A B52 Raid in London

“He may have scored 2 goals, but for me he was woeful”

- Carlton Palmer

 

That ladies and gentlemen is NOT a ‘BigFourZa making a mockery and hence attributing it to Carlton Palmer’ quote. He really said that during the half time analysis. True story. What a douche bag!

This was a side that had neither injuries nor history in its corner. We were missing our most influential defender (arguably), our most influential striker and our most influential midfielder – captain (no arguments there). We had to go all the way back to 1978 before ethnic conflicts and war, to when Hajduk Split was still Yugoslavian for our last triumph over two legs after losing the first. And yet, the boss was confident we’d be rewriting the history books and a little French general was more than capable of marshalling the Spaniard’s troops in his absence. I must admit I did not entirely share his optimism and I was apprehensive. And that, I guess is why he’s Arsene Wenger and I’m Maddy.

This was a side where after his weekend heroics, Theo Walcott surprisingly didn’t find a place in, with the manager clearly going for experience over exuberance with Rosicky lining up alongside Arshavin.

This was a side where after his weekend <forehead smack> inducing profligacy Nicklas Bendtner was given the responsibility of leading the line.

The only thing that did not work one bit throughout the course of the night was Carlton palmer’s brain cells as the Arsenal put on a frightening display of their technical ability. While this Porto side may have never won in 15 visits to the west of the Channel, you have to remember this was the same side that nearly embarrassed Manchester United at the quarterfinal stage last year.

Nasri, Song, Diaby, Arshavin, Rosicky and Bendtner were like instruments of an orchestra; immaculate coordination and amazing synchrony working in perfect unison. They twisted, they turned, they ran and they stopped leaving in their wake, disoriented defenders plonked firmly on their backsides. The one word that truly captures the essence of this performance is Imperious.

What a week for the redemption of tattered reputations. Theo was the toast of England last week, going back to being England’s greatest hope from England’s greatest disappointment. This time Bendtner who couldn’t buy a goal to save his life last week, repaid every gooner’s faith in him with a brilliant hat trick. To those who are still spouting their nonsense as to how the goals were regulation tap ins, all I can do is roll my eyes over and dismiss you for a mug to the level of Palmer and Collymore. It was the finest exhibition of predatory instinct (so often praised in Shearer and Rooney) and desire by an Arsenal striker in a long time (something incidentally we were always accused of lacking; an all out central striker)

I could write an entire post about the brilliance of Andrei Arshavin who is clearly refreshed and ready after his enforced layoff. Nasri’s goal deserves and entire post in itself. A picture though as the old adage goes is worth a thousand words and I think the illustration is a fair representation of the route he took before cannoning the ball past a hapless Helton.

 

 

What can you say about undoubtedly THE signing of the season Thomas Vermaelen? 4 zip up and yet he throws himself in front of the ball in a Maximus Decimus Meridius like effort to protect the clean sheet. One moment said it all about the Belgian’s commitment. Up for a corner, when Porto began a break, the sight of him going full tilt on a lung bursting run back to his post was gooseflesh inducing.

This side has clearly drawn strength from adversity and the post game huddle is almost a customary sight. This newly rediscovered unity and mental fortitude could just take us all the way and help us in winning the 15 games that remain this season.

Who’s you money on for the Quarters? The pragmatist in me is rooting for Sevilla or Bayern. The romantic in me, Barcelona.