Arsenal dispatch Milan comfortably in the end by Konstantin Mitov
A professional performance from Arsenal saw us dispatch Milan 5-1 on aggregate and for once the 5 stands in our favor! Apart from a stunner from Calhanoglu, we were in control of the game and turned it around.
Their goal came after Xhaka was left to cover for 2 players and although he tried to block the shot, he was late and it was in, but this is a trend about us I really hate. We far too often alow shots from distance almost like we don’t expect them, but sometimes it just goes in.
Our response was good though and we equalized from a penalty that was so shocking, Welbeck would’ve gotten an Oscar if it was a few weeks earlier. He scored it nicely, but it was so ugly. If this was against us I’d be fuming, but I have to say for once decisions went our way on the night.
The second half Milan tried, but lacked quality and when their keeper made an error from a Xhaka shot the game was dead and we finished with another Welbeck goal, who despite his obvious dive, was excellent in the two games vs Milan and deserved this goal.
Another player who was excellent against Milan both games was Granit Xhaka. The slower tempo allowed him time on the ball and he was solid, his passing was better and I just wonder what will he and some other players look like under a different manager?
I was only disappointed with Ozil, because it was ‘I don’t care when we lose the ball’-Mesut today, and I again wonder what would a Simeone or Allegri make of him?
So it’s the first time since 2010 we make it past the ro16 of a European competition and while we do have a chance of winning this one, people underestimate some of the remaining teams.
Rb Leipzig is a really interesting team, CSKA Moscow is a tricky trip to Russia, RB Salzburg dumped Dortmund out and Marseille is no joke. Lazio and Sporting Lisbon are decent sides, but of course the big threat is Atletico Madrid.
I think avoiding them until the final would be best as we’d have a better chance in a one off game rather than 2 legs in my opinion, but on the other hand getting them now will show what Wenger is made off and could force his departure if we capitulate in the last meaningful tournament for us this year.
Lastly you could see a lot of empty seats again as fans haven’t forgotten the season is still terrible, and we all know who’s responsible for this, and apart from getting Atletico, I don’t see the ground filling up again this season, but whatever competition the Europa League may be, it’s a European trophy and a chance to get back to the Champions League and I want us to win it.
So I hope that only for those remaining 1 or possibly 2 home games in the EL, the ground is full and we support the players to achieve what’s best for this football club and afterwards hopefully Wenger will leave and the new manager will have less ground to catch up and better transfer market options.
Peace and Love!
Konstantin