Arsenal got the job done tonight against Partizan to book their place in the Champions League knockout stages.
It may not have been ideal for us to end up in second place; nonetheless, qualification was the main goal tonight which was accomplished.
Here are just 5 things I learnt whilst watching the game tonight:
1. 11th year in a row through to last 16 phase
It may not have been the way we had wanted to qualify into the knockout stages of the Champions League, but at least we’re there. This is in fact the 11th consecutive year that Wenger has masterminded Arsenal’s entry into the last 16 of the competition, a feat which means that they are the most consistent out of the English teams.
2. Nasri continues to shine
Two wonderful goals against Fulham last Saturday at the Emirates, and another tonight, what has Samir Nasri been eating lately. The Frenchman looked sharp all night and continued his fine form with a superb team goal in which he finished. No wonder Arsene Wenger wants to offer him a new contract in the imminent future. Long may his form continue.
3. Theo Walcott – The difference maker
Despite the 3-1 win, nothing really got going until Theo Walcott entered the fray. Walcott used his pace and agility to effect tonight and grabbed the vital second goal to ease Arsenal fans nerves. This is not to say his has turned the corner in any way shape or form, because in fairness he still has a bit of improving to do. However, if the 21-year-old can impose his presence like he did tonight on a regular basis, then there is no reason why he can’t become the player we want him to be. Nonetheless, Walcott was the difference maker tonight, end of.
4. Another goal conceded by the Gunners
We got 3 goals tonight, but yet again we managed to leak one as well. To be fair our defence and keeper had a relatively easy night, it’s just a shame to see us concede once again, especially at home. Our weakness shone through tonight, as it has done so many times already this season, luckily for us we were playing a poor opposition in Partizan Belgrade. Let’s make sure this doesn’t happen next Monday against United…ok lads?
5. We could play Barcelona
Unfortunately we ended up second in our group, due to Shakhtar Donetsk’s win over Braga tonight, which evidently means we will have to face tougher opposition than expected. Arsenal can only draw 4 possible teams next round due to all other English sides topping their groups. The Gunners could face either, Schalke, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Champions League favourites Barcelona. Yeah ok it’s not an ideal predicament to be in, but it is what it is. Personally I’m not really fussed who we draw in the last 16, as we will have to beat the best to be the best, and if it so happens we draw Barcelona next round then I’m sure Arsenal will give it their best shot.
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Really glad we qualified for champions league, so happy, didn’t know about that 11 year in a row in the last 16 stage but that is some achievement.
Nasri is quality, I don’t he had a great game but still scored and played ok, he will definately be an even better player in the future.
I agree with Walcott being the difference maker in the game, he needs to produce more of these performances so he can start being taken seriously.
We must stop conceeding goals, I know we score a lot of gaols most of the time but on occasions we may not score enough and lose points and games. Arsenal need to strengthen the defence and as a team they must work more harder to stop conceeding goals.
We could face Barca, but I hope we don’t at the moment because they are on another level at the moment and would distroy any team. Mind you on the other hand if Arsenal were to go out of the champions league then why not against the best team in the world.