Date: April 2009

CL Semi-Final: Silver(ware) Lining to Arsenal’s Season?

Apr 27, 2009 by

Looking ahead to Wednesday’s first leg of the Champions League Semi-Final against current European Cup holders, Manchester United, Arsenal supporters are painfully aware that this is their club’s last chance to capture some silverware this season, ending a four year drought.

This will be the first time Arsenal faces United in a European match, and history suggests a contest for the ages, as the current champions have never been knocked out of European competition by an English side, while Arsenal have never been knocked out of European competition at the semi-finals stage. 

The odds seem to favor Manchester United, who have been building an impressive record of 20 home matches in the Champions League without a loss, while undefeated in 23 CL matches overall, but Arsenal go to Old Trafford full of belief that they can upset United.  Says Arsene Wenger, ”What is important on Wednesday is that we are at our best. When we are at our best we can beat everybody.”.

The Gunners will not have the benefit of their newest offensive spark plug, Andrei Arshavin, as he is cup-tied.  Robin van Persie and Gael Clichy remained injured and out for at least the first leg.  Silvestre is 50-50, also due to injury, but Arsenal’s defense should be bolstered by the return of their #1 goalkeeper, Manuel Almunia, back in the net this past Sunday against Middlesbrough, and Johan Djourou, who although a bit rusty, is said to be fully fit.

Pre-match thoughts? Line-ups? Keys to an Arsenal victory?  Have at it, you lot!

These Gunners run on Fabregas!

Apr 26, 2009 by

With a brace scored by Cesc Fábregas, Arsenal won comfortably today at the Emirates over a Middlesbrough side offering little in the way of resistance. While almost certainly securing fourth place in the Premiership, the Gunners did not appear to be looking past today’s match towards their Wednesday Champions League Semi-Final agaist ManUre.

With Ol’ Red Nose himself, Alex Ferguson looking on today, the match was never really in doubt.  ‘Boro had one or two chances, but ultimately were no match for Arsenal’s pace. Fergie’s probably counting his blessings that Arshavin is cup-tied, because despite not finding the back of the net today, the Russian worked his socks off, his sheer guile and clever passing on display for all to see.

Manuel Almunia returned in goal, but was never really tested, and one might argue that the Gunners really should have converted on several other chances. All in all, it was a solid win for Arsenal, who should feel pretty good as they head to Old Trafford mid-week.

“Expectorgate” Update

Apr 24, 2009 by

Unbelievably, the Football Association has charged Arsenal captain, Cesc Fábregas, in the now infamous incident, where that lying b**t**d, Hull manager, Phil Brown claimed the midfielder spat at one of his coaches following a match last month in which Arsenal defeated Hull, 2-1.

Cesc is actually facing two charges of improper conduct, the first is being on the pitch following a match he did not play in, and the alleged spitting. Phil Brown has also been charged with improper conduct for his comments about referee, Mike Riley, following the match.

Setanta is reporting Cesc has been given a 2-match suspension, while Brown will miss just one match. It should be noted that none of the other UK news outlets mentioned the ban, so it could be contingent on the club’s responses to the charges.  Arsenal has until May 12th to respond.