Arsenal, last night, defeated Champions League holders AC Milan 2-0 at the San Siro – a feat which no English team in history has achieved. Plagued with injuries and inconsistencies, Arsenal were the definite ‘underdogs’ against the Italian giants. Following two half performances from the Gunners in previous weeks in the Premier League, Arsenal were out to prove against their complacency with regard to winning trophies.
Arsenal didn’t seal the game until the closing minutes, however, their absolute defending was impeccable. Defending from the word ‘go’, Arsenal, in the first half, held a strong Milan attack for the entirety of the first half ,whilst also creating chances themselves. A few chances here and there for both sides became the catalyst for an ecstatic and exciting second half to come. The first half saw both Hleb and Adebayor miss possible goals, and Fabregas’ goal line clearance of Maldini’s header also showed that both sides were ready to take the win then and there.
It wasn’t until the second half that the game began to evolve into a fierce battle of elitism. Fabregas, made space out of nothing, throwing the San Siro into an uncommon silence, drilling the ball past opposing defenders into the back of the net – one of those goals that just erupts. From pure silence to intense screaming and chanting. It was only a few minutes later that Adebayor struck in a Walcott pass – a game sealed not only this year, but in the history books.
Arsene Wenger said after the game:
“He (Fabregas) was outstanding, but tonight it is very difficult to single one out,”
“I believe the whole team defended well and attacked well, it was a complete team performance.
“Of course I’m very, very happy tonight. I’m very proud of our performance, we were under pressure to score goals.”
“We will try, that is all we can do,”
“I believe we can, let’s go for it and continue to have that kind of determined attitude.”
A manager of genius, a defence of steel, a midfield of intelligence, and a (weakened) strike force of rage – Arsenal are now in deep, and boy do they plan to finish the job this year. Can Arsenal win the double this year? Is it, now, shaping to end that way? We will have to see.