it's been a while since i spooge-blogged about Arsenal,
but it's Champions League knock-out stage time again.

yesterday's game verses AC Milan was riveting... Tyree helmet catch and cupcake dunk aside, there's nothing as CONTINUALLY exhilarating as a heavyweight CL club match. The talent is ridiculous (modern day mercenary system), there's no stoppage of play, and with the world's best finishers like Kaka and Adebayor a goal can be formed from nothing. Not to mention the midfield playmakers and enforcers... Pirlo (whom I'll address later) vs. Cesc? Gattuso vs. Gattuso 2.0 (Flamini)?

some observations from the game:

1) Pirlo is one of my favorite players, but he was dominated last night. I've never seen him needlessly give up the ball so many times. The speed and ball-winning determination of Cesc, Hleb, and Flamini definitely had him shook... he's definitely gonna bounce back in the second leg.

2) Flamini is freaking world class. He dominated the midfield and outshined his nicknamesake. His defensive midfield play is only rivaled by Mascherano right now in the Premiership... but Matthieu is a much better offensive player. I was definitely not a buyer in previous years, but he's quickly becoming my favorite Arsenal player to watch. His trackback coverage is awesome.

3) Adebayor. Seriously, this guy is next Drogba. His manner on the field is much like Drogba's. He's not afraid to show his playful side during games, but when the ball is coming his way, he transforms into The Predator. AC Milan's players showed nothing but respect for him all game. And the missed goal at the end? Check the picture above, that's what might have caused it. Also his ball-holding skills are not mentioned enough, he continually takes passes with 2 guys on him, holds and distributes.

4) Clichy and Sagna totally dominated the wings on both sides. I love Sagna's first touch, mid-trajectory curling crosses and Clichy's teleportation runs down the left side. AC Milan had no steady answer or defense for these two. Quick, skilled wing backs are going to change the game (as more are discovered), another mark Wenger will leave on the game... (and they won't be so cheap after this season).

I guess no EPL team has won at the San Siro, so boys are up for a big challenge.

one of the best games ever?