04/18/24
February 21, 2006
Real Madrid 0 Arsenal 1: As a Gooner, I've pretty much waited all my life for this. But what actually does it say about sports commentary?
The subtext is dodgy Premiership team beats the might of La Liga ... the truth is a team built to beat Real Madrid triumphs at its first opportunity ... ???
Still: feels damn good!
posted by dickdotcom to soccer at 05:54 PM - 13 comments
You're talking about Arsenal as if they're some bunch of schmoes. They're a pretty solid side, aren't they?
posted by chicobangs at 06:50 PM on February 21, 2006
Arsenal are what you would call 'rebuilding', this year, chico. They have also had a few injuries to some of the senior players. It's a very young squad. Anyone figure out the average age of the Arsenal team?
posted by owlhouse at 07:49 PM on February 21, 2006
HAIL!!!
posted by wolfdad at 09:17 PM on February 21, 2006
Sure hope Henry stays now. owlhouse is right, chico. Arsenal is traditionally a good club, and won the Premiership in 03/04. This year they are struggling (well, compared to Chelsea, everyone is struggling this year). Losing Patrick Viera to Juventus (and not replacing him), and so many injuries to top players have made it difficult. However, next year is the opening of the new grounds, and this big win over Real Madrid will help build the confidence of the club (and their supporters) to possibly win in Europe. And that may be the key to keeping Henry happy. squealy is right too. Not one English player played for Arsenal in today's tie, and yet the headlines are all about Arsenal being the first English side to win at Real Madrid's stadium. And It's fuckin' excellent! Go Gunners!
posted by scully at 09:51 PM on February 21, 2006
As a Chelski fan, it galls me to have to admit it that the Arsenal boys "done good". But Real were majorly out of sorts; ZZ was bottom, not top and Becks had a mare. Sadly, I fear that Barca tomorrow will be a different proposition, even if the doctored, sorry, muddy (honest!) pitch detracts from their passing game. Have to say though, that I think the winner this year will be Barca, Juve or Lyon.
posted by niall at 10:30 PM on February 21, 2006
Niall - I didn't see the game, but The Guardian said Beckham was the best Real player on the pitch. I shouldn't travel during Euro weeks. Big call on Lyon. Are we all still in the UEFA Fantasy League? I remodelled my team over the break, Arsene Wenger-style.
posted by owlhouse at 10:45 PM on February 21, 2006
Never occurred to me, or my friends watching, that there were not only no English players, but no British players on the Arsenal team. But do I care? Well, a little bit, but not much!
posted by dickdotcom at 02:54 AM on February 22, 2006
Real were out of sorts mainly due to the efforts of Arsenal, especially Flamini playing out of position at left back (handling Beckham pretty well) and Lehmann who stopped some screamers. I'm digging this. I'm suddenly starting to believe in the "Liverpool Plan".
posted by trox at 07:47 AM on February 22, 2006
I thought Fabregas had an excellent game. I wouldn't be surprised if those crazy opta stats have him completing 80% of his passes. The kid seemed to be everywhere he was needed, playing the perfect link-up role. Well done, Arsenal. Bastards.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 08:18 AM on February 22, 2006
Owlhouse- I think that what the Grauniad meant was that Becks was the best British player on the pitch after Woodgate had limped off yet again. Funny how the old hamstring's never been the same since he and that friendly chap Bowyer went out clubbing several years back...!
posted by niall at 10:19 AM on February 22, 2006
Okay, good to know. Thanks for the info, you guys. This is my first year following the EPL (or club soccer at all, to be honest), and though I've kind of fallen in with Liverpool a bit, I have to admit I could watch Thierry Henry play all day long.
posted by chicobangs at 12:44 PM on February 22, 2006
Go Gunners!!!! This is our year.... Can't wait for the final Juve vs Arsenal in Paris... BTW can anyone reccomend a good place to watch Arsenal games in Mahattan other than Nevada or Beckys
posted by arc at 09:08 AM on March 09, 2006
And not an Englishman amongst them. Though Fabregas, Reyes, Ljundberg, Eboue and Hleb all became honorary Englishmen in my book tonight. Well done Arsenal.