Post Match: Arsenal v. Steaua Bucureşti

By: Dan | December 12th, 2007

A disappointing night all around. We won 2-1 off Diaby and van Persie goals, but Sevilla demolished Slavia 3-0 and we are resigned to second place. Honestly, the game was forgettable – the good work by Walcott in the first half disappearing in the second, with the return of Robin van Persie being the most notable event of the match . Bendtner did very well for himself, and he and RVP seem to be a capable partnership. Perhaps Bendtner pushing for a starting position could force the performances we need from Adebayor. One of the few other things I noticed was Traore’s mediocre performance, which culminated with him being beaten for Steaua’s goal. He has so much potential (quick, tall, strong, attacking with a great cross) and is so young that this performance is hardly definitive, but it does highlight that he still has some progress to make before solidifying the position of backup to Clichy. Le Boss remains optimistic however, offering some more encouragement to the team and specifically Walcott.

The biggest news of the night is our second place finish. Thus we can face Milan, Inter, Real, Barca or Porto in the knockout stages. The draw is December 21 and I feel like we will draw a giant, but honestly any team but Porto would be seen as a battle . Remembering our Champions League run in 05-06, I have warm memories of drawing and beating Real Madrid. Barcelona could also be poetic, but I think a meeting in the final would be even better. If our team could show the world how far we’ve come without Henry, against the man himself, in the Champions League final, our season would be fantastic.

But, I have a sneaky feeling we might draw one of the Milans. Either team would be a contest, and I imagine it would be a game in which we could showcase our style of play. Inevitably we play best against the best teams, and going through the hardest path to the final would prove we deserve it. (Again, remembering 05-06.) What team do you want to face the most?

————————————————————————————-

I am also getting increasingly nervous and excited for the Chelsea meeting. We brushed off the Middlesbrough and Newcastle results with the win today and I feel reasonably confident going into Sunday. That said, the absence of Fabregas and Hleb could prove devastating. Hopefully they can make a miracle recovery and be ready for Sunday. If they don’t play, then Denilson and possibly Flamini will have to take center stage, and we will have a harder game. Fat Frank is certainly confident.

—————————————————————————————

Finally, some good news. The Flamster has endeared himself to me in ways I thought impossible last year, when he looked more and more like a headless chicken every game. Suddenly, the composure and assuredness he had in the Champions League run in 2006 is back in his game as he plays center midfield, and he provides an energy and steel that Gilberto could never come close to. He threatened to leave in the summer, but a long chat with Wenger later and he became the breakout player of the season. (I always knew Hleb had the talent and class he is showing so consistently.) And now, he has a new contract offer. The Flamster is proof of the value of hard work and dedication, and I couldn’t be happier for him as he solidifies a first team position and international duties for France.