Report: Villarreal 1-1 Arsenal
By Randy Osae
Like their last European travel in Rome, Arsenal walked out of EL Madrigal slightly edging out shoulders tonight.
In what was perhaps a script of two halves, Arsenal erased an early reverse with a priceless and exceptional equalizer from Emmanuel Adeabyor which leveled and settled matters right in the favor of the Londoners.
This quarter-final is farther from being decided though – Villarreal proved an even match for Wenger’s men, and within eight days, either side will have reason to show up at the Emirates Stadium.
Starting line-up (not necessarily exact formation)
Villarreal’s ‘yellow submarines’ were swimming all over the Gunners right from first whistle. That was literally the event at the mouth of Arsenal’s goal in the opening minutes as Clichy and Almunia scrambled to prevent Rodriguez from poking home a lead for the home side.
However, Villarreal would not need to wait much longer to carefully land the ball into the back of the net.
Arsenal were giving too much respect to the imperious hosts and effectively Marcos Senna who was free to unleash a scorcher from 25-yards out on ten minutes. And Almunia was hapless.
First pluck went to Villarreal.
Even when chasing shadows, Arsenal were always irritated by the setback and so Walcott sprinted and fed Fabregas who teed up Nasri – free on the left – but the French youngster’s low effort was parried away. Gallas then headed on target but Diego Lopez met the ball.
With the contest now balancing, Wenger then faced yet another hindrance on the night. The latest was an in-pain Almunia who had suffered severe collisions with Villarreal’s attackers earlier on.
On came Fabianski who was alerted immediately but was outstanding in response. First, he dived to his left to tip away Senna’s low drive and then provided a magnificent near post block to deny Joan Capdevila.
Soon, it was turn for another Arsenal veteran to hobble off. Gallas suffered more in a tangle with Giuseppe Rossi and eventually had to be replaced by Djourou just before the break.
That was when Arsenal grew desperate with their attempts even so that Fabregas could hardly wait for the referee’s whistle to perfectly curl home a free-kick. The Spaniard was booked and when he fouled Capdevila after the restart, that first-half caution nearly appeared sillier.
Arsenal had resumed their desperation after the break, and Adebayor nearly made the most of Walcott’s finding from the right.
Their retained urgency would pay off on 66 minutes.
Saturday’s techniques repeated – Cesc installing the bullet and Emmanuel pulling the trigger. Again, Fabregas floated in a ball for Adebayor on the edge of the box.
The Togolese controlled with his chest and with little aim, decided to exhibit his acrobatics. Adebayor’s bicycle kick stunned Diego Lopez who watched the ball travel into the low corner of the net just like the silenced spectators behind him. That sent it all back to even-steven…or perhaps advantage Arsenal with an often decisive away goal registered.
They had turned the tide theatrically and Arsenal were in pursuit of storming El Madrigal now. A second goal would do.
Nasri made a decent try with a shot. Then the man whose void he has been filling at Arsenal emerged from the sidelines. Robert Pires was introduced 20 minutes from time and then Walcott – later replaced by Eboue – made his final effort by blasting over after being set up by Fabregas.
Arsenal dictated play till referee Tom Henning Ovrebo decided to pause the chapter in this Champions League quarter-final with the margin not against today’s visitors at all.
wwho do you think will be better choice for a replacement CB, peanuthead(silvestre) or Djourou
wwho do you think will be better choice for a replacement CB, peanuthead(silvestre) or Djourou
Djourou of course.
First of all, he did not deserve to be on the bench and was a match for Toure or Gallas on any day.
And between Djourou and Gallas for selection, I would much pick Djourou for more composure as Gallas seems to be ‘controversial’ with every touch – even when scoring on the other end.
For Silvestre….that’s talking about an older, Frenchier Senderos you know.
Djourou of course.
First of all, he did not deserve to be on the bench and was a match for Toure or Gallas on any day.
And between Djourou and Gallas for selection, I would much pick Djourou for more composure as Gallas seems to be ‘controversial’ with every touch – even when scoring on the other end.
For Silvestre….that’s talking about an older, Frenchier Senderos you know.
but i bet arsene would pick peanuthead over djourou
but i bet arsene would pick peanuthead over djourou
The last time you were here, we all thought so but matters have changed. “Peanuthead”’s frenchie love days are over.
Everyone knows Djourou will be the one filling the hole.
The last time you were here, we all thought so but matters have changed. “Peanuthead”’s frenchie love days are over.
Everyone knows Djourou will be the one filling the hole.
Guyz,
F/Y/I – I’m a Gooner. Definately, i’ll admit that the Villarreal side were the better team on the night. Maybe 60% to 40% of Arsenal. Anyhow, with the limited chances we’ve got, it would be excellent if we could add another goal. Still, they need to come to the Emirates & we will show who the daddy is. In the other matches Man U’re will fall apart in Porto & Chelsea will be beaten by Liverpool respectively. This year’s semi’s would be Arsenal vs Porto & Barcelona vs Liverpool. I have sneaky feelings that this year’s CL final in Rome will be a re-match of 2006 (Arsenal vs Barcelona). Trust me Gooner’s the CL trophy is heading to the Emirates this year. Yes, yes & yes !!!
Cheers
Guyz,
F/Y/I – I’m a Gooner. Definately, i’ll admit that the Villarreal side were the better team on the night. Maybe 60% to 40% of Arsenal. Anyhow, with the limited chances we’ve got, it would be excellent if we could add another goal. Still, they need to come to the Emirates & we will show who the daddy is. In the other matches Man U’re will fall apart in Porto & Chelsea will be beaten by Liverpool respectively. This year’s semi’s would be Arsenal vs Porto & Barcelona vs Liverpool. I have sneaky feelings that this year’s CL final in Rome will be a re-match of 2006 (Arsenal vs Barcelona). Trust me Gooner’s the CL trophy is heading to the Emirates this year. Yes, yes & yes !!!
Cheers
You have to go with DJ to replace Gallas. I just hope on the return leg we attack and get that vital home goal. Things will be dodgy at best and we will for sure have to put on in to win. Playing with 1 up top is not Arsenal football, with two up front it gives our wingers and Cesc more options to play these magical balls.
That ball cesc put through to Ady was amazing..it was like a 9 iron, did you see the backspin???? Good to have him back.
I keep saying it but Cesc and Song in the middle with two up top will bring trouble.
Will be nice to have Eduardo back soon.
On to Wigan were 3 points are necessary!
You have to go with DJ to replace Gallas. I just hope on the return leg we attack and get that vital home goal. Things will be dodgy at best and we will for sure have to put on in to win. Playing with 1 up top is not Arsenal football, with two up front it gives our wingers and Cesc more options to play these magical balls.
That ball cesc put through to Ady was amazing..it was like a 9 iron, did you see the backspin???? Good to have him back.
I keep saying it but Cesc and Song in the middle with two up top will bring trouble.
Will be nice to have Eduardo back soon.
On to Wigan were 3 points are necessary!
hey randy where is the match reaction nowadays. lemons and player ratings
hey randy where is the match reaction nowadays. lemons and player ratings
Usama, Karlos has been missing (he’s the one who writes it).
I would either have to find a new writer, give the reations myself or get Karlos back.
I’ll sort things out soon…I promise.
Usama, Karlos has been missing (he’s the one who writes it).
I would either have to find a new writer, give the reations myself or get Karlos back.
I’ll sort things out soon…I promise.