Champons League quarter final roundup 07/08.
Arsenal—Liverpool
In an era where English clubs are supposed to be dominating the Champions League, which they are this year, it felt very much like two moderate, error ridden teams playing each other.
Did it feel like the elite of football were playing in front of us?
The omens had not been good, with each club, to begin with, effectively having five men in midfield, that is 50 per cent of outfield players in one small space. This was a game that, to public relief, ignored instructions from the top, much in part due to the preventable Arsenal goal, as Liverpool then had to change up and score their own preventable goal.
For Arsenal, the news being Van Persie is injured once more, they should be accustomed to such a thing, having heard a rumour... In four years he has started 34 games.
Liverpool, oh boy, oh boy, they spend their millions, which many clubs can only dream, they then turn up with these millions on show for all to see, head to the Emirates and defend, as if there is no other way to play the game, does the end justify the means?
Rafa Benitez, the one dimensional master of European football, such a pity, game on for second leg Arsenal can score... maybe?
Liverpool have more know-how in the Champions League and Arsenal did seem to be engaged in a running experiment to develop their approach.
One other point, D man' Kuyt scored a goal, the overpriced Dutch right back comes good at last.
Fenerbache—Chelsea
Fascinating, it was very much Deivid v Goliath (pun intended).
Chelsea had chances and got the early break with an own goal by Fenerbache's Brazilian player, Deivid.
Later in the match footballing and Brazilian legend, Zico, rang the changes and it made the difference. The winning goal came with a 35 yard screamer, scored by Deivid who was thus redeemed for his earlier unlucky own goal. All the while Goliath, lay knocked out by the awesome blow, on its back looking to the sky for a little help and a little guidance.
Are Chelsea the most boring team ever? Don't be so cruel youngn', but a Brazilian friend thinks just that, however he is Brazilian, and expects what only a Brazilian can from a football team, we mere mortals must make do.
Chelsea to make it through, but Fenerbache are no pushover, they mean business, and more vital in European competition have a lead.
Roma—Man Utd
Strange game, up until the first goal it was Roma that had the slight advantage but couldn't go anywhere.
Start of second half all Roma, they had a couple of half chances a lot of possession but no real danger, they missed Totti drifting in and out, and also missed Perotta there was no movement.
They had the chances but had not a soul running into the box, all in all, a disappointing display from the Romans.
Big stat hold your horses here it comes... five games where English teams have played against Italian, the big news is Italian teams have yet to score a single goal.
4 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Salomon Gonzales about 1 year ago
Alby - I noticed you predicted every game except for Liverpool/Arsenal one. I can only assume you found it hard to pick a winner, since it's so finely balanced.
While most people have Liverpool as their favourites to go through, i'm banking on Arsenal to edge them out. They seem to have the edge over them everytime they play bar their 4-1 defeat which was a fluke.
On the other semis, I think, although I may live to regret my words, Man United, Barca and Chelsea will all safely go through.
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XXX XXX about 1 year ago
Thanks Salomon for sticking your kneck out, I hope your team for your sake don't let you down...
Alby
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Love the writing very sharp - "the foreign green zone that is the English Premier League".
Come on ARSENAL! Chelsea I pick to go through winning 1-0 it is all they need. Man Utd I have a feeling Roma are not done odd I know but I have a feeling - Barca to go through and Arsenal and Liverpool to close to call.
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XXX XXX about 1 year ago
Salomon thanks for the tip, I didn't even realise.
I think Arsenal and Liverpool will cancel one another out in some fashion, Liverpool can and will match whatever performance Arsenal bring to Anfield, I really see it going to extra time.
Although, if Liverpool score first, I think it will be so hard for Arsenal to get anything at all, the crowd will be vocal and Liverpool will hold firm.
Bottom line Arsenal must score first, no matter what, they have to go and have the intent from the start to get that goal or else they deserve to go out... I think it'll be settled after 90 minutes...
I think Chelsea will do as the guy says up top and get a 1-0, but Zico is whiley and knows an away goal plus the 2-1 lead could rip Chelsea's house down.
Both those ties are the skating on thin ice ones, but both Man Utd and Barca should be solid at home.
Thanks again Salomon...
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