So after the first series of ties in the Champions League semi finals, we have 180 minutes of footie having been played....and 1 whole goal to show for it. Hmmmm. Maybe we should revisit some of the recommendations I made about improving the game - http://thebeantownfrog.blogspot.com/2009/03/future-of-footie.html
But since we cannot build rome in a day, let us look forward to the return legs for the semis -
Chelsea v Barca: I did not catch the first game, work got in the way...oops. But from all accounts Chelsea was playing for the goalless draw and that is what they achieved. As one article called it - the Chelsea bulls against the Barca artists. However, I am not sure Chelsea have the advantage heading home. Barca has to just earn a draw (not goalless) or simple 1-0 win and they move on, even if Chelsea come out and score early Barca will know all they need to do is draw even. In addition, Barca has already found success at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League, so they know they can come out of London with a victory. Based on the last Chelsea Champions League home game, not sure they will be able to keep Eto'o, Messi, Henry, Xavi, et al. scoreless a second game in a row...they gave up 4 goals to a much less offensive talented Liverpool. I see this match being a tense up and down affair, Chelsea score early through Drogba, with Barca equalizing via Henry......and Barca score a late counter to seal the game through Messi. Barca 2 - Chelsea 1.
Arsenal v Manchester United: Ugh the worst nightmare happened, Arsenal left the Theater of Dreams down 1-0...from O'Shea non the less, that makes it even more painful! The return leg looks that much more daunting based on the injuries that Arsenal will need to overcome. An already thin defense may become that much more strained with Silvestre potentially missing and no word on Clichy's availability. The first leg also demonstrated that Arsenal needs to have a Van Persie available or Eduardo, both of whom could miss the game due to injury. With Adebayour alone up top, Arsenal could never really muster any sustainable offense, this will not be acceptable returning to North London. Manchester United are clicking, Ronaldo could have scored a second for the Devils, the midfield is playing well and the back 4 easily stopped any attacks Arsenal tried to muster. I cannot see how Arsenal can keep a clean sheet, and cannot imagine scoring 2 more goals than Manchester United. As painful as it is, I see ManU going through - Manchester United 2 - Arsenal 2
It will be up the Catalan giants to try and prevent the Red Devils from repeating, thankful I have my Henry Barca shirt so will be sure to wear it during the finals in Roma.
2 comments:
Poor Guy! Must have been painful for you yesterday. Man U destroyed Arsenal! It could have been worse were it not for some great saves by the goalie(although the 2nd goal was a soft one. Arsenal are a great team and play great football but lack steel and experience. If Wenger can find a Viera type player for midfield and a strong centre-back then they will be close to the best but for now, Man U are rolling and Ronaldo is in the best form of the season. I think Chelsea will beat Barca and win the CL this year.
Uh sigh....yes please feel sorry for me. The face Arsenal made it to the semis of the CL would usually be a nice thing. But the fact they got DESTROYED by hated rival Man U is a bitter pill to take. I could not agree with you more about the need for a Vieira type player. Someone who will give the Gunners some steel, come to think of it they might need 2-3 of those players. This could be one more season for Arsenal with no silverware...and that is getting to be unacceptable.
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