Preview: Man. United vs Arsenal
There have been some mighty contests between these two since Wenger first crossed swords with Ferguson and thanks to clashing Champions League fates this year, the feisty scrap will resume tonight.
Usually, the motive has been domestic superiority, but Wednesday’s battlefront is one they have never been pitted on.
The old foe proves the last obstacle between Wenger and a second attempt of European conquest.
Understandably, Arsenal’s boss is at much lust for the Champions League trophy than his counterpart. Wenger is yearning for a crown Ferguson defends, but the United chief has not lost any of last year’s appetite.
Apparently the pussycat is sharpening its claws again, but Wenger anticipates a very neighborly approach from his opposite number on Wednesday night.
They will be renewing rivalries, but there is some cold water on the heat these days – according to the Frenchman.
“Our respect will survive the two games. [Earning Ferguson's respect] is one of the privileges of getting older!” said the Frenchman.
“I think these two games will be a fierce competition. We’ll go completely for it and so will they.
“It will be a very interesting competition because we feel we have improved since the beginning of the season, they feel that they’ve come back into a stronger position than they were two or three weeks ago. So both teams can both be peaking at the right time.
“I believe really they will be very competitive games.”
It has been a campaign of more grieves than ecstasies for many devotees in north London, but here they are in the 17th UEFA Champions League semi-final phase – a local affair away from a grand trip to Rome.
But those optimists may be very much up against it at this stage.
United’s formidability does not just equip on their undisputed credential as defending champions – it is one stat that might provoke some jitters from an Arsenal perspective.
Despite Wenger’s head-to-head edge over Ferguson, United have never been knocked out of European competition by an English club whereas Arsenal have never progressed from such scenario – evidences are quarterfinal defeats to Chelsea and Liverpool in the past.
But if the numbers have influence in this local assignment, then Arsenal do have their upper hand too.
The Gunners have never ended an European tilt at the semi-finals stage in history – successfully advancing to finals of European competitions in 1970, 1980, 1994, 1995, 2000 and 2006.
Perhaps the ‘touch and go’ nature of this fixture is why you would have to turn to stats to find any certainties.
But one firm certainty is that an epic night is in the offing.
Clichy and Van Persie will be spectators at Old Trafford and following a back problem against Middlesbrough, Mikael Silvestre fears a similar fate in his first return to his old ground.
(Article by By Randy Osae)
This game will be very competitive but there won’t be any fiery sparks unlike those Viera-Keane days. Still, it should be a mouth watering game with so many world class players from both sides. Wenger was right to say that “On our day, we can beat everbody” Yes! we fear no one. Go Gunners!!!
This game will be very competitive but there won’t be any fiery sparks unlike those Viera-Keane days. Still, it should be a mouth watering game with so many world class players from both sides. Wenger was right to say that “On our day, we can beat everbody” Yes! we fear no one. Go Gunners!!!
what happened to eduardo?
what happened to eduardo?
what do you guys think about Nasri playing the middle with Cesc/Song? Eboue and Theo on the wings? I like Ebou to help out Gibbs, but he has HAS to keep his cool against Ronaldo and not do anything stupid.
WE need to play with 2 up front!!! Every game we have only played 1 up top has been very unproductive! We have to go in and score a goal because we know that Man U can score on our grounds. Play two up top AW PLEASE!!!!!
Almunia
Sagna, Toure, DJ, Gibbs
Song,Nasri,Cesc, Eboue
Theo Ady
what do you guys think about Nasri playing the middle with Cesc/Song? Eboue and Theo on the wings? I like Ebou to help out Gibbs, but he has HAS to keep his cool against Ronaldo and not do anything stupid.
WE need to play with 2 up front!!! Every game we have only played 1 up top has been very unproductive! We have to go in and score a goal because we know that Man U can score on our grounds. Play two up top AW PLEASE!!!!!
Almunia
Sagna, Toure, DJ, Gibbs
Song,Nasri,Cesc, Eboue
Theo Ady
USA Gunner
When ever has Walcott partnered Adebayor up front? Ever?
USA Gunner
When ever has Walcott partnered Adebayor up front? Ever?
Almunia
Sagna, toure, Dj, Gibbs
Nasri Song
Theo Cesc Eboue
Ade
Almunia
Sagna, toure, Dj, Gibbs
Nasri Song
Theo Cesc Eboue
Ade
Almunia
Sagna, Toure, DJ, Gibbs
Diaby Song
Theo Cesc Nasri
Ade
Almunia
Sagna, Toure, DJ, Gibbs
Diaby Song
Theo Cesc Nasri
Ade
Last night, I dreamed that we won this match 3-1. If we can walk away with that result I’ll be on cloud 9
Almunia
Sagna – Toure – Djourou – Gibbs
Denilson – Song
Theo – Cesc – Nasri
Ade
Last night, I dreamed that we won this match 3-1. If we can walk away with that result I’ll be on cloud 9
Almunia
Sagna – Toure – Djourou – Gibbs
Denilson – Song
Theo – Cesc – Nasri
Ade
i agree wid u^
i agree wid u^
kidz i 100 percent agree with your formation.but we could play sagna on left back instead of gibbs if the kid cant handle ronaldo.
kidz i 100 percent agree with your formation.but we could play sagna on left back instead of gibbs if the kid cant handle ronaldo.
yes usama, playing Sagna on left back could also be an option.
yes usama, playing Sagna on left back could also be an option.
Almunia
Eboue, Toure, Djourou, Sagna
Diaby, Song
Theo, Cesc, Nasri
Ade
Almunia
Eboue, Toure, Djourou, Sagna
Diaby, Song
Theo, Cesc, Nasri
Ade
GIBBS will destroy Ronaldo!!!
Lets all just pray that silvestre don’t play
And we stick with Djourou
And then to the final we’ll go all the way
GIBBS will destroy Ronaldo!!!
Lets all just pray that silvestre don’t play
And we stick with Djourou
And then to the final we’ll go all the way
Almunia
Eboue, Toure, Djourou, Sagna
Denilson, Song
Theo, Cesc, Nasri
Ade
Almunia
Eboue, Toure, Djourou, Sagna
Denilson, Song
Theo, Cesc, Nasri
Ade
ohohohohoh have heard all of u kids., its just that u arealldreamers. they can’t handle this. Van, Silva,Vida, Ferd,Eva,
Carr,Ander,Ron Gizzy,
Roo Tevie
ohohohohoh have heard all of u kids., its just that u arealldreamers. they can’t handle this. Van, Silva,Vida, Ferd,Eva,
Carr,Ander,Ron Gizzy,
Roo Tevie
fellow gooners, Ignore this guy.
fellow gooners, Ignore this guy.
Against Chelsea in the FA Cup Semi, we had Almunia, Gallas, Sagna, Clichy, Djourou, Nasri, Arshavin and Song not starting the game. The first 5 being injured. We went into the dressing at half time at 1-1.
What I’m trying to point out is that Arsenal actually have a better defence and I feel Arsenal have a chance to do something tonight.
Two things will determine tonight’s outcome: (1) the line up; (2)away goal. I’ll talk about the latter 1st.
By now, I expect that AW, the fans and the players know that it is absolutely crucial to score at the Theatre of Dreams tonight. It is a must! Jose Mourinho, when asked about this game, said: “Arsenal will need to score at Old Trafford to go through…” I totally agree.
Not because I believe everything Jose has to say but bcos it is so true. Before the season started, every Arsenal fan was praying for a night like this. This one seems big tonight but I tell you, Emirates Stadium in 6 days time will be even bigger. I cannot see ManU not scoring at the Emirates and that’s why we really really need to score tonight.
On the former (starting line-up):
Wenger’s line up would go a long way to set out what we want to achieve. I think we all know that these 9 players are dead certs to start:
Almunia
Sagna
Toure
Djourou
Fabregas
Nasri
Song
Walcott
Adebayor
The missing 2 players will decide whether we come out victorious or have qualification for a CL final hanging by a thread. Of course, injury and late fitness tests will have a say in whether Silvestre or Gibbs gets picked but a lot has been said about the problems in left back that I don’t need to repeat. So the last player to make it eleven is the choice between Denilson or Diaby.
Personally, I feel employing any of these two players will depend on how we set out to play. If Nasri is used in a defensive role, I will find it very hard to see what Denilson will do in the game. If Nasri plays on the left, Fabregas play behind Adebayor and Song is partnered by Denilson, then that is another matter. There are lot of possibilities and no one can tell what AW wants to do in this first tie. Is it expedient for Wenger to go all guns blazing or to prevent ManU from scoring like Chelsea did yesterday? Adebayor will need service tonight. It is that simple. No service to Adebayor, then don’t expect to see goals!
Playing Diaby on the left where Adebayor is holding the line as a lone striker will be a useless pointless venture. Diaby plays better when given a free role behind the striker. If he’s not going to get that role tonight and Fabregas drops back into the deep role we all know him to play, then maybe Diaby should sit it out.
As I said, I don’t know what Wenger wants to achieve in this first leg. I don’t know if playing Nasri in the holding role alongside Song is going to balance the team. I don’t know. But what I know is that Adebayor needs chances to score goals and that is quite different from saying “he needs a chance to score a goal”. At this level of club competition, goal scoring chances are very few and far between. The difference will be which takes the chances that comes their way.
As an avid Arsenal fan, I think it is obvious where Arsenal’s weaknesses are. Sagna can be a rock in his position but we cannot say the same about the left side of out defence. In games like these, the battle is always won in midfield. I feel very confident of Arsenal’s midfield (hoping the right players are in there) but my area of concern is the left of our defence and left of our midfield. If Nasri played left midfield and tracked back as we all know he can do then that will go a long way to helping out whoever plays left back. The 3 key men tonight are Nasri (in defending and offending), Fabregas (in providing meat for Adebayor) and Walcott (in getting behind the ManU defence; whether Fergie doubles up on him or not).
I can’t say this enough. We need to score!!! A 0-0 will only postpone a potential mourning for AFC for 6 days. ManU can easily get a 1-1 at the Emirates and that knock us out.
We need to score!!!! I say no more.
Come on you Gunners!
We can do this. This is Part 1 of 2 we’ve all been waiting for.
Against Chelsea in the FA Cup Semi, we had Almunia, Gallas, Sagna, Clichy, Djourou, Nasri, Arshavin and Song not starting the game. The first 5 being injured. We went into the dressing at half time at 1-1.
What I’m trying to point out is that Arsenal actually have a better defence and I feel Arsenal have a chance to do something tonight.
Two things will determine tonight’s outcome: (1) the line up; (2)away goal. I’ll talk about the latter 1st.
By now, I expect that AW, the fans and the players know that it is absolutely crucial to score at the Theatre of Dreams tonight. It is a must! Jose Mourinho, when asked about this game, said: “Arsenal will need to score at Old Trafford to go through…” I totally agree.
Not because I believe everything Jose has to say but bcos it is so true. Before the season started, every Arsenal fan was praying for a night like this. This one seems big tonight but I tell you, Emirates Stadium in 6 days time will be even bigger. I cannot see ManU not scoring at the Emirates and that’s why we really really need to score tonight.
On the former (starting line-up):
Wenger’s line up would go a long way to set out what we want to achieve. I think we all know that these 9 players are dead certs to start:
Almunia
Sagna
Toure
Djourou
Fabregas
Nasri
Song
Walcott
Adebayor
The missing 2 players will decide whether we come out victorious or have qualification for a CL final hanging by a thread. Of course, injury and late fitness tests will have a say in whether Silvestre or Gibbs gets picked but a lot has been said about the problems in left back that I don’t need to repeat. So the last player to make it eleven is the choice between Denilson or Diaby.
Personally, I feel employing any of these two players will depend on how we set out to play. If Nasri is used in a defensive role, I will find it very hard to see what Denilson will do in the game. If Nasri plays on the left, Fabregas play behind Adebayor and Song is partnered by Denilson, then that is another matter. There are lot of possibilities and no one can tell what AW wants to do in this first tie. Is it expedient for Wenger to go all guns blazing or to prevent ManU from scoring like Chelsea did yesterday? Adebayor will need service tonight. It is that simple. No service to Adebayor, then don’t expect to see goals!
Playing Diaby on the left where Adebayor is holding the line as a lone striker will be a useless pointless venture. Diaby plays better when given a free role behind the striker. If he’s not going to get that role tonight and Fabregas drops back into the deep role we all know him to play, then maybe Diaby should sit it out.
As I said, I don’t know what Wenger wants to achieve in this first leg. I don’t know if playing Nasri in the holding role alongside Song is going to balance the team. I don’t know. But what I know is that Adebayor needs chances to score goals and that is quite different from saying “he needs a chance to score a goal”. At this level of club competition, goal scoring chances are very few and far between. The difference will be which takes the chances that comes their way.
As an avid Arsenal fan, I think it is obvious where Arsenal’s weaknesses are. Sagna can be a rock in his position but we cannot say the same about the left side of out defence. In games like these, the battle is always won in midfield. I feel very confident of Arsenal’s midfield (hoping the right players are in there) but my area of concern is the left of our defence and left of our midfield. If Nasri played left midfield and tracked back as we all know he can do then that will go a long way to helping out whoever plays left back. The 3 key men tonight are Nasri (in defending and offending), Fabregas (in providing meat for Adebayor) and Walcott (in getting behind the ManU defence; whether Fergie doubles up on him or not).
I can’t say this enough. We need to score!!! A 0-0 will only postpone a potential mourning for AFC for 6 days. ManU can easily get a 1-1 at the Emirates and that knock us out.
We need to score!!!! I say no more.
Come on you Gunners!
We can do this. This is Part 1 of 2 we’ve all been waiting for.
i agree with daymee that it is very crucial for us to score. A 0-0 draw which i feel is unlikely will also not do arsenal any good for the return leg. If Man Utd were to score 1 goal at the Emirates, Arsenal need to score 2. Every opportunity to score must be well taken by the forwards while the rearguards must remain solid, focus and discipline throughout the game.
i agree with daymee that it is very crucial for us to score. A 0-0 draw which i feel is unlikely will also not do arsenal any good for the return leg. If Man Utd were to score 1 goal at the Emirates, Arsenal need to score 2. Every opportunity to score must be well taken by the forwards while the rearguards must remain solid, focus and discipline throughout the game.
We need EBOUE, WALCOTT and SAGNA on the pitch together in order to lock down the flanks and to attack Evra with pace.
IMO these 3 need to be on the pitch if we are to win, draw or at least get that away goal.
We need EBOUE, WALCOTT and SAGNA on the pitch together in order to lock down the flanks and to attack Evra with pace.
IMO these 3 need to be on the pitch if we are to win, draw or at least get that away goal.
Wenger mentioned in one of his preview match article that Arsenal must go to Old Trafford with a sense of ‘belief’ Without it,we shall struggle and fight a losing battle.
Wenger mentioned in one of his preview match article that Arsenal must go to Old Trafford with a sense of ‘belief’ Without it,we shall struggle and fight a losing battle.
maybe eboue instead of walcott call me crazy!
maybe eboue instead of walcott call me crazy!
this will be the line-up…
Almunia
sagna,toure,djourou,gibbs
Song,Nasri
theo,CESC,diaby
ADE
this will be the line-up…
Almunia
sagna,toure,djourou,gibbs
Song,Nasri
theo,CESC,diaby
ADE
Fuck you Silvestre… it has got to be you that led to a man utd goal.
Damn ya fucker… Silvestre you are a fucker. Gibbs is simply too inexperience. Was caught off guard numerous time in the first 20 minutes. Left his area totally exposed. Diaby on the left did not track back well to help in the defence too. Too many of time tend to drift into the centre leaving our left area exposed. Damn it… This formation failed miserably. We are doomed. 1 goal in the first 18 minutes. We did not even have a single shot, and had only possession of 36%. This is horrible. I say good bye if man utd score another before half time.
Fuck you Silvestre… it has got to be you that led to a man utd goal.
Damn ya fucker… Silvestre you are a fucker. Gibbs is simply too inexperience. Was caught off guard numerous time in the first 20 minutes. Left his area totally exposed. Diaby on the left did not track back well to help in the defence too. Too many of time tend to drift into the centre leaving our left area exposed. Damn it… This formation failed miserably. We are doomed. 1 goal in the first 18 minutes. We did not even have a single shot, and had only possession of 36%. This is horrible. I say good bye if man utd score another before half time.
we lost but I have to be honest and say I am secretly very happy with the way Gibbs is playing. he made a couple bad mistakes but I dont think Ronaldo killed him as alot of people expected.
we lost but I have to be honest and say I am secretly very happy with the way Gibbs is playing. he made a couple bad mistakes but I dont think Ronaldo killed him as alot of people expected.