defence a simple pass from Adebayor to Fabregas would have seen the young spaniard through on goal with just the keeper to beat. The pass was a very bad one and the chance was gone.
Second half resumed and Nesta had to go off injured, it was at this point that Arsenal really took control of the game creating opportunities almost at will but due to some poor finishing or some last ditch defending the game remained at 0-0. Most of the shots played straight at the keeper, as the second half wore on Arsenal got stronger and stronger and Milan's older legs grew more tired. Arsenal were now pushing for the first goal of the tie, as the game moved into the later stages Walcott came on and in the last seconds of the game he got to the byline and crossed to a relatively unmarked Adebayor. From the picture above you can see Adebayor hit the post perhaps hindered by the slight tug on his shirt. So it ended 0-0.

For the second leg a 0-0 is not a bad result...it will be hard to play in a hostile environment but the prospect of getting an away goal may be enough to put the team through. I expect another cagey and tense first 60 minutes and then for the game to open up and this is when the tie will be decided. It will be tough and I had hoped for at least a goal lead to take to Italy but this team still has an outstanding chance to go through.