A dominant Arsenal FC triumphed over a haggard and sub-par AS Roma side at the Emirates tonight in the first leg of their final-16 knock-out round clash.
Applying pressure from the first whistle, Arsenal displayed much of the pace, incisive passing, determination, and vision that has been sorely lacking in their domestic campaign.
The pressure mounted to a point, and in the 37th minute, Robin VanPersie was brought down in the box and awarded a penalty.
He cooly stroked the ball in to the corner of the net to give Arsenal a deserved lead.
Arsenal should of had more goals, with Bendtner missing a couple of plumb changes as Arsenal continued to deluge Roma with pace, precision, and control.
As Arsenal fans had hoped, the central midfield pairing of Denilson and Song was not the starting configuration, with Diaby featuring as the driving force behind much of Arsenal's play.
However, in the 62nd minute, Diaby was replaced by Song through injury.
In the 65th, Vela came on to replace Bendtner, who was struggling to find the net despite his teammates providing him with clear chances to score.
Roma looked very tired and out of sorts for most of the match.
The Serie A side received many yellow cards for late challenges that seemed the only method that could slow Arsenal down.
One mistake almost cost Roma another goal. A missed header clearance provided Eboue with an clear open shot on goal, however the beleaguered Arsenal player muddled his chance and missed the net entirely. He was replaced by Aaron Ramsey in the 82nd minute.
So, for the most part, we saw the familiar Arsenal show up today in their Champions League fixture.
Dominant, incisive, quick, and flowing. However, we did see familiar signs of mediocrity that has plagued this side in the 2008-2009 campaign. The lack of quality finishing by Bendtner, the lack of composure in Eboue, and injuries to bright sparks like Diaby.
At odd times, Arsenal also failed to attack the box when a well timed and placed cross was being delivered, something the team has been criticized for a lot lately.
The back line of Sagna, Toure, Gallas, and Clichy defended high, and well.
Roma never really broke through with any real purpose, with most of the offensive action happening in Roma's half of the pitch.
Still, Arsenal secured a deserved victory, and are now in the driver's seat heading in to the second leg to be played in Rome.
If the Gunners can put in this kind of performance for the return leg in two weeks, they will surely be through to the next round.
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