ndrwtrvrs

Oh the chances. Arsenal came close tonight to getting the goals (plural) that would have made for a decisive advantage in this tie, but were left instead with a mixture of frustration but satisfaction too, having matched the Champions League holders all the way.

Despite losing Toure very early, Arsenal composed themselves quickly at the back, with Senderos delivering the sort of commanding performance at centre half that makes you wonder whether he might yet make it. The game was surprisingly open for me, alarmingly so in the mid to late second half when it became end-to-end.

Arsenal’s ambition was heartening, but Milan were a last-ditch tackle away from scoring on more than one occasion. That said, it was Arsenal and not the champions who carved out the best of the chances. Adebayor missed a chance in the dying moments that only Adebayor could contrive to miss. He worked tirelessly, often with poor service – Fabregas was, again, particularly guilty in this respect – and poor support from a quiet Eduardo.

The return in the San Siro is wide open. Arsenal proved tonight that they can create chances against Milan, but not that they can take them. An away goal in a fortnight will swing the tie heavily in Arsenal’s favour. In some respects this scenario, with Arsenal having to play their natural game affords more optimism than them attempting to ‘shut up shop’.

Plenty to be optimistic about – the most important thing tonight was achieved. Milan didn’t score.

Comments

Commenting is closed for this article.

Previous article: I ♥ NY

Next article: Does anybody win in Microsoft v Yahoo?