13 days ago, after that disastrous night in Milan, Mikel Arteta said:
‘Never say never in football.
‘If we score two goals in the first half at the Emirates then it is game on. After last night, it will be very difficult to get through and we all know that.’
Yesterday, two days after we beat Spurs 5-2, the 30-year-old midfielder was quoted in The Sun saying:
‘Sunday was perhaps our best match of the season because we demonstrated that this team is not dead.
‘Do we need a miracle against Milan? No – only to play and to score, to score, to score.
‘Now the Italians will think that the tie is not yet decided and that is good for us.
‘To fight for fourth position in the table is our minimum obligation but the Champions League is still not over.’
Now at the time I thought the Spaniard had completely lost his mind when we said that we’re still in with a chance of getting by Milan, probably he still is. I genuinely thought he was having a laugh, albeit trying to put a positive twist on things.
However, after seeing the Gunners put FIVE past the Spuds on Sunday, I am starting to believe that perhaps we CAN overturn it in the second leg and progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League! I know. I’ve lost it right?
If we can produce the same type of performance we did over the weekend, whilst being clinical in front of goal and air-tight at the back, four goals, which would take the tie into extra-time, is achievable.
Of course, Milan boasts, in my opinion, the best defensive line in the world and goals will be harder to come by. But like I said, if our forward line is on point and our midfielders provide creativity while we remain focused at the back then goals are foreseeable.
We really have nothing to lose do we? We can either play it safe, pick up a 2-0 victory or something like that, go out of the Champions League, but say on Twitter ‘well at least we didn’t lose at home’, or, we can go out there on Tuesday night all guns blazing and try to achieve what would be the greatest comeback in football history. I know which I would prefer.
Miracles do happen and Arsenal CAN overturn this tie if we perform superbly and lady luck shines on us! It will be a hard, but it can be done!
I think I have the Mikel Arteta syndrome coursing through my veins! Let’s beat Liverpool on Saturday first and then focus on the task at hand next Tuesday!
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lol we can score 4 but will concede aswell and thats our problem. As a defensive unit we are poor and until the coaching methods improve we will never be able to shut up shop. Entertaining yes but not a chance of winning the cl unfortunately or the league next year until we sort the defending structure out. I hope im proved wrong!!!
IF we don’t concede and IF we score FIVE then yes we’ll go through. First and foremost we need that starting 11 that thrashed the tiny totts for the next game against Liverpool and then keep that starting 11 going forward for every game there on. I hope Wenger doesn’t decide to “freshen things up” and rest players but I have a bad feeling that he will and we’ll never know how well they would’ve done. I love Artetas’ optismism and fighting spirit though. What a quality guy to have around….
As Paul said we can score say 5 or 6 but with our defense we’re liable to concede 2 or 3. I think it is our main concern this summer and should be strengthened then build the team from the back as it’s almost there, almost.
It is extremely likely Milan will score against our all attack / nil defence. If so … end of tie. End of tie anyway. Wenegr’s approach is truly anive.
I stopped reading wen u said in your opinion milan had the best defence in the world. Lost respect for the opinion.
A back 4 containing antonini &abate cannot be the best in the world. Our attackin play at the san siro made them look good. We need to bring our A-game into that match &hope they bring their ‘tottenham-game’
After beating 5pur2 and reading this Artetacle I believe I’ve contracted the Arteta Syndrome… We will be at home, on a SMOOTH pitch. Like Mikel said if we can get 2 in the first half. RVP will have everyone out there with something to prove from the first touch. Even after the 5pur2 game, every player’s quote sounds like they are hungrier to make amends for their early season form and have a desire to prove their doubters wrong. I may be drinking the Gunnersphere punch, but I BELIEVE!!! First Liverpool then Milan!
I’ve always said that Mike Dean and Phill Dwod are against Arsenal.
This video shows how Mike Dean celebrate when Tootenham score against Arsenal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=tUP-CxbiKes
The match is never over till the whistle is blown, at times it takes more than skill to win a game, its the heart that matters. All i say is from the core of my heart i’ll support my team and i belive we can beat them if we stick together. Both the team and the fans. My Gunners please give me a reason to smile and a tale to tell my grandkids.
Gunner for life
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