All through this season The Arsenal have come up against a variety of teams in different points in the season and they have labeled them 'tests'. Well here we go again, if those were tests then the Champions League match up against champions AC Milan must be an exam. Without a win in the last four games and leaking goals for fun and that isn't healthy for a confident defence, the 'trauma' of Eduardo's shocking injury, Arsenal's resolve and character will be tested to the fullest.
There is much talk about The Arsenal's team spirit. Well team spirit, determination, resolve and of course clean sheets and goals is what is going to count tonight. I would say one thing, after the draw against northern monkeys Aston Villa on Saturday, Le Gaffer Arsène Wenger OBE explained that the lads were still under a cloud regarding Fast Eddie's injury. What I would say is this, you can either feel sorry for yourselves or use the incident as a launch pad and fight. I would choose the latter and I 'm sure the Crozilian hitman who is laid up at home wouldn't want you to to feel sorry for him - he would want you to come out fighting and be what you are - winners. OK the lads haven't won anything yet but the way Arsène Wenger has molded them and set their mentality you get my gist.
So onto the game, obviously being The Arsenal we have the usual sicknote waving shenanigans with messrs Tomáš Rosický (how we could of done with him tonight), Kolo Touré and Alex Song missing in action. However, one silver lining is that Robin van Persie is back amongst it, albeit on the bench. I reckon depending on how the game is panning out the most van Persie can expect to play is 30 minutes. Le Gaffer has already said he wont start van Persie but also it's not a risk to have him back. I'm an optimistic person but I would be more confident of the Dutch Master's return and turning a game if he had a run of games to get his touch, passing and match fitness 100%. However, I'm not writing him off, I just think chatting to fellow Gooners and reading various sites they're expecting a bit too much from Ol' Snake Hips on his latest comeback. Although we all know Le Gaffer is a wily character so you wouldn't be too surprised if van Persie played some 'behind closed door' games without anyone (i.e. the media) knowing a thing. Anyway that conspiracy theory aside, remember this is AC Milan we're talking about who's defence is tighter than a tartan monkey (that's a jock to you lot) in a pub. But I would rather have van Persie as a 'possible', if there was someone to do the business for The Arsenal and you had to put your house on it - Robin would be my pick.
Onto AC Milan who already started the 'Kaka is injured and is a doubt' ball rolling, well he's not, he'll be playing. One of Milan's better players who wont be playing (at the last proper check) is Clarence Seedorf and I can tell you I'm glad of that as the former Ajax and Real Madrid player has won more silver clutter than spurs have in all their years (OK, so that's not that hard). In fact the Dutchman has won four Champions League medals alone, so I'm glad to see the back of him. However young Brazilian Pato will be one to watch, he looked lively and dangerous in the first leg, although he did have the touch of the 'Eboué's' about him what with his time wasting and falling down as soon as he got a nudge.
As everyone knows no English team has ever won at the San Siro - lets see if The Arsenal can upset that record. But as we know The Arsenal don't have to win, a score draw would do the trick. I don't see The Arsenal being defensive at all, I don't think our defensive coach would either, but I expect Le Gaffer to go for the well rehearsed 4-5-1 with Togo hitman Manu Adebayor up top. Adebayor has been talking this game up as well and it's been well highlighted that the 24 year old hasn't hit the onion bag in any of our previous Champions League games, again this would be a good time to upset that record.
Not sure about you fellow Gooners but I'm nervous, I know when the boys play well and are at full strength they can sweep aside any team on earth - I'm just hoping they click tonight and this time tomorrow The Arsenal are still in two competitions.
Any road up, if you want to know a bit more regarding the possible team line ups and trivia, the folks at the Beeb have done all the stats and that malarkey, so have a butchers to get yourself up to speed. The Tale of the tape: AC Milan versus The Arsenal
Once you get there have a look through the different categories to make it easier to choose just which shirt you want. Is there a shirt you like but would prefer it in a different colour? Well have word via email (shop@allgoonerdup.com) and we'll see what we can do for you, see how helpful the staff are? Go on, have a butchers - The Allgoonerdup Shop
OK, competition time again folks and your chance to win a fantastic Manu Adebayor (without the Olympic dive) inspired t-shirt. All you need to do to win this fine bit of clobber is tell us this. When did Le Gaffer splash the cash to get the big Togo forward to these shores? Easy isn't it?
Send your answers, name and postal address plus your choice of t-shirt, colour and size to:
iwannafreebie@allgoonerdup.com
Competition closes Monday 24 March.
Good luck Gooners.
Table is correct from fixtures on week ending 2 March.
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Got something to rant about? Want to see what the discussion of the day is? Well jump on board The Allgoonerdup Forum and register if you haven't done so already and have your shout about Arsenal and general football topics.
Le Gaffer in 'Matty will sign shout: Arsène Wenger has said he is confident that Midfield Enforcer Mathieu Flamini will sign his contract extension and that a statement will be made soon. So locked doors and guns to the head it is then if we don't get a statement 'soon' chaps. Also linked to that story is that a mischief maker reckons if the Frenchman doesn't sign, Le Gaffer will tap up West Ham United's Mark Noble, hmm yeah right - must be his old man putting that story out... Lee Dixon reckons we can win it: ex-Arsenal man and Highbury Hero Lee Dixon believes The Arsenal can edge out AC Milan in the Champions League match up... That's your lot, we out of here, au reviour mon amis...
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