rich boyGooner Whitey wrote:I will be in the el madrigal stadium COME ON ARSENAL!
have a good time fellas
Villarreal away
AW says we are "super outsiders" to win the CL.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009 ... ene-wengerThat Arsène Wenger can still bring himself to watch the re-run of the 2006 Champions League final, when his Arsenal team were 14 minutes from European club Âtriumph against Barcelona, speaks volumes for his single-mindedness. The passage of time, however, has done little to heal the wounds.
"I watched the game again recently and their equaliser was offside," he said of Samuel Eto'o's 76th-minute goal, which prefaced Juliano Belletti's winner four minutes later. "We were unlucky because we had chances to score a second goal. It was a huge disappointment. We lost with 10 men against Barcelona who were at the top of their game."
Wenger once again stands within striking distance of Europe's summit and familiar foes block his path. Villarreal provided the opposition in the 2006 semi-final when Arsenal squeaked through after Jens Lehmann's penalty save in the 90th minute of the second leg, and the Spaniards will seek revenge in this season's quarter-final, the first leg of which takes place tonight at El Madrigal, the club's tight and atmospheric stadium. Wenger would sign up for a repeat of the last meeting with one of Spain's emerging if generally unheralded teams and, though he described Arsenal as "super outsiders" for eventual glory in the competition, the confidence is growing and it is difficult to ignore the feeling around the club that fate is finally conspiring in their favour.
Although Robin van Persie's groin problem kept him behind in London, together with the cup-tied Andrei Arshavin, Wenger has selection options while there is no doubt that the draw might have Âpitted them against more daunting opponents. The opportunity to lay the final demons of 2006 beckons.
"I believe we have a chance but let's get over this hurdle first and then we'll see," Wenger said. "If we get past Villarreal, I believe we have a good chance but we are conscious that with Villarreal we face a big opponent and for me it's a really 50-50 game. I believe in my team, I have said that so many times this year, but as well we have to remain humble. It's all in front of us now, that's the real test that we face and we can deal with the challenges. It's down to the tie [against Villarreal] and our performance."
"We are super outsiders to win the Champions League," he added, Âeyeing a potential semi-final against the holders Manchester United, who play Porto in their quarter-final. "When you look at the bookmakers, we are not in there.
"All of the favourites are Liverpool, Manchester United and Barcelona. That puts a little less pressure on you but once you are on the pitch it doesn't change too much. I don't know who will reach the semi-finals. How can you predict when you see games like the one at Old Trafford on Sunday [between United and Aston Villa]?"
I am quite literally salivating at the prospect of the Fabregas Vs Senna match up in midfield. Senna was incredible at stamping out creative threats of opposition teams at the Euro championships, but then with Wenger’s midfield set up and Fabregas’ incredible talent, who knows which way it will go.
Also, I know he’s injured, but do you think RvP could ever fill the role on the left wing should the need arise? I can’t work out if it would be a waste of his talents or not, I saw him work wonders there for Holland at Euro 2006, but then again he is an incredible goal scorer. Anyway, tonight should be a tense match, I’ve got my fingernails at the ready!
Also, I know he’s injured, but do you think RvP could ever fill the role on the left wing should the need arise? I can’t work out if it would be a waste of his talents or not, I saw him work wonders there for Holland at Euro 2006, but then again he is an incredible goal scorer. Anyway, tonight should be a tense match, I’ve got my fingernails at the ready!
-
piresistible
- Posts: 1020
- Joined: Thu Dec 18, 2008 10:36 am
Havent posted here in a few months. Back then i was calling for Arshavin. The man has coome in and the mood around the Emirates has completely lifted.
He's been a breath of fresh air,it shows what difference spending money can make. We were in big trouble but now theres a sense of much needed optimism. I said the perogative of this year was to qualify for the CL next year and to show signs of a title challenge also. And thankfully i think were ok on both counts.
The likes of Denilson and Song have matured, i still want a DM but they are now good squad players. At the start of the season there was a sense of despair and worry and it was proven on the field.
Cant help but think by the start of next season there will be a resemblence to the start of 07/08 where despite losing Henry there was still a feeling of hope and excitement.
I'd take a score draw here all day long, I think a lot of people are taking Villarreal very lightly indeed, which is exactly the mistake our supporters made last time.
I remember coming out of the ground after that 1st leg in 06 and everyone was complaining that we had only won 1-0 and that complacency could and should have bitten us in the arse for the second leg where Villarreal should have won by three clear goals at least.
They are an excellent side, with an unrivalled home record and they are in the same position in La Liga as we are in the Premiership, so we have no reason to feel over confident. If we won 3-0 or 2-0, I'd be absolutely astounded quite frankly.
He's been a breath of fresh air,it shows what difference spending money can make. We were in big trouble but now theres a sense of much needed optimism. I said the perogative of this year was to qualify for the CL next year and to show signs of a title challenge also. And thankfully i think were ok on both counts.
The likes of Denilson and Song have matured, i still want a DM but they are now good squad players. At the start of the season there was a sense of despair and worry and it was proven on the field.
Cant help but think by the start of next season there will be a resemblence to the start of 07/08 where despite losing Henry there was still a feeling of hope and excitement.
I'd take a score draw here all day long, I think a lot of people are taking Villarreal very lightly indeed, which is exactly the mistake our supporters made last time.
I remember coming out of the ground after that 1st leg in 06 and everyone was complaining that we had only won 1-0 and that complacency could and should have bitten us in the arse for the second leg where Villarreal should have won by three clear goals at least.
They are an excellent side, with an unrivalled home record and they are in the same position in La Liga as we are in the Premiership, so we have no reason to feel over confident. If we won 3-0 or 2-0, I'd be absolutely astounded quite frankly.
As with most games against top teams, chances will be at a premium. We simply can not afford to miss them when they come along. I’m hoping that Adebayor is full of confidence after Saturday. He did nothing all game apart from the 2 goals but I don’t care if it is the same tonight. Really could have done with Eddie being available but wasn’t to be.
Usually I am against one up top even against the good teams away but tonight will be won and lost in the midfield so happy with 5 across the middle. It also frees up cesc to do what he does best. Senna is brilliant at the Gilberto role but he can’t be everywhere so if we outnumber them then we’ll make the chances.
I also read today that their keepers is having something of a blinder this season, fingers crossed that all comes tumbling down tonight.
Less than 3 hours to go, getting nervous and excited in equal measures!!!
Usually I am against one up top even against the good teams away but tonight will be won and lost in the midfield so happy with 5 across the middle. It also frees up cesc to do what he does best. Senna is brilliant at the Gilberto role but he can’t be everywhere so if we outnumber them then we’ll make the chances.
I also read today that their keepers is having something of a blinder this season, fingers crossed that all comes tumbling down tonight.
Less than 3 hours to go, getting nervous and excited in equal measures!!!
