Arsenal secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
It is often said that being the underdog can be an advantage, and Arsenal appeared determined to prove that point as they faced the most successful club in Champions League history.
The Gunners may have benefited from a favourable draw in the round of 16, but they also showed real intent and sharpness from the outset.
They dictated the tempo early on, pushing Madrid into a high-paced attacking battle and threatening the opposition’s goal almost every time they went forward.
Despite facing a Thibaut Courtois in exceptional form, who produced several crucial saves, Arsenal remained relentless.
The early pressure set the tone, and while Kylian Mbappé posed a rare threat for the visitors, nearly scoring from one of Madrid’s few chances, the Gunners maintained control.
Both sides continued to push, but it was in the second half that Arsenal’s dominance truly took shape.
Declan Rice broke the deadlock with a sensational free kick—an effort that reflected Arsenal’s superiority on the night.
Buoyed by the breakthrough, the Gunners pressed further, and just moments after Courtois denied Mikel Merino, Rice delivered again with another exquisite free kick, sending the Emirates into raptures.
The performance was capped off perfectly when Merino added a stunning third goal, sealing a night of total dominance.
With one leg still to play, Arsenal have taken a significant step towards the semi-finals of the Champions League
The performance was everything I could’ve asked for and more. Absolute perfection. I’ll leave it at that. Just, perfect.
@RSH
👍🏾
Unbelievable! Complete performance from everyone on the pitch. Now we just need to manage the game in Madrid since they will come out blazing all guns. Just don’t go into defense mode
The most complete performance I’ve seen us put on in a long while.
I’ve to admit I was blown away by our defending yesterday. Most especially that left side that was of serious concern.
I love the way Martinelli always fell back to mark Rodrigo and how he was always making sure MLS stay in position.
One would wonder where this mentality has been all this while.
Kudos to everyone none the less. We want to see more of this kinda display henceforth.
Bring on the Bernabeau!
What a night! Incredible performance by the boys.
What a night! Mbappe, Bellingham, Vinicius and Rodrigo ALL kept under control! We probably could have scored 6 but still 3 clean goals is more than I ever could have hoped for. I hope Saka and Timber are fine. I’m trying to manage my expectations but it’s looking very likely we will eliminate Real! 😃
Are you giving credit where credit is due tonight for Arteta as well as for the fine performances by the players?
Yes, including MLS. 😅
believe there are people on this site who will never Arteta the credit he deserves, they are waiting for him to slip up so they can continue their rage against him, I was at the game and I had to sit down after the third goal as I couldn’t believe what I had just seen, those free kicks and Merino’s goal were extraordinary, my heart was racing and at 59 I thought if I go what a way to go pure joy, the disbelieve of fans around me was exceptional, pure ecstasy
Not true dude
Peeps can only report what they see
In his own words he told us not to accept 2nd
We were told the ambition was to challenge for the title
We have not done that this season and some are simply disappointed
I think it’s more a case of some fans only wanting to hear he’s the best in the world and ignore when we fail
World-class direct free kicks from Rice. He should’ve been taking them instead of Odegaard and Saka
Arteta is a genius tactician and coach, because the highly-decimated Arsenal managed to trash the legendary UCL champion
Merino has scored eight goals since he played CF. He’s been fantastic and the new CF would likely not be able to replace him easily
He’s scored a total of 8 goals this season
He already had 2 goals before he started playing as the Striker
Thanks for the correction
Fortunately, we didn’t play against Atletico Madrid, because Simeone is a master of low-block tactics
If we manage to go past Real Madrid, I’d prefer to meet PSG instead of Aston Villa. I think PSG will be as open as the Madrid’s finest
I’ll prefer Aston Villa though
First time this guy is positive.
Sure. You just spoke my mind
A total unsung hero.
Love Merrino.
Not a bad record since the Jesus and Havertz injuries
I concur with “gotanidea”, I would prefer to play PSG rather than villa . PSG too play open attacking football like madrid. Timber is the one player we must not lose to injuries. He was magnificent against vini. Arsenal will get chances at the benaubae. We just need to take them
@Gai you have said it all👌.
Best CL performance in my lifetime, we DOMINATED the game against Real Madrid. Just wow. What a night. Fellow gunners, bask in this it doesn’t come around often.
Magnificent display by the team, the 2nd half performance was ridiculous. Only 1 team in it, made Real look like a tiny team. Could have scored more if not for Courtois heroics and us having no striker to profit off those saka passes.
Yeah, El Real were so lucky to have Courtois
Yeah, Courtois was superb.
But for him the scoreline would have much better for Arsenal
So proud of my gunners.
Fantastic performance from all.
Let’s finish the job in Madrid.
BIG UPS to the team.
They deserved to be victorious.
Now am convinced, ARSENAL WILL WIN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE.
Upwards & Onwards.
COYG
Hold your houses bro! Let’s make it to the semi-final first 😂
What an amazing performance; I have for some time seen that Madrid is very beatable irrespective of their formidable attack,but I am surprised we did not concede against them even without Gabriel
Madrid are very beatable, their work rate is poor. They rely on individual brilliance, which luckily for us was totally missing last night. The great thing and it is massive is, Real never got a goal. 3-1 would have been a different kettle of fish all together.
Yea… Even the underrated kiwior was absolutely superb today
What did he do
Win.
To be honest I had a feeling he was going to be subbed at half time (possibly for White). He made two errors that could have really cost us. However he looked a lot more solid in the second half. I hope he takes massive confidence out of the clean sheet. Especially going into next round.
He made his usual individual error, that wasn’t punished. I do not trust him.
Amazing Rice show *tonight – a mature midfield team performance. No fan can be disappointed tonight. Miles Lewis-Skelly with a big champions league team performance, Raya proves again he’s that guy and people need to show Mikel Merino respect as he really stepped up for us when it matters.
But its not over – we still got to finish them and Inter Milan off once and for all. COYG!
Shame on those fans that predict doom and gloom for their club 😂😂😭
FOR REAL
What an impressive display from our team! I’ve long believed that Madrid is beatable, despite their formidable attack. Their star-studded lineup can be neutralized with the right strategy and execution. And boy, did our team deliver! The fact that we didn’t concede a single goal against them, even without Gabriel, is a testament to our solid defense and goalkeeping.
Our team’s performance was a masterclass in defensive solidity and counter-attacking football. We effectively absorbed Madrid’s pressure and caught them off guard with swift counter-attacks. Our midfielders did an excellent job in breaking up Madrid’s attacks and distributing the ball to our forwards. The frontline, in turn, showed great composure, with Merino scoring a crucial goal and Rice sweeping in two free kicks that sealed the win.
One of the key takeaways from this match is the importance of defensive organization and discipline. Our team showed great maturity and understanding of the game, knowing when to press and when to drop deep. This allowed us to conserve energy and launch quick counter-attacks, which caught Madrid off guard. As we look ahead to the return leg, it’s essential that we maintain this level of defensive solidity and continue to exploit Madrid’s weaknesses on the counter.
For the return leg, Arsenal should focus on building on this momentum and exploiting Madrid’s vulnerabilities. We need to continue to be clinical in our finishing and make the most of the opportunities that come our way. Additionally, we should look to target Madrid’s left flank, which seemed to be their weakest link in the first leg. With Rice’s set-piece expertise and Merino’s clinical finishing, I believe we have the tools to cause an upset and progress to the next round. The return leg is going to be a thrilling encounter, and I’m excited to see how our team will perform!
@Famochi
Very well stated…👏🏾
Counter attacking? Must’ve watched a different game to me then.
The game was won in midfield? We didn’t counter attack?
Am really proud of the boys tonight, let’s finish the job next week.
Congratulations fellow Gooners! The destination is Bayern Arena in Munich. Redemption at last via The UEFA CL. Fans really deserve it. The wait should be OVER. COYG!
@Ambachew
The Allianz Arena for Bayern. More likely The Giuseppe Meazza Stadium for Inter.
He meant the final venue not next opponents. And BTW we are not facing either Bayern or Inter next round if we do advance.
Thank you so much Gooner mate Vamos for understanding perfectly the idea of my comments. I meant by destination the final at Bayern as you got it right. Good day!
@Ambachew
I stand corrected. My bad…👍🏾
Love you Gooner mate. Thanks! Wish you the best. Waited too long to lift a major trophy. Pray God make 2025 be the season to do so! Good day or evening!
@Vamos
Thanks for clearing that up for me…👍🏾
the best from arsenal ever. Played 12 shot, 11 on terget. Wonderful
That’s more like it from the boys go tonight! Unto Brentford next ¡Vamos! 👏
Awesome performance. Declan showed why we bought him for 105m pounds.
Oh, Skelly!!! My love for the young lad keeps growing. He didn’t make any defensive mistake today and provided an assist.
The sky is the limit for him.
Kiwior that I was so scared for made only one error with a wrong pass. And then took correction and had a solid game.
Saka, Timber, Partey and Merino honourable mentions.
In fact, the whole team was superb.
They should just try and contain the game at the Bernabou, defend well and score one more goal to strengthen the lead and we move to the next round.
It was 8shots on target and 0shots off Target and we got 3goals from those. #coygsssssss!!!!!!
The headline above says it all. I was stunned as well.
The first half was more cagey, but the team did show flashes and it was a shame that Saka’s crosses didn’t have somebody on the end of them
The second half was attacking football on steroids. Until Rice scored those unbelievable free kicks I had Courtois on man of the match, such were the quality of the saves he made.
It shows that there is a really good team in there. I just wonder what made the difference tonight for them to take the foot off the proverbial brake.
A thoroughly, brilliantly deserved win.
Well I was not surprised, I said we are winning the quarters and one part of the job is done. I said Mikel is a better manager than Carlo and there is a reason he is paid that much. Carlo is the past, Mikel is the future of football management. I wish PSG luck as Unai is the master of European games and getting past him has always been a challenge
Didn’t read like that to me
That post, as most of your posts about Arteta are, was sarcastic. You wrote that he was better than Ancelotti based on his earnings. A sly dig I’d say and certainly not favourable to Arteta.
Thanks for stating that, I was also a bit confused by his statement given what he’s posted in the past.
Carlo is the past ?
He won La Liga and CL last season
Have some respect and be humble dude
It’s comments like that which is why if we don’t win anything again we as a fanbase look silly
Enjoy the moment of course but little steps at a time
Ancelotti has won more than Arteta or many other managers could ever dream to win. He has proved himself. One swallow?
Exactly
When I’m asked how are some Gooners arrogant
We should be ecstatic because it’s Carlo Ancelottie and Real Madrid
You are taking TSRS literally
You should have read his original post on another article where he did his usual Arteta bashing as I have alluded to. He was doing his best in this morning’s post to not make him/herself not look a jerk by telling a whopper and has failed miserably. As I’m reminded by others, we posters can have long memories
Hello fellow supporters – thanks for your varied opinions, but the there are flaws in Arteta’s approach to player selections and I will not sugar coat any bitter pill. With 800M we could have had the best of squads, but we do not have at the moment. I have always held Rice in high esteem and he delivered yesterday as he did for Moyes in the Conference Cup. RM lost in the liga so i mentioned we would win as they would open up being more focused to score the away goal. We will have a goal fest in Madrid as they will open up more to score minimum 3 while we need to score only 1. We have a proper group of 11 players who can walk into any UCL team, its the balance 23 who are not upto the mark and the manager who sets up the team. Regarding Carlo, the man has won everything, but remember he is nearing 66 and may not continue for long, Mikel turned 43 this march and has a long way to go. My praise or critique of Mikel will continue depending on how he sets up the team.
Brilliant, perfect, what a game!
Unbelievable performance by all the Arsenal players tonight. Arsenal were by far the best team on the pitch. Who would have thought that Arsenal could be so dominant against mighty Real Madrid. When the opponent turned out to be Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, I had a little concern that it would be very difficult to reach the semi-finals, especially in light of injured key players. But Arsenal were well prepared,and the victory could easily have been bigger if Courtois hadn’t been doing so extremely well. Courtois had no chance in all the Arsenal goals. Declan Rice was simply outstanding, he was everywhere and scored the kind of goals that any player would characterize as one of his best goals of his career, and then he scores two in the same game. WOW. What power and precision in the shots. Merino’s goal was also very good. A fantastic evening that can contribute to Arsenal’s season perhaps being really good after all.
Wow, who saw that coming? I didn’t think Madrid was as good as some people thought they were, and they weren’t. Very easy to play against and that was a surprise. Great win though and one foot in next round. Can not fault our effort and thanks to two unbelievable free kicks. Rice, Partey and MLS were stand out. It obviously won’t be as easy out there but, there is nothing to be frightened of as a team, just individuals. That shouldn’t be enough to turn it round. Wow!!!! Those free kicks!!!!!
The only minus was it could have been 6-0.
Yes Reggie should have been more but Courtois had other ideas
And our own players.
@Reggie
Exactly.Saka put in at least two tasty crosses over the face of goal beating Courtois. Alas, no Gunners there to capitalise on them.
Maybe needed a striker NY🤣
That Partey’s goal bound header that was stopped by our own player.
What a game , great.
Wow just wow what a game! Total demolition of a really good Madrid side. Now we need to do the job in a weeks time and a repeat of this performance please. Anyone noticed we press quite well in Europe?
for me, it was the greatest nights football since a certain friday night in 1989 when we visited anfield.regardless if we go through to the semi finals,or not, this was magic.everything just fell into place. but a word of warning, lets not begin counting our chickens just yet,madrid will be a hostile place.
Yep. They will play act, pressure the referee, their fans will whip it up. It’s not over, it’s half time.
A truly memorable night
The ground was absolutely bouncing and too a man and woman the support was just amazing
We wonder at times if the pain, roller coaster emotions ride through out the season is actually worth it. Well when you come across nights like tonight…it certainly is.
Onwards and upwards
We must keep Partey and Kiwior please
Yes and Trossard to, hope so.
Why should we keep the error prone kiwior?
I agreed we can only keep partey but kiwior most go.
Wow. A most unexpected surprise.
the thing is that AFC played RM out of the park….just like against Sportig PSV City PSG….it wasnt lucky….
Partey had his best season for Arsenal this year.Quality player and lad.
Sad to see him leave.
Hope he stay
Hoppefully he will stay
These are the nights we live for as fans.
These are the nights and performances that catapults a team from very good to elite levels.
These are the nights capable of changing everything and altering the course of history.
Massive, massive performance tonight. Everyone played their hearts out, and shout-out to Declan Rice for those delicious free kicks, but did anyone notice just how unplayable Partey was tonight?
What an absolute beast in midfield!
Oh, how i love this football club!
Big ups to the gaffer too, cuz this was exactly what he said we were going to serve Madrid in his pre match presser.
Glad his words were fleshed on the pitch.
Onwards and Upwards 🔥
COYG 💪
Partey played well, I didn;t notice any mistakes not anything particularly wonderful. He was always available for a pass, to get a team mate out of trouble, he was frequently called on to do just that and always kept things moving the right way.
All good stuff, not sure I’d call it “unplayable” though.
Yes, ne too notice Partey performance, he played a blinder.
Though the MOM may go to Rice, Partey performance was massive
Keep telling fans the former Atlético man is a genuine world class player, he has been playing at this level for many moons
Agree. Partey had a solid all round game and kept things simple. The way RM play allowed him more time on the ball but he has been quite consistent for most of the season. Partey’s weaknesses show up in games with frequent transitions. The way we were set up along with RM’s midfield limitations prevented such scenarios from developing.
Yeah Partey played well, transitioning from defense to attack.
I’m still a bit lost for words to be honest!
I’m not going to say I told you so because like everyone else the heart and the head were giving me different signals before this game. My most optimistic outcome would have been a home draw a and then to snatch glory at the Bernabou. It’s still a game of two halves but going in 3-0 at half time is a good place to be. I will say, I told you so about Rice and Martinelli, however. They have been too easily dismissed by some. Agreed, they have struggled at times, but they are quality players who certain supporters should not be discarding so quickly.
They were scared of Martineli, he may have been a little unfortunate not to be on the score sheet
I am not sure where this “everyone else” business is coming from. One issue we have is that far too many have been caught up in rubbish about the manager and certain players.
Evidently, one could not have predicted what happened yesterday but some of us have stated before that Arsenal would be a challenge for any team in world football. Although we have had issues up front we are still one of the best out of possession teams in world football. As I have also stated before we also have one of the best managers in the world.
Its a pity we have under achieved so badly then.
How have we under-achieved? At which point in the last few years have we had the best team or squad in any tournament that we have played? Have we ever been the best resourced team?
I think he more means that if we have the best manager in the world , are one of the best out of possession and are a challenge for any team how does that equate then to one FA Cup in 5 years
Like it can’t be both
Your either one of the best in the world in which case your underachieving
Or it’s okay not to win things but then you can’t be one of the best in the world
The issue around titles is simply a fact of life when you are up against other top level teams. There are only so many titles that are available for everyone to compete for in any given season.
Would you say we are not amongst the best out of possession team’s or that we are not a challenge for any team?
Also, note, I haven’t that Arteta is the best right now. Let me ask you this however, which managers would you rate ahead of him?
David!!!!!! Come on, everyone knows we have under achieved to what we should have done. Very poor cup runs, twice giving the leaway and not laying a glove on Liverpool this year. Get your head out of the sand. 800 mil poured into this team, this season, 7 times we have been leading in the league and not won. Thats under achieving. And that’s why we are 11 points behind. Poor cup runs season after season.
Giving the league away.
I don’t want to do this this a day after such a great result
I will simply leave it like this , if all those points were true he would have done better wouldn’t he
I haven’t seen many people being dismissive regarding Rice, but correct about Martinelli.
I will admit I was one of those people (although I never posted about it), as I always thought he was too one dimensional. I still think so today, but I suppose it works! Imagine how much better he would be if he added some more layers to his game though.
We can’t all be so positive.next game likely 3-0 goes to pk’s.
If I made a mistake you are there to correct me. Thank you mate. But I was trying to refer to the final at Bayern Arena. That is why redemption it would be after winning the trophy. I believe! Next at SF v Villa or PSG. First leg at home again.
A week ago at Emirates Stadium the final score reads:
Arsenal Women 3-0 Real Madrid. It was also at QF stage of UCL.
Same score! Hala GUNNERS!
What a result for the Arsenal! Absolutely blew Madrid away! They were lucky we only scored 3, the chances we had it could easily have been 5 or 6. Need to see it through in the second leg now, surely Arsenal can’t screw up with a 3-0 lead?
A keep saying Arsenal always comes good when their back against the wall.
Having lost Gabriel Magahlase at probably the most critical time , The Brazilian is Arsenal most important player this season.
It may have inspired a seige mentality, and the Everton game could have come as a mere distraction.
We started the game against the cemetery of talents, similar to how we played most game in the last campaign, we were out of the block like the legendary Bolt.
Just not true though is it ?
Gabriel Maghales is just replaceable. See the results after his injury. He of course scores headers but even that has dried up. For perspective when Saliba saw red at Bournemouth next match Arsenal conceded 2 goals v Liverpool and lost crucial points to a title rival. Without Saliba Arsenal are defensively fragile but not without Maghales. Maghales for me is not an astute defender as evidenced in his misplacement that allowed Isak to score header goal in the 1-0 loss. Even the minnow Kiwior can adequately replace him. It is fine so long as Saliba is playing.
I thought partey was the key to winning the midfield and being able to impose our game on them. That ability to keep things ticking under pressure is so crucial to how we play, it can’t really be understated.
That said, had it not been for rice suddenly becoming a free kick specialist, I think it would have been a draw or narrow victory, but his goals will give us great optimism for the second leg. Real are a nightmare side in Europe – you just never know with them – but if we can keep solid at the back but continue to carry a threat in attack, we should be able to navigate it. Fingers crossed.
Also thought timber was immense, saka was dangerous, odegaard did his part and helped keep them on the back foot, saliba and MLS were excellent and kiwior really grew into the game (his long passing from the back is really underrated – his timing for passes in behind is really good and he has the technique for it). It seems some people think kiwior is a bit of a mistake-filled mess, similar to someone like cygan or senderos could be at times, but imo he’s a quality defender who suffers from lack of consistent play time, and when he does eventually leave (which I think he will), he could well establish himself as a top level CB somewhere in Europe.
Totally agree with everything you’ve said. I believe we are currently seeing the best of a fully-fit Partey playing in midfield & Kiwior has steadily been improving and showing us what he can do now that he is getting regular game time.
A very good all round performance orchestrated by the magnificent Thomas Partey who completely blotted out Bellingham and linked our play in tight spaces under pressure.We simply must retain this guy who stood out in a team on a mission.A word for young MSL who played with discipline in a left midfield role and had his best game for Arsenal in my opinion.I slept very well last night.
Partey & MLS were brilliant as was Martinelli.
I have been watching football for over 40 years.
The best free kick specialist I had seen in this time was Ronald Koeman (even more than Zico). But Declan Rice’s free kicks were as great as RK’s free kicks. The first one had a Roberto Carlos bend. The second one was a rocket curl to the top right hand corner.
The two Ronaldo’s, Michael Owen, David Beckham, Roberto Carlos, Raul, Savarino Ballesteros, The Spanish Armada, and any person or anything connected to Spain or Real Madrid. Your team took one hell of a beating.
But on a serious note, what a performance and result from the Arsenal, (WOW👏👏👏 ).
I must admit I didn’t see that coming. I feared for us down the left side if I’m honest, but thankfully both Lewis Skelly and Kiwior put me firmly in my place, and long may that continue.
It was just an all round superb performance, especially in the second half. And I would suggest that a certain Mr Rice should be the free kick taker from now on, what a couple of strikes they were by the way.👏👏👏
Now people don’t adjust your sets😂, I’m going to give Arteta some praise, yes you’ve read me right. With some of the issues the club are having, to still be able to provide a team to produce that kind of performance deserves my utmost respect. So a big thumbs up from me Mr Arteta on this occasion. 👍
What’s wrong with me.🤦♂️😉
Just one thing on Real Madrid, I suppose as fans it’s only natural to have a certain amount of fear when your drawn against a team with the history and stature of Real Madrid. Just the name can be enough to give you doubts as to whether your team can beat them. But at the end of the day it’s 11 v 11, and anything can happen as last night proved.
Now hopefully we can complete the job.🤞
But I’ll still be hiding behind my sofa.😂🤣👍😉
Derek
reading that review I found myself reaching for the smelling salts.
SueP,
I’ve just booked into see my Psychiatrist. 🙄😉😂👍
Top comment, Derek. The first half had me worried, with some apparent unnecessary risk-taking at the back, we could have easily have been behind but the 2nd half was something I don’t think even the most ardent fan could have predicted. Declan stepped up and by comparison made Jude and Camavinga looked like a sulky schoolboys. It was like having N’Golo Kante AND Toni Kroos on the pitch at the same time. Regardless of what happens in the return leg and for the rest of the season, I see last night’s game as the moment Declan Rice actually announced himself on the world stage. We all knew about his fantastic engine and defensive attributes and his quality delivery from corners has been noticeable but no one expected THAT. Those free kicks were of a standard rarely seen and certainly not a fluke. What a player.
It was a brilliant team performance, lung busting pressing and movement, shape, transition, focus, built the stage so that the goals were so deserved.
Guys, MLS is young and 17. We must encourage our boys. I’m disappointed by Arsenal fans who are even taking about Real Madrid not on their turf. We Won The Game With Perfection. That is what’s important
18.
And a half.
Last night Declan stepped up and transformed into some Toni Kroos/N’Golo Kante hybrid. His set piece delivery, combined with his seemingly bottomless pit of energy make him a unique player that Arsenal are fortunate to have at the club. Martin Odegaard might be the captain but Rice is the leader out on the pitch.
Maybe i am the only one person on.here but I thought TP had a good game but not an amazing game.
For me he is to safe. He never breaks lines and we go side and backwards when he is in possession.
His stats are probably of the scales but that’s because he plays safe 5 yard short balls.
I saw our front three 3 create space only have to check back
When on occasions he does press forward it creates panick for the opposition
If on occasions he lost the ball further upfield. He has.little pace to recover and get back
Believe when we go over there for the 2nd leg then he should play as we will sit deeper and he can shuffle across rather sprint around
He had a good game but not a world class game imo
Need an upgrade for next season
With respect, I think your analysis of the performance of TP is well off the mark.Apart from shackling Bellingham to the extent that he was virtually anonymous, he was the guy finding space to link with others and on at least 3 occasions he played long through balls which unfortunately our Captain failed to control.Without a speedy central striker it becomes pointless to hit long balls into space particularly when the main focal point of our creativity has been Odegaard ,who is unfortunately struggling for form at the present time.I should imagine our Manager would be distinctly unhappy if his dedicated DM started to give the ball away “cheaply” as possession seems to be the key ingredient of his tactical approach.
Grandad
Spot on…..Partey was the key to our win.. he bossed the midfield
I told my colleagues at work that Arsenal will humble Madrid well and thank God it happened as I said.
hats off to you for your belief. I sure didn’t have it!
A thunder never strikes twice but the Rice thunder does! He saved that elusive skill for this crucial tie. Some still doubt Madrid might overturn the result. I would not be surprised by these Thomas esque doubtful people because these people were even stating that PSV would overturn the first leg 7-1 deficit at its home. I didn’t see many people applauding Arteta for the victory. They talk only about Rice magic. Is it what the job of a present day manager looks like that is singled out for failure kept anonymous when the team wins? The Arsenal Women 3-0 victory over Madrid a week ago set a precedent for the men. They showed nothing is impossible as they demolished the Madrid Feminine overturning a 0-2 deficit.
What an incredible performance. We have to remember thought that those bxxtards aren’t dead yet. They have an incredibly irritating way of surviving especially in CL
I left this site due to what I considered the excessive number of negative posters (aka “realists”) here. I returned out of interest in the wake of what I consider to be our best performance in the past ten years against the top club side in Europe, naiively expecting universal euphoric comments about a fantastic game, our team and our manager’s tactical masterclass. But no, the doubters would still rather question Arteta’s record and squad purchases or express concerns over the return leg than enjoy the moment. We are now favourites to win the biggest club tournament in the world, even without a recognised striker. We have one of the best sporting directors in football with pots of money to spend, we already have a backbone of Saliba, Rice, Timber, Saka, Odegaard to name but five truly world class players (soon IMO to be joined by MLS). A tactical master as a manager (read the technical reviews of how Arteta bested Ancellotti if you doubt it) and a team now brimming with confidence having been let off the leash.
Supporting a team is primarily about now and our hopes for the future, not history. Who talks about Sunderland, Huddersfield, Wolves now? So lets celebrate the now and be excited for the future!
Quite a few positive articles to be fair about the game
Guy,
Odegaard is not world class. As well as Arsenal played the other night, if there was one player who is still not producing, I have to say it’s a certain Mr Odegaard. World class!, I think not.
True Dan, just a few cant resist always being negative or arguing. But my point is that why immediately after such an incredible performance and result – probably the best night we’ve had in 20 years, would ANY Arsenal fan want to do anything but just enjoy the moment. I frequent several fan sites and watch numerous youtube broadcasts and this site has always attracted more negative posts than almost any other. Baffles me!
Hope you stay Guy.
I gave full crefit to arteta for ydys win. Weakened defence against vini and mbappe…who would have thought, we’d keep it scoreless. Especially when kwivior started poorly, credit though, he improved. Partey had a blinder… he needs to stay in midfield…which villager wants him sold?? Only blemish is where has odegaard gone?
Lets hope, artetas tactics are spot on again next week… if no ones injured, plesse keep the same lineup….dont start trossard. RM wil likely score but i hope we dont completely go into our shell at the start
Warning next week. Take nothing for granted. Ancelotti has been given a warning of a sacking note, if Real Madrid do not advance. Real Madrid at home is always an unknown factor. Moreover, the older of us will probably never forget this result:
Derby County 4-1 Real Madrid (22nd October 1975) / Real Madrid 5-1 Derby County (Nov 5, 1975)
What a terrific performance and result. I was very pessimistic about this game, especially once Gabriel was ruled out, but The Arsenal done the business. Everyone in the stadium and everyone that took to the pitch played their part.
This result was for a great mate of mine who sadly passed away. We followed The Arsenal over land and sea.
Fly high my old mate, in the Clockend in the sky. RIP Frankie 😢
Sorry for your loss Herr Drier.👍😉
Sorry to hear that mate
Puts things into perspective
Thanks Derek and Dan.
Gunnerz for life l just love this club no matter the weather