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Halftime: Arsenal 2 0 Juventus2-nil. Words fail me. As fantastically magical as were The Arsenal's victories both at the Bernabeu and Highbury against Real Madrid, the results pale in comparison to that which was witnessed last night. The Gunners not only mugged the Old Lady of Juventus; they quite likely murdered her as well. If any old ladies reading are offended by the above I apologise, but the emotive nature of our victory has lead to unfortunately violent language. The humbling of Juventus at Highbury underlined one enduring theme of Arsene Wenger's reign: Arsenal do not buy superstars, they make them.
Juventus 0  Posted at March 29, 2006 8:11 PM Permalink • Filed under: Football (Soccer) |
Playing the same 4-5-1 as was used against Madrid, we dominated every area of the field. But it was Cesc Fabregas that was a true wonder to behold. The 18-year-old's battle with Vieira, the legend that he was signed to replace, was as fascinating to watch as it was symbolic. Much was made of his tussle with our former Captain in midfield, but the Spanish boy wonder was a clear winner on the night and the Frenchman’s booking means they will not lock horns in the second leg next week... One commentator even had the temerity to suggest that his foul may not have been entirely accidental but I think too much of Patrick Vieira to entertain such madness. The second half was more exciting than the first, as rather than sit on our lead, the Gunners charged ahead. Penetration from Eboue and Flamini was brilliant and the harder The Arsenal pressed, the faster Juve unravelled... they ended with nine men after Mauro Camoranesi and Jonathan Zebina were sent off in the final minutes but by that time the game was won. 
Though the night was Arsenal's, it's only "half-time," so I'll save the breadth of my thoughts and opinions for the completion of the Turin leg. We head to Italy with an utterly deserved 2-0 lead. As a result of the bookings, Juve will be missing three players (Vieira included) but the Old Lady has the tools to turn things around. It's not over yet. 
Arsenal 2
Comments (5): Halftime: Arsenal 2 0 Juventus
zoogs
March 29, 2006 10:15 PM
Yeah, the Gunners were on quality form in Highbury. It was quite a scene seeing Fabregas command the mid while the old guard Vieira struggled with his mid duties.
The future is bright for Gunners youngsters and why I see both United and Arsenal in the running for Premiership title for years to come, thanks to both their youth farm systems. But the key for Gunners is re-signing T. Henry to guide those young lads.
Cozmo
March 30, 2006 12:05 AM
Solid. The best way to beat Serie A clubs in international competition?
Take it to 'em.
Well done by Arsenal. Hopefully they keep up the pressure in leg 2.
Tom
March 30, 2006 4:24 AM
Arsenal's youth farm? Where's that located - in East Fantasia? try scouting abilities. Arsenal looked superb last night and played some first class counter. I have no doubt they will prevail in the poophole that is Del Alpi. As the tournament has unfolded the - by far - most interesting final would be Henry & Co versus Ronaldinho's pose, but don't count out AC even though their game last night was a complete bore. Also, Rijkaard needs to bitchslap some cool into his troops before the return leg against Benfica, or else Koe's players will snupp Barca of the win. That game was more close than the score indicated. If it hadnt been for both keepers flaunting their stuff, there could have well been scored six or seven goals in Lisbon.
Shiloh de Rothschild
March 30, 2006 8:01 PM
Precisely. The Arsenal doesn't get it's superstars from the magical youth farm... leave it up to a loyalist to the Red to trivialize such accomplishments. Arsene Wenger runs the best scouting team in England, bar none, and the players that he's he's turned up have been phenomenal. He dug up Toure from the Ivory Coast, Anelka from under the noses of Paris St Germain, Vieira from AC Milan, Henry out of Juventus, and now Fabregas as a 16 year old out of Barcelona. His knowledge and his scouting system are second to none.
zoogs
April 3, 2006 8:04 AM
Geeeez, I make an error with my use of words and now I'm a loyalist!!! Guess I'd be watching what my dumb ass says here and hire someone to proof read my comments so as to avoid crucifixion by you lot.
My intentions where that Wenger has a knack for spotting young talents and developing them into star players by way of his youth team, where he coaches them into playing the gunners style of football (hence the wrongful use of youth farm system).
But rest assured I'm currently seeking enrollment into Grammar school. Cheers