All Milaned up

Right then, here we go, the most prestigious club event in world football is back upon us. In which Europe’s finest sixteen go head to head in a knock out stage from now till the final. This stage of the competition is by far the most exciting in football, put two or three wins together and before you know it your there, in the final. Easier said then done mind you. The changes in the set up of the competition in recent years, what with the initial group stage, the allowance of second, third, even fourth placed teams allowing to qualify for the competition has seen the tournament continue to grow in attainment every season. The standard of football and importance of the competition is greater then any other football related event – the World Cup and European Championships included. The football played by all remaining sides in this competition is an absolute joy to watch – whether it’s in the manner of how we secured a 1-0 win at The Bernabeu on route to Paris in 2006; or whether its how we grinded out a 0-0 away draw to a surging Villarreal onslaught in the same year. With all 32 teams having finished in the top 4 of their domestic league, by trade they specialize in attacking football, scoring goals, and not conceding – it’s a tournament made up of the best, and only the best. I’m beginning to dribble. What an opening paragraph. The Telegraph here I come…

I watched Liverpool secure a late 2-0 win against Internazionale last night, but with five minutes to go, I was all but praising the way Inter were holing out – especially after losing possibly their most influential player just after the half hour mark. Whilst watching, it suddenly hit me, our attacking players need to be at the very top of their game, our clever intricate passing game needs to be at its very best in order to penetrate a Milan back line which should read something like Oddo, Nesta, Kaladze, and Jankulovski maybe?? The days have gone for Milan where Cafu used to tear up the right, after all he’s 127 now. Maldini’s still about also, but he’s even older, 137. A midfield four of Ambrosini, Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf if all are fit, with no doubt Kaka playing off either Inzaghi, or Gilardinho. But with Kalac, and Dida both out injured, 38 year old Valerio Fiori, who has played a grand total of just your 3 games in 7 seasons lines up in goal for the Rossineri this evening – shoot on site I hear you say, oh yes!

Injury news for The Gooners and we have no less then 6 players back Clichster, Flamster, and Adebayorster ??? all return to the starting line up, and by putting “ster” on each of the end of their surnames makes them sound a whole lot dangerous, more potent, and way to cool for school. Sagna returns, who I have heard has suffered a tragic serious unexpected death in his family in the last week or so. I’ve heard one thing, I’ve heard another, but I won’t say exactly what because I don’t know exactly, what ever the situation though, all our thoughts are with the right back… and what a right back he is. Sags and Clich are so important to our first team, as talented and as much potential as Hoyte and Traore have, they are some way of the Frenchies. Denilson returns the squad, as does Theo. How ever Rosicky and Van Persie miss out yet again – Come on guys, let’s get some games out you both from now till May. I hear every 2 or 3 weeks Van Persies 2 or 3 weeks off from recovering, I just don’t get it. Be nice to have them both back for Birmingham this weekend, but I’m as clueless as you on that one?!

So a 5 man midfield looks odds on tonight, with us trying to control the game in the middle of the park with the hope we can stop Milan's “play” players from playing. Keep the ball away from Seedorf, Pirlo, and Kaka – which is why I believe Gilberto will be used holding. His performances have been less then average this season, and I know its frustrating, but he has to perform, after all, we need him to, yes Gilberto we need you still, tonight, the next game you play, right the way through to May, we still need you bro. His job will no doubt be to sniff out Kaka, whilst both Flamini and Cesc shall be putting their boots in Pirlo and Seedorf. Rene Gattuso will no doubt be doing a similar job on Hleb, and who ever we decide to play on the right – Got a strong feeling it will be that c*nting Eboué the c*ntish c*nter – who really needs to stop c*nting about now.

Eboué’s antics were unacceptable, not just on Saturday, since he’s been at the club really. As much talent as he does have, he has all the potential to be a top class winger, but he’s wasting it with every game he plays, he’s a joke. He cheats, dives, feigns injury, and every blog I’ve read this week has slaughtered him. One thing though – he still plays for Arsenal. As much as we all dislike him and perhaps want him out in the summer, what will do if he scores tonight?? Sit there cross armed, tutting, hurling abuse at him?? No, were celebrate, jump for joy, and punch the air, whilst dry humping the air in delight. I’m not sticking up for him by any means, I want him out, but if he plays which I think he will, I’ll still get behind him. Let’s hope he puts the controversy which surrounds him every game to one side, and has a go at Jankulovski, or Kaladze, or who ever Milan's left back is; runs at him, swinging in a cross or two for Ade to threaten.

This game has come perfect timing after a humiliating defeat Saturday in my opinion, there’s been no time to reflect on the game, the next day maybe, but since Monday morning all the talks been Champions League football, it’s benefited us hugely, and hopefully the players have forgotten about it. Tonight’s a different game, in a different competition with different players – so by no means do we expect to use Saturday as an excuse. I don’t, I’m over it, and I was over it at half time to be fair. Man Utd fans could only sit there in silence Saturday as screams of “we’re be back to win the league” and “We are top of the league” were chanted during the second half, and let’s hope rightfully so! Ha!

A win tonight, and a win Saturday would put Saturday gone behind us. Completely. Forever. Forgotten. Forgot what? Huh?? Who?

Come on you Gooners, turn it on…

Until next time, keep it red.

By Scott Davis