Arsenal vs. Villarreal - CL quarterfinal discussion thread

Ray Parlour wrote:I don't doubt that just think Toure would have been the better choice. I suppose I'm just one of those who believe a CB should always be captain.

Btw what did u make of Clichy's performance? He was really sloppy again and needs to cut out stupid errors that could end up costing the team.

CL Comment: Emmanuel Adebayor – One Of The Greatest Ever CL Goals
Villarreal and Arsenal drew 1-1 in their Champions League quarter final first leg tonight. Carlo Garganese calls on everyone to salute Marcos Senna and, in particular, Emmanuel Adebayor for their stunning goals tonight.

Emmanuel Adebayor is having one of those games where you just want to put your fist through the television.” Those were the words of an anonymous colleague of mine just ten minutes before the Togo striker controlled a 20-yard lofted Cesc Fabregas pass on his chest, swivelled, and, in one sublime movement, executed a virtually impossible bicycle kick from just inside the area into the bottom far corner of Diego Lopez's net.

It was the kind of goal that leaves you open-mouthed, and reaching for the rewind button to spot a deflection just to make sure you aren’t hallucinating. It is at times like this when we should all really celebrate football for its beauty. Even those ready to criticise - and those who regularly read my editorials will know that I pull no punches - should stand and applaud such a goal. No matter who you are, or what team you support, accept that this was a moment of outstanding genius.

This is a strike that will go down as one of the greatest in the history of the Champions League. In fact, I invite all readers to nominate some corkers from the past, so we can see where Adebayor’s goal ranks next to them. It may not have occurred in the final but, in terms of quality, this is up there with Zinedine Zidane’s 2002 volley against Bayer Leverkusen.

It was pretty vital, too. Arsenal were 1-0 down and had work to do to get back in the tie. Now they are firmly in the driving seat ahead of the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.

All the focus tomorrow morning will be on Adebayor, but one must also not forget about Marcos Senna’s goal, which, on any normal night, would have grabbed the headlines. The Euro 2008 hero launched home a rocket from 30 yards into the top corner of the net on 10 minutes to give Villarreal the lead, and it was a goal that, at the time, seemed worthy of winning any match.

It was not to be for Senna, who was truly superb tonight and undoubtedly the man-of-the-match. But if any goal was to deny him and Villarreal, then they don't come any better than Adebayor's. It's fitting: these two sides, having battled so closely in the past, even find near-symmetry in their moments of genius.

Who's for more of the same in the second leg?

Carlo Garganese, Goal.com

kas wrote:It may be too early, but if Arsenal do get past Villarreal, they'll be really fancying their chances of ending up in Rome. Porto are looking good in the other tie, and I think Arsenal match up much better against Porto than they do against Man. Utd.

TheCrazy58 wrote:Whatever it is that doesn't quite make Toure right for captaincy, AW knows. Maybe he's too cliquey with the other African players? who knows.

TheCrazy58 wrote:Gallas' injury is particularly worrying with the view to the FA Cup semi final - not sure if I fancy the idea of Drogbore bearing down on Djourou.

De Guzman wrote:

kas wrote:It may be too early, but if Arsenal do get past Villarreal, they'll be really fancying their chances of ending up in Rome. Porto are looking good in the other tie, and I think Arsenal match up much better against Porto than they do against Man. Utd.

I rather play the Mancs, but do not fancy their chances to progress.

Think we're odds on to qualify now. RVP will be back; V'real didn't look good during set pieces, wouldn't bet against Robin getting an assist.

Tweedle wrote:We do.

We comfortably beat them at home in our group. We lost way from home but by then we had already qualified and we played a much weakened team.

Good result last night. Agree that Nasri wasn't great but as he had the flu he is forgiven. I think next season we may go more 4-3-3 with Walcott, Arshavin and RVP playing in the two spots behind Adebayor.

I think we have too many attacking players now though and wouldn't be surprised to see one leave in the summer, if someone put in the right offer

Hlebagone wrote:You forgot Walcott as well.

Hlebagone wrote:Hmmmmm i would definitely call that a glass half full approach but theres definitely been an improvement. Just wondering where you saw him in the scheme of things.

borocooper wrote:http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/2333568/

stinger wrote:Just finished watching replay of the game on Setanta US. Very entertaining match, happy to see Fabianski doing well. He should do well in replay too, but I am not so optimistic about him in Premier League games, where he will be more pressured inside the 6yard box. Looked surprisengly nervous too (looking at his facial expressions). I know situation wasn't easy, but it's unlike him. But he did well overall.

Senna's performance was the best I saw him playing since EC 2008 and didn't see him contribute so much attacking wise since last LaLiga season.

Still waiting for a good Walcott's performance as right winger, when opposite team doesn't play high backline. Probably he had some that I've just missed though...

Question - who is the 3rd striker for Villarreal behind Rossi and Llorente? Can't see them scoring against Arsenal playing Rossi upfront, they were pretty toothless after Llorente was subbed, even if bringhing Pires helped them getting some of the control back in the middle area...

Great goals by Senna and Adebayor of course

Messiah wrote:

stinger wrote:Just finished watching replay of the game on Setanta US. Very entertaining match, happy to see Fabianski doing well. He should do well in replay too, but I am not so optimistic about him in Premier League games, where he will be more pressured inside the 6yard box. Looked surprisengly nervous too (looking at his facial expressions). I know situation wasn't easy, but it's unlike him. But he did well overall.

Senna's performance was the best I saw him playing since EC 2008 and didn't see him contribute so much attacking wise since last LaLiga season.

Still waiting for a good Walcott's performance as right winger, when opposite team doesn't play high backline. Probably he had some that I've just missed though...

Question - who is the 3rd striker for Villarreal behind Rossi and Llorente? Can't see them scoring against Arsenal playing Rossi upfront, they were pretty toothless after Llorente was subbed, even if bringhing Pires helped them getting some of the control back in the middle area...

Great goals by Senna and Adebayor of course

Nihat