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Arsenal v Man Utd: who gave Arsene Wenger the confidence pills?
Posted 05 May 2009 at 12:30 PM by Ollie Irish
If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you could possibly imagine…
Who slipped the cocky pills into Arsene Wenger's glass of sparkling mineral water?! Arsenal's boss, who usually preaches Zen-like calmness before a big match, is positively overflowing with bullish confidence ahead of tonight's CL semi final return leg against Man Utd. Check him out:
"I am very confident the team will produce a magnificent performance and that we will manage it," Wenger said, his chest puffed out to un-Wenger like proportions.
I'm not exactly sure why Wenger is so certain of victory. Based on the first leg, most of the evidence would suggest that Arsenal's chances of making it to the final in Rome later this month fall in the "slim to none" range. Not that slim just rode out of town – I do think Arsenal have a 20% chance of success, but they'll need a few things to happen. Such as:
• Robin van Persie, who returns after a groin injury, must not break down early on.
• Arsenal's makeshift back four (Sagna, Silvestre, Toure, Gibbs) must play a collective blinder.
• The same goes for Manuel Almunia. Arsenal's keeper needs to be be in another one of his "you shall not pass" moods.
• Theo Walcott has to see a lot of the ball. And he must run at United's defence, relentlessly. Patrice Evra's form is suspect.
• Get in Wayne Rooney's face early. Rooney is in wonderful form, but he's on a yellow card and will miss the CL final if he's booked.
• Play Cesc Fabregas in his preferred central midfield role – this is essential, especially if Emmanuel Adebayor is to make an impact. That's where he can hurt United. The first leg showed that Fabregas isn't suited for a second-striker role.
• Arsenal's fans need to make some real noise. Be that 12th man. I think they will. This is the biggest game Arsenal have played at their new stadium, after all.
if Arsenal can tick all, or most of these boxes, they have a fighting chance. They've already beaten United at the Grove this season (Nasri did the damage with two goals), and I don't doubt that they can score three or more times tonight – which they will have to do if United bag an away goal.
Unlike the first leg, I expect this leg to be open and thrilling. There will be goals, at least four. Gut feeling says that Arsenal will get their three goals, but I can't see their defence keeping United at bay.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-2 Man Utd (3-3 on aggregate, United progress on away goals)
How do you see it? Leave a comment, y'all…
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2-1 Arsenal. Close, but no cigar.Posted 05 May 2009 at 12:35 PM by tomwilhelm 
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Arsenal beat United at the Emirates with Gary Neville at right back. No Gary Neville means United win 2-0. Vidic on a corner kick and Ronaldo with something special.
Posted 05 May 2009 at 01:11 PM by FCDallas96 
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1-1Posted 05 May 2009 at 01:57 PM by Kipp
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arsenal 2-1Posted 05 May 2009 at 02:31 PM by braulio
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Yeah, no
Posted 05 May 2009 at 04:07 PM by Kipp
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what a shit performance. they prettily dance the ball around the field, but when they get it in the box they act like a bunch of amateurs. Can't score to save their lives unless Arshavin is on the pitch.
Posted 05 May 2009 at 06:43 PM by USvsIRELAND
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arsenal fan, and what a pathetic couple of performances. still...wasn't expecting much with our lousy back four and the complete lack of quality holding midfield, a problem that has plagued the gunners for the entire season. well, that and the injuries.
Posted 05 May 2009 at 07:38 PM by bob_deniro
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The score was 3-ONE!Quote:Originally Posted by USvsIRELAND
what a shit performance. they prettily dance the ball around the field, but when they get it in the box they act like a bunch of amateurs. Can't score to save their lives unless Arshavin is on the pitch.Posted 06 May 2009 at 04:10 AM by Kipp
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