Feed me.
Feed me my drug of choice.
Inject me with your silvery goodness.
Take me to my happy place.
Let’s dream of European glory, and a backdoor entrance to a competition we are ill-equipped to survive, with a manager in the last year of his deal.
YES PEOPLE, my favourite competition of all time is upon us. Arsenal face down CSKA in a winner takes the semi final type game.
This should be a walk in the park, right?
WRONG.
Arsenal can’t go into this game with a sloppy complacent attitude. We’ve already seen a shaky first half from Liverpool that nearly let City back in, we saw Barcelona fuck a lead in Rome, and Juventus nearly beat Madrid after taking a 3 goal lead at the Bernabeu.
If any team in Europe can go to CSKA and blow a 3 goal lead, it’s Arsenal.
Still, an admittance from Arsene Wenger that the trophy is important is a welcome boost for team focus.
“Europa League is important for us – everybody knows that and we are at [the] stage where of course we focus on it because in the Premier League we have a very, very, very slim chance to get further up,” said Wenger.
“The Europa League is one of the big targets of the season.”
I like that he’s still thinking about the top four race of yesteryear. No Arsene, it’s been Europa or bust for a while. We’ve never been in the top 4 hunt. That much was clear last summer when you absolutely tanked it.
The Europa is an opportunity though. If we land an easy-ish draw in the semis, we could easily find ourselves lining up in Lyon.
One game at a time.
The team news is mistake machine Granit Xhaka is certainly out of the game (I’m being mean, he’s been good for at least 5 games). We have no Mikki who we know loves the Europa League. I expect we’ll see the in-form Danny W start, along with assist King Alex Iwobi.
I hope we go there to soak up the pressure. We don’t need to win 4-1 again. We need to keep it calm for the first 20minutes and slowly feel our way into the game. No dramas. No rash decisions. Just see the result through.
Sounds great on a blog, let’s see how it plays out in the real world.
Fun fact: The CSKA game was the first time since 99-00 (UEFA Cup) that we’ve won 3 knockout European games in a row. Isn’t that shite?
Right, see you in the comments. Also, last chance to listen to our bloody excellent podcast.
Also, jump on the pod, it’s excellent.
- Aubameyeng: Hit or miss?
- The case for our defence: Who stays or goes?
- Iwobi: Hero in waiting, or another Nik B?
- Jack Wilshere: What do you do with him?
DROPBOX | SPOTIFY | STITCHER | ITUNES | GOOGLE | POCKET CASTS
WE
Vasquez was clever and knew exactly what he was doing, nevertheless, imo, Oliver bottled it.
We can argue forever about the incident, but at the end of the day Madrid sneaked through and Juve’s brave efforts came to zilch.
Michael
Doens’t matter, there WAS contact, that’s all that matters.
Was it soft? Perhaps, still a clear as day penalty.
I’ve seen much softer PK’s awarded, people were just furious that it ruined such as fairytale comeback and story for Buffon especially.
WE
Ronaldo won the tie for them(on and off the pitch).
Without him they would have lost.
He makes a very good team an excellent team.
A phenomenal player who, at this moment in time, is irreplaceable.
Samesong,
No one here is crying about a game that Juventus had lost in the first leg.
The point being made is that would Michael Oliver had given the penalty to Juventus, if Higuain has been caught by Verane in the 97th minute at the Bernabéu?
Do you really think Michael Oliver would have given it the other way against the home team?
Michael
Not disagreeing on his impact, I just think that you’re seriously underestimating how good this RM side is and has been these last few years in Europe.
Ronaldo’s been playing as an advanced CF these past couple of years, as important as his goals are his team mates are the ones putting it on a plate for him time and time again.
‘Do you really think Michael Oliver would have given it the other way against the home team?’
Yes.
Shouldn’t even be particularly controversial, Benatia impedes on Vasquez and does not touch the ball, how was it not a penalty?
He made it easy for the ref, Vasquez was also clever to draw the foul.
Barcelona’s penalty vs PSG in the 6-1 last season was FAR more dubious, Suarez literally dived to win it.
And nobody said shit at the time.
Referees should to strive not to be the deciding factor in a game that close, especially with the last kick of the game. Some things just have to be let go…. Let the game be decided by the players. A game that exciting shouldn’t be defined by the ref. It’s just like when we were matching Barca at the Nou camp in 2011..then the idiotic ref sent off Van Persie for a NOTHING offence, kicking the ball 0.000001 secs after the whistle was blown in the center of a super-noisy stadium. Barca were better that us and may have still… Read more »
Dissenter
It’s a penalty so yes.
The referee’s bananas, the defender should not be penalised for attempting to do what he’s paid for DEFEND
He wasn’t strong enough to resist a challenge hence NO penalty
Referees should to strive not to be the deciding factor in a game that close, especially with the last kick of the game.
Some things just have to be let go…. Let the game be decided by the players.
Dissenter would you be saying the same thing if we were awarded a last minute penalty against Barca??
Knowing the performances of la Roma and Juve, the Russians will probably push hard tonight, it should be fun…
It was a soft penalty, could as well have not been given. I rarely see Real, Barça and United be at the receiving end of such decisions. Juve didn’t get a similar decision when their player was fouled a few minutes prior to Ronaldo’s penalty. Dissenter is right in saying Juve wouldn’t have been awarded a penalty if the same incident happened in the other box. Even in last UCL poor referee decisions against Bayern got madrid through to the finals. UEFA is corrupt to the core.
Lol so what, the Ref should have denied the Penalty and let the players ‘figure it out themselves’ in ET?
What a load of bollocks, I’m sorry.
Anywhere else in the Area the player would have been booked for diving, the ref bottled it big time..no
Juve didn’t get a similar decision when their player was fouled a few minutes prior to Ronaldo’s penalty.
Do you have footage of that TR7?
@Guns of SF and Carts Gigi Buffon’s sympathies for the far right and Mussolini is a pretty well-known story in Italy. When playing for Parma, in 2000, he wanted to wear the number 88. ‘H’ is the 8th letter of the alphabet and 88 equates to ‘HH’, or ‘Heil Hitler’. Buffon was also seen wearing a shirt bearing the slogan ‘Boia chi molla’ which means ‘Death to cowards’. This was an infamous Fascist slogan under Benito Mussolini’s regime. Everyone in Italy knows that. In 2007, he gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport in which this exchange was made:… Read more »
‘Even in last UCL poor referee decisions against Bayern got madrid through to the finals.’
Which decisions were they?
Benatia is the wrong side of Vasquez, he knew full well that if he made contact without getting the ball as well that it would be a penalty.
Benatia is the wrong side of Vasquez, he knew full well that if he made contact without getting the ball as well that it would be a penalty.
This!
Which decisions lol
Ronaldo was miles offside for one his goals, you can add a dodgy sending off too.
Josip
Interesting read re Buffon but worth noting that they were his views as a 21 year old at Parma, long time ago now.
WE If you see the footage again Matuidi is ball watching also and leaves Vasquez who makes a smart little turn.
penalty was softer that breast. I would’nt have given it as I don’t feel it was conclusive enough.
All I ask is that Michael Oliver shows the same bollocks to award a similar decision in a game with less profile. Otherwise, it’ll just prove that a) he incompetent and b) he succumbed to the pressure and favoured Real
WE Don’t care about Buffon and his “fairytale”. The problem I have is that too many refs are making crap decisions and alot of them happen to be English. No matter how well qualified you are as a referee, age and experience is key when it comes to making important( game changing) decisions. Michael Oliver is only 33. Too young in my eyes. Sometimes you can see his lack of common sense when handling major moments in games , that require a streetwise knowledge of the game. Rules are there for a purpose but sometimes refs have to be flexible… Read more »
Josip
Thanks for the schooling. Totally unaware of that. I mean, Buffon is free to hold what ever political views he sees fit.
In this day and age, if he airs them, he’ll be chasticed. Meh.
WengerEagle
Yes, quite, that was a long time ago. Buffon may have different opinions now. To my knowledge, he has not made further political statements since 2007.
Carts
I hear you but look at the footage again. The ball does not change direction from when Vasquez chests it. Benatia tries to kick ball the ball, but it drops in the same direction he doesn’t make any contact with the ball but kick his chest. and Oliver is looking straight at it. I didn’t want RM to win either but if that’s anywhere else on the pitch a freekick is awarded. Not going to say anymore on the subject now.
Michael
Ok to flip it then, if Varane has impeded Douglas Costa in the same way in the Real Madrid box in the last min and he awarded the penalty, would you have felt aggrieved?
Josip
Interesting for sure, who was that player in Serie A about 10 years back that had Fascist sympathies and used to celebrate goals in that way? Lucarelli or something, was a fairly decent CF.
Di Canio well known too for his far right-leaning tendencies.
Think Mauro Zarate also got into some trouble about fascist symbolism with a celebration while at Lazio.
Benatia makes a challenge from behind doesn’t touch the ball makes contact with the player. What’s hard to get here it’s a stone wall penalty
‘I hear you but look at the footage again. The ball does not change direction from when Vasquez chests it. Benatia tries to kick ball the ball, but it drops in the same direction he doesn’t make any contact with the ball but kick his chest. and Oliver is looking straight at it. I didn’t want RM to win either but if that’s anywhere else on the pitch a freekick is awarded.’
In a nutshell.
Marko
“Benatia makes a challenge from behind doesn’t touch the ball makes contact with the player. What’s hard to get here it’s a stone wall penalty”
And the Moon is made of cheese
WengerEagle
You didn’t want them to win…liar lol
You’re creaming at the prospect of Real Madrid winning 3 in a row
Haha, the whole world is Wenger Out.
http://uk.businessinsider.com/credit-suisse-tidjane-thiam-arsenal-arsene-wenger-and-investing-2018-4?r=US&IR=T
“I was on a panel with him in September 2009, the League Manager’s Association invited us. I said something like I think you will never win the league again and I got him very angry. It’s 2018 — 9 years later — my prediction still holds.”
gambon let the truth be known.
Lol
gambon is pulling out every fuse to blow Wenger up.
Wenger Eagle
“Ok to flip it then, if Varane has impeded Douglas Costa in the same way in the Real Madrid box in the last min and he awarded the penalty, would you have felt aggrieved?”
That’s precisely the brunt of out argument.
Michael Oliver would NEVER award that penalty against a home team as big as Madrid at the Bernebau.
WengerEagle
Cheers. Di Canio for sure and Lucarelli have publicly expressed far right opinions. Lazio is traditionally associated with the far right, still today. It was the club supported by Mussolini.
A soft touch from behind, the player goes down and people say it’s a stone wall penalty. We see far more intense pushing and shoving in the box during corners and nobody bats an eyelid.
Samesong
https://youtu.be/H2Dt2L-ICC4
It’s the first leg of Real vs Juve.In this clip Cuadrado was fouled from behind as well, no penalty awarded.
TR7
That’s a penalty defender doesn’t even touch the ball.
WE But the circumstances would have been totally different. If Juve were 3-0 up and were given a penalty, it would not have been such humongous decision at that moment in time. Scores and it’s 4-0 and Juve are through, misses and it stays 3-0 and it’s ET. In this instance, he basically knew he could be killing the game. RM were desperate for a goal and Vasquez, imo, knew what he was doing. Oliver should have been thinking this prior to the incident. Of course, CR7 scored and the rest is history. What I’m saying is that Oliver didn’t… Read more »
TR7
This miss is more shocking though!
such a humongous
If you see that clip again though TR7 none of the Juve players are interested in a penalty just at his shocking miss.
TR7
I don’t know now looking it over and over again.
Absolutely brilliant from the Credit Suisse CEO. He should head the movement to remove KJW!
“Thiam is a season ticket holder at Arsenal but has not attended a game since 2011 as a form of “silent progress.””
Thanks for posting, Gambon.
Tidjane Thiam is only highlighting what we all know.
The trouble is there are still those amongst us who have faith and belief in Wenger’s pointless methods.
It proves that Wenger is a total dick!
What I’m saying is that Oliver didn’t apply common sense
Michael all it boils down to is bad defending. If the two Benatia and Matuidi are not ball watching in the first place, and not ahead of Vasquez then he doesn’t get that free pass. Credit to the RM player that heads the ball back into the danger area. Don’t give the ref that opportunity I say.
“‘Even in last UCL poor referee decisions against Bayern got madrid through to the finals.’
Which decisions were they?”
Seriously WE?
I thought you say what you see but that would mean you’re a bit blind lol.
At https://lasthl.com/real-madrid-vs-bayern-munich-highlights-full-match/5/ 45:55 Casemiro on a yellow card commits a rough foul on Robben.
Then at 49:45 Vidal gets sent off for no foul practically. It’s a brilliant, clean tackle.
The more than a meter offside for Ronaldo’s goal is not even debatable.
Red not given to a Madrid player, then given for absolutely nothing to a Bayern player and an offside goal.
VAR????
Very Average Referee.?
Ok, what about tonight?
Will CSKA gain strength from the last two nights?
Surely Arsenal will see off the Russians.
2-2 draw for me, then it’s all down to who Arsenal get in the semi’s.
Samesong
Shocking miss but the touch from behind is heavier than Benatia’s touch on Vasquez.
Disjointed and subpar performance incoming I fancy, but enough to take us through.
CSKA will be full of belief given this weeks ridiculous reversals. They looked like Swiss cheese in London though, so any of that again and we’ll score at least one.
Anyone going to the Youth Cup semi-final next Monday? Season- ticket holders go free and it’s a chance to see the next generation of potential Arsenal stars?
Lets not confuse CSKA for Juve or Roma.
They are a very average team, probably wont even win tonight, let alone 3-0.
Atletico are the only team that will be beating us in the Europa.
Henry Root
You mean the opportunity to watch a load of players who will end up at Notts County and Crawley Town?
“Should be a walk in the park”
I know, but this is Arsenal!
gambon
Nice one.
“Atletico are the only team that will be beating us in the Europa.”
oh look whose passing an “opinion” like its fact,dont you think the smarter thing to do is hold your horse and see what a match-up like that would yield? it would be so hilarious to witness your reaction if Athletico fails to live up to the hype you and your likes hip on them.
Victorious
This the mighty gambon. He’s le grove royalty.
samesong
I like the way you used ‘mighty’ on his cognomen like his opinions hold more water than the likes of Ruth,bullshite Legend,utASS..lmao
VictoriousApril 12, 2018 18:32:09
samesong
I like the way you used ‘mighty’ on his cognomen like his opinions hold more water than the likes of Ruth,bullshite Legend,utASS..lmao
———–
LMAO
You’re clearly a newbie on here..
Gambon has more knowledge in his pinky toe,than you have acquired in your whole adult years on this earth,as far as footballing knowledge goes.
If,I were you-I’d back off attacking Gambon for your own sanity and well being.
Then again,it would be absolutely comical to see you try..
You answered that PhD better than I could.
Any predictions on tonight’s CSKA vs Arsenal match?
2-2
Hmm…
3-0/3-1 maybe?
phD
Cool it down mate,i know him alright and also I’m not new on legrove,honestly he comes across as a long-winded and hate filled Red truth,with over the top hatred for Wenger and his achievements
Didn’t pen you down as one of his footsoldier though,a bit hilarious to see how you ran from your little hole with all guns blazing in his defense like your life depended on it, it’s just a fvckin blog mate not some form of cult group you making it out to be
That sums up your interest in Arsenal Gambon
Non-existent . Some of those boys might be great players one day- and they are playing in the Arsenal shirt
I’m so done with watching Wilshere in our 1st 11…
Henry Root.
Might be a David Rocastle there.
Wilshere/Welbeck…my goodness….
Bellerin has fallen off a cliff, I would bite your hand off for a hefty fee in the summer personally
Awfully quiet here,thought ARSENAL were supposed to be playing?wtf
Welbeck and Lacazette, not quite working out at the moment.
Yup, quietly telling myself here, we desperately need a new Right Back
No creativity in our midfield…Ozil and Wilshere not creating
Dale
He’s ok, but I don’t consider him as a reliable threat going forward and he’s suspect going backwards.
Considering there’s some hype about him and we could rinse someone of 40-50 mil I’d be all for that. Think he’s very replaceable. Potentially very coachable though too it must be noted.
Sporting 1 nil up
Really like El Neny
Considering there’s some hype about him and we could rinse someone of 40-50 mil I’d be all for that. Think he’s very replaceable. Potentially very coachable though too it must be noted.
I agree
When is the last time Wilshere created anything other than a fisticuff ?
we definitely need a right back in the summer. Bellerin isn’t the player he was. whether he stays or not, we need another RB.
come on sporting
Here we go – 2 more to go……..
The thing is not to panic. Just focus, and look to get an away goal to kill their hopes.
Please watch Bellerin for that goal…..
When oh god when will we a backline that can defend against a cross!!!
right back Richard Peirera from porto good attacking fullback good dribbler good passer.
Elneny embarrassing there, ambling out to block the cross.
Super crock Rambo doing his thing
Ramsey’s out for the rest of the season……..
Montreal with a crap challenge for the header
Bellerin playing like a bellend
Mustafi also swtiched off. the player who scored was his man and he was goal side then he just stands there while their players run towards the goal. Our defenders just aren’t switched on.
Monreal complaining…fact is he was crap for that goal
Nah not our Ramsey not this close to contract renewal time
We need to take Welbeck and Wilshere off! They offer zilch!!!
Elneny embarrassing there, ambling out to block the cross.
At least he was ambling about, our Right Back was marking no one and stood like a statue
Ramsey returns!
Take Wilshere off for fuck sakes!