^^^^^ LMAO
Well it turned out to be a fantastic night for the Arsenal in the end. 3-0 is a fantastic result against opposition who gave it a good go for periods considering the weaknesses in our defensive lineup.
1st half we were the better team. We started very brightly and got stuck in, our players got tight and our passes were penetrating and the midfield looked in control. Cescs' ball for Theo was one of excellence and it was matched by a superb chip into the net. Adebayor continued with his improvement in performance and even if he was slightly wasteful with his chances he gave their CBs a torrid time especially in the air, where he won virtually every header. Villarreal had their moments on the counter and once or twice Gibbs was left exposed by Nasri but in the end their best chance came from a corner and they failed to hit the target.
The 2nd half was virtually all Arsenal with the exception of the first 10 minutes or so where Villarreal tried desperately to get back into the tie. RvP put in a great little ball into Ade, who's 1st touch was really good and matched by the finish. The opposition looked fired up enough, as their constant little dirty fouls are testament to, but we took ahold of the tie and there little hope for them. And then they conceded what I must say was a pretty soft penalty for a foul on Walcott. Game over once RvP put the ball in the back of the net.
Villarreals' attitude throughout the game discipline wise was a disgrace for me and their surrounding of the referee summed it all up. Constant dirty tactics, getting a player sent off for chatting back, they really let themselves down which was a shame imo because as a team they are talented enough to compete without all that. Oh well.....
Tonight overall we were composed and effective with the exception of one or two defensive lapses and a few misplaced Cesc passes. Alex Song was awesome in midfield and deserves a huge pat on the back, as does the hard-working Adebayor who is looking every inch the battering ram of last season. Mucho credit to them both, both of them worked their socks off and were the difference. Both Walcott and Eboue deserve praise too, they dominated their side of the field and combined really well going forward, although someone really needs to teach our fullbacks the finer art of crossing a ball. Fabianski, who I was slightly worried about after the Wigan game looked solid and assured. RvP made the odd bad challenge in the 1st half and didn't look that great in a deeper role but his assist for Ade was good and his penalty crisp.
So we face United in the next round and I for one am hugely confident about our chances. I'd be interested to know exactly how they performed tonight in Porto, not that it matters because I really believe we can beat them over two legs. That thought was perhaps unlikely earlier this season but we are gaining momentum and courage with every game we play and the belief is there for both fans and players alike now. WE CAN WIN THIS TROPHY!!!
Proud of our result tonight. Proud of the performance. Proud to be a gooner