Arsenal head into the new year with AC Milan awaiting them in the next round of the Champions League."That promises us a very interesting last-16 game," according to Arsene Wenger—and it's hard to imagine any Gunners fan would disagree.
The only question: Is this squad good enough to go all the way?
Except for the losses at Sevilla and Middlesbrough, it's been a flawless season for the Gunners. Emmanuel Adebayor has been in superb form up front, Cesc Fabregas has been instrumental in the middle, and Kolo Toure and William Gallas have been solid at the back.
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However, injuries to key players like Fabregas, Alexander Hleb, and Robin Van Persie could hinder progression in a tournament like the Champions League. Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo have yet to set the world alight with their performances, so it would take a brave man to bet on the wounded Gunners.
Having said that, the Arsenal side that went to the Champions League Final in 2006 was crippled by injuries. It's hard to see them repeating that feat, especially at the San Siro—but Arsenal have exceeded all expectations this season, and face an AC Milan side currently 12th in Serie A.
Kaka and Co. do pose a considerable threat to the Gunner's European ambitions, but there's reason to believe that the aging Milan defence can be overcome.
The highly anticipated clash between the youthful Gunners and the veterans of Milan kicks off at the Emirates on February 20th. If Arsenal are to progress, it's essential for them to take a lead of some sort to the return leg at the San Siro.
The Roseneri won't be easy to defeat, and the Gunners will have to be at their best. To their credit, the departure of Thierry Henry has galvanized this team to perform as a unit, and Wenger has once again assembled a thrilling young side.
Will this finally be the season they conquer Europe?
It's very possible.
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7 months ago
I think Arsenal will get past AC Milan. How far they can get is another matter. I would love it to be all the way against Barcelona once more, with Arsenal playing spoiler to Henry's European ambitions.
7 months ago
I also think Arsenal can get through. Celtic did very well against them so I'm presumin Arsenal will cause them even more probs.
7 months ago
A.C Milan will be beaten at the Emirates
1-1 draw at the San Siro
Wenger knows best
from 7 months ago
Optimism is a virtue, but overconfidence vice
It's possible tho, if Arsenal can knock out teams like Real,then what's the deal with Milan..
I'm looking forward to an all English final at ?Moscow--Man United vs Arsenal/Liverpool
from 7 months ago
Arsenal vs Man Utd final
Arsenal win 2-0
Connolly knows best
from 7 months ago
Hahaha yeah right. Manchester United will beat Arsenal in Champions League if Arsenal is lucky enough to get there.
from 7 months ago
I love that Man Utd fans see it as their god given right, and a foregone conclusion, that they will be at every final and will win it when they get there, and that for everyone else it must be luck.
Three years out of the last four there's been an English team in the Champs League Final and Man Utd was not that team any of those three times. Man Utd's got a good chance to be there, so have Arsenal. No luck necessary on either side.
7 months ago
The squad that Arsne has at his disposal is indeed capable of challenging on all fronts. Arsenal may win the UCL and the EPL this season and highly possible they may not. The future looks bright and we must not forget this is the team that everyone wrote off even before the ball was rolled. They have exceeded all expectations and they can continue doing that. How many teams have the quality to play a Second String side in the FA cup/Carling Cup against teams from the Premier League? Not even Man United, Chelsea. The future is bright and the next decade will belong to Arsenal. Do not forget that this quality has come at what price when pitted against Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea.
Arsenal are rising.
7 months ago
Unfortunately I am very close to underestimating AC Milan. they have only won a single home match in the Italian league, and are dangerously close to the relegation zone. Kaka has not been as good as last year, and Arsenal are joint top of Europe's strongest league. I think if we avoid Man utd we will win it, unfortunately I can see another treble for Sir Alex with arsenal like in 99 being close in at least 2 of the 3 trophies.
7 months ago
I think we will do quite well, consider the last matches againt italien team such as inter and juve. against juve we won home and played defence away, but in milano we lost home and killed them 5-1 i think away...so i think the chances are there for use to show that we are a team that can perform when its needed..
7 months ago
I personally think MAn United will take the trophy this year. And that isn't just because I'm a fan. I think United have far and away the best strength in depth this year and with Anderson and Nani settling in so quickly and easily, we have a very strong setup. Ronaldo is desperate to add the champions league to his honours list and if he can carry his EPL form into the Champions League, he will be a very big weapon for us. Honestly I can see Arsenal getting Milan, judging by their form this season, but I'm not sure they have the depth to carry them all the way to Moscow. If they keep a fresh, injury free squad then they have a great shot, but with the African nations cup, there is extra possibility of injuries. They have just a good a chance as anyone else providing they can stay healthy.
I agree with Sheik, an all English final would be a dream! I wanted it so much last time around but Milan were too strong for us.
COME ON UNITED!
from 7 months ago
TYPO: 4th line, "Honestly I can see Arsenal BEATING Milan"
7 months ago
I was hoping for more from this article, but sadly, nothing here hasn't been said before elsewhere. *sigh*
7 months ago
Arsenal seem to raise their game more when playing the elite teams in Europe (see wins over Real, Juve, etc) and struggle when facing supposedly lesser teams – see defeat to PSV last season. Given this and Arsenal’s great start and overall talent I think they can do it.
Although given AC Milan’s incredibly poor form in Serie A, winning the Champions League could well be their only way back into it next year so they might well concentrate on it more than usual (much like Liverpool in recent years, and probably this year too). This could add danger for Arsenal.
Overall, too close to call really. I see it as 50/50, each team as likely as the other – what a great couple of matches it’s going to be to watch though!
7 months ago
I think i agree a little bit with matt, about that the chance is 50, 50. but you have to remember this game is about the team with most hunger to win. arsenal havent won this shit yet, and are doing well in the premiership, but milan are struggling but have won the champions league bare times. Milan dont need chamipons league this year, as much as we do...they need to find their way to milan form, but we need to win somthing this year, i dont care if it is chamipons league or premiership we need thoose title to show people we are here to enjoy them selfs, but to win somthing......arsenal are not like manu, chelski and liverpool are what ever they are called!
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