I think Arsenal did enough to secure the result they required. I'm surprised they didn't hit the net, but they had a few chances. Not so many, however, as FC Porto had. After hitting the post twice I think the home side would be disappointed with the result and see it as two dropped points. Either way both teams would have gone through, it's just that this way Arsenal go through as winners. It was nice to get some luck for a change.
What Arsenal Need: Arsenal need to repeat the passion and effort put into the North London Derby. They cannot afford to concede first and need to take the chances they create in front of goal. They also need to fight for every ball and chase back when they lose possession, all attributes which they displayed on the weekend. It's this kind of effort that fans want to see.
They battled for short periods of the game, then simply passed the ball around for fun at times. It was a workmanlike performance in places but then Quaresma looked dangerous on the wings. I thought his shot was highly skillful, whilst the TV pundits said it was showboating, it was still a shot on goal. It was a less passionate display than the Derby but they got the job done.
Things To Watch Out For: It will be interesting to see if Wenger plays the usual 4-5-1 formation he prefers in Europe, especially after the success of the 4-4-2 on Saturday. I believe that latter formation allows the two strikers to pressure the opposing team's defence and gives the midfielders space to create.
He went with the 4-5-1 and it worked on the night, thanks to Adebayor running his socks off. I thought Djourou had a few glimpses of indecision, which is rare for him and at times he looked a little uneasy. I accept that the 4-5-1 was the correct choice on the night, but I guess I just like going for the win, which would have been the wrong thing to do. As usual Arsene knows.
Hopes For The Match: I hope Baptista gets some game time and that Walcott gets his usual 20 minutes at the end of the match.
It was a shame that he didn't get any time as I thought he could have offered some enthusiasm and fresh legs in the last twenty minutes. I would have replaced Flamini with the big Brazilian as the Frenchman looked run off his feet by the final whistle.
We cannot sustain any more injuries. The squad was slowly recovering but then they lose Gallas, Rosicky and Henry.
Everyone looked to get through the match safely, which was important, but then after the match we hear that Djourou has a hamstring problem. Typical, that means we could go the the Bridge with only Senderos as Gallas is struggling to be ready and Toure is banned. Oh dear!
| My team selection for this game: Adebayor van Persie, Ljungberg, Gilberto, Fabregas, Hleb Clichy, Djourou, Toure, Eboue Lehmann Subs: Almunia, Walcott, Djourou, Flamini, Baptista, Hoyte, Aliadiere |
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I wasn't far off with the team selection, I just wanted Baptista to get a run out in place of Flamini, but Wenger went with the defensive midfielder instead.
Unavailable:
Henry - Out until after Christmas with a scitic nerve injury.
Gallas - Injured his quadriceps taking free kicks in training and will be out for a few weeks.
Rosicky - Three weeks on the sideline with a hamstring injury.
Diaby - On course to return in January after suffering a fracture-dislocated ankle last season.
Lauren - Still rehabilitating from a knee injury that has kept him out since January 21st.
Long-term issues: Henry and Rosicky both look to be out until after Christmas.
Prediction: FC Porto 1 Arsenal 2
Score: FC Porto 0 Arsenal 0
