Arsene Wenger Does a Jig as Arsenal Beats Villarreal To Reach Semis

An Arsenal side, somewhat ravaged with injury, saw off the challenge of Spanish side Villarreal 3-0 to set up a semifinal meeting with Manchester United.

Arsenal—already without Manuel Almunia, William Gallas, Gael Clichy, and Johan Djourou—were dealt yet another defensive blow before the match, with the news that right back Bacary Sagna was ruled out with a virus.

Arsene Wenger had little choice but to put together a back five of Lukasz Fabianski, Emmanuel Eboue, Kolo Toure, Mikael Silvestre, and Kieran Gibbs.

Denilson was dropped to the bench as Walcott, Fabregas, Song, and Nasri made up the midfield, while Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie spearheaded the attack.

Within 10 minutes, Arsenal had got the goal they so needed to calm nerves.

Theo Walcott, who would spend the match terrorising the Villarreal defenders, came onto a neat flick from Cesc Fabregas and calmly lobbed the ball over the on-rushing keeper.

It would remain 1-0 for the first 45 minutes, but both sides had chances, although the Arsenal back four looked comfortable throughout.

Come the second half and Villarreal started off the better.

However, again, Arsenal created chances, and on the hour mark, went 2-0 ahead thanks to Emmanuel Adebayor. Such was Arsene Wenger's relief on the touchline, he did a little jig of delight for onlookers.

Within 10 minutes of the second, Arsenal had their third, and all but booked their place in the semifinals.

Walcott cut in from the wing and was brought down by Godin; the referee pointed to the spot, to the disgust of the Villarreal team. Eguren was given a second yellow and sent off for his protests.

Robin van Persie stepped up and slotted home coolly.

After that, both sides had the odd chance, but realistically, the fight was gone from the Spanish side. The game was played out, with Wenger keeping one eye on the FA Cup semifinal clash with Chelsea on Saturday, as he withdrew Theo Walcott, Van Persie, and Emmanuel Adebayor (to be replaced by Abou Diaby, Denilson, and Nicklas Bendtner).

Arsenal's man of the match was Theo Walcott, who was a constant thorn in the Villarreal side, while he also took his goal well.

Credit must also go to young keeper Fabianski and midfield player Alex Song, who looked solid all night.

The much-maligned Emmanuel Eboue also proved his best position is at right back, as he was more than able cover for Sagna.

So, Arsenal continue their unbeaten run and look forward to a showdown with Manchester United.

Arsenal fans will hope to be seeing more of Arsene Wenger's victory dance.