Football Focus

[paragon]

Arsenal were incredible last night. The triangle of Hleb, Flamini and Cesc was incisive and fluid. Everyone played their part - Gallas was a rock. Senderos found himself in the box volleying a shot goals bound (Should have scored)! Everything had purpose but wasn't rushed or overly intricate. The scoreline was fairish on the night but over the two legs it flattered Milan. What a performance.

Bring on Barca.

[atila the gooner]

Well played paragon, couldn't have put it better myself. each player was a hero, I thought Sebderos had a good game, and as always Sagna had a great game but doesn't get enough praise. For me (as Le Boss would say) Flamini was man of the match, and Theo doing a nuts on Kaka was priceless.

[Keef]

Good work Arsenal last night, bloody good result!

Poor little hard done by victims ;-) Sorry couldn't resist after Atila's post >:D<

Loz, I'm sure the CPT will be showing Chelsea tonight, and yes, some of the regulars are Chelsea fans, so you'll be welcomed. If you don't fancy it, I guess The Mag and The EDT will be showing it too...

[atila the gooner]

you mean pubs in Ed actually welcome CSKA Fulham fans. Why? Have they no pride at all!!!

[atila the gooner]

Keef don't be so horrid to us gooners.......stomps off stage left doing his best Fergusmoan impression muttering that he will not talk to those horrid men at the BBC because they say nasty things about him.

[SeanMacGabhann]

feel the good mood in this thread today!

Atila is right when he says the papers go all "crisis!" when Arsenal hit a bad patch. Every single year. But then again, reading the overly-glowing write-ups today you would think we were the second coming. And that ain't true either (yet anyway...)

[Dulwich_ Park_ Fairy]

Would you care to expand on your highly articulate statement

Yeah, as an Arsenal fan I find him by far the weakest link in the team (and thats allowing for Senderos' lapses). He was poor again yesterday.

[Annasfield]

Don't feel victimised - they do it to every team. Build em' up and knock em' down.

FFS - Good job I'm not at work today. One line edited twice.

[atila the gooner]

Sean, while I agree that the papers are glowing in their reports on our game, let's face it, they are reflecting what actually happened, which is a refreshing change for our press. Good to see the AC manager being gracious in defeat and giving us praise for a good performance.

[SeanMacGabhann]

It's true - I did enjoy the bus in this morning *grins*

It was like watching a different team to the last 4 weeks. Is this how Liverpool fans feel after watching European games? Hopefully we don't return to hum-drum on Sunday

Having Fabregas back to his best was great to watch. The usal suspects Hleb/Flamini/Ade are getting all due praise but have to agree with Sagna - he is outstanding week in week out for us (as was Lauren but Sagna has teh added ability to actually cross a ball)

[atila the gooner]

Ralph couldn't cross a ball, that's true, but an Arsenal legend nonetheless for scoring a pen against Spurs and for grabbing Phil Neville round the throat and threatening to punch his lights out at the battle of Old Stratford a few seasons back.

[Jah Lush]

There are obviously far too many Gooners on this thread for my liking but then I don't blame any of you for being very happy bunnies this today. Congratulations on a fantastic win and an excellent performance. Good to see a young Englishman in there supplying a bit of amunition at the end as well. You haven't won anything yet though.

[mockney piers]

I gather they may have another quality in their midst soon, the mill is rife with rumours that they're after a certain noble young player.

[atila the gooner]

mockney piers Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I gather they may have another quality in their

> midst soon, the mill is rife with rumours that

> they're after a certain noble young player.

I've heard that too, but unless Le Boss knows something or sees something in him that I've failed to see, I'd rather hang onto Flamini. No disrespect to Noble but he ain't in the same league as Matty.

[Jah Lush]

That's a bit harsh Atila. Mark Noble is still a very young player and a good one at that. Definitely one for the future I'd say but if anyone can turn him into a better one it's La Wenger and then of course you'll be saying he's the best thing since sliced bread won't you.

[mockney piers]

It's a pity we can't hang on to our talent. Half the England squad seem to have come out of our academy and I don't doubt I'll be seeing Noble at one of our rivals and in an England shirt at some point.

I seem to recall a chant at White Hart lane a few short years ago on the lines of

"West Ham is our feeder club doo dah" You can guess the rest.

*silently weeps*

[Jah Lush]

And then they go to Man Utd Mockney. Bah! Well, Carrick did and I'd have him back at Tottenham like a shot.

[atila the gooner]

I'm not saying Noble is a bad player, just that he isn't as good as Matty at the moment. He may become a great player who knows, but I don't think he's at good as Matty right now.

[lozzyloz]

Watched the game at the CPT. I have to say it was very chilled and the Guinness was excellent. Nice vibe. I'll be back.

[paragon]

Going to be some great ties when the draw is made.

Teams still in - Arsenal, Man U, Chelsea, Roma, Schalke, Barca, Fenerbache, L'Pool/Inter Milan.

Hopefully Liverpool will get through and no doubt they will get Schalke in the draw! I think Inter are the most dangerous team in the draw for the UK contingent. Assuming Arsenal can keep the momentum from Tuesday up I have no doubt that they can do anyone. I don't think any team even playing at their best would beat Arsenal on the form they showed on Tuesday. Shame Celtic didn't get through - would have loved to see 5/8 teams from UK.

If they reduce our quota to 3 it will be a joke and damaging to the European game.

[mockney piers]

I said it was a good time to play us :(

[Keef]

Oh mate, sorry... Anna had a good time at the match though judging by her text of "Yipee" >:D<

RE: The draw, should Liverpol get through, they will get Chelsea. It's written in to the rules of the Champions League now didn't you realise?

[paragon]

exactly my point - they will get an easy draw! - schalke or chelsea, not alot of difference!

[atila the gooner]

8 goals against in 2 games, things are not looking rosy on the good ship West Ham at moment, and I have to say I wanted them to do well against Lokomotiv Fulham. Curbs seems to have the Midas touch in reverse!!

[Ladygooner]

Anyone know when the draw is for the champions league? Do we have to wait til Liverpool play next week?