AC Milan vs Arsenal: Match Thread

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Sanj

Sanj

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Jun 1, 2011
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UEFA Champions League
15th Feb 2012
KO: 19:45
San Siro​


The Champions League is back and Arsenal are once again involved in the knock out stages of the Champions League. Arsenal travel to Italy in order to take on AC Milan at the San Siro in this last 16 clash. Arsenal finished as the winners of group F, while Milan came second behind Barcelona in group H. Milan have gone out to English clubs in their last three knock out games in this competition. Arsenal are one of the English teams that eliminated Milan in the CL. That tie was back in the 200708 campaign. Goals from Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor gave Arsenal a two goal win in the San Siro which was saw them go through to the last 8. Both sides go into this game on the back of tough away victories in their respective leagues. Arsenal thanks to a late Theirry Henry goal managed to seal a tough win against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. AC Milan also won by the same score line away to Udinese. That win saw Milan go to the top of Serie A and moved them two points away from Juventus in second place. Arsenal got back into the top four after their win against Sunderland. Moving above Chelsea and getting into the Champions League places was vital for Arsenal and they hope to end the season knowing that they have CL football secured for next season.

AC Milan found themselves in the same group as Barcelona so finishing as the winners in their group was always going to be a tough ask. Milan managed to secure a draw at the Nou Camp but could not avoid defeat at home against the champions of Europe. But with Viktoria Plzeň and BATE Borisov making up the rest of group H, Milan had the chance to at least get out of the group and they did just that. In Serie A, they currently sit in first place but Juventus do have two games in hand. In the Coppa Italia they suffered a first leg defeat to Juventus and with the second leg being away from home its going to be a difficult challenge if they are to progress in that competition. Zlatan Ibrahimovic completed a permanent move to AC Milan from Barcelona in the summer and he has not disappointed this season. So far he has got 21 goals in all competitions with four of them coming in the Champions League. His poor goal scoring record against English teams is well documented, in fact his only two goals against English sides came against Arsenal. A talented player that can provide a moment of magic in an instant and Arsenal will have to keep him silent if they are to get a good result at the San Siro. The highly talented Alexandre Pato has struggled with injuries problems this season and was even close to joining French side PSG after falling out with the manager at Milan. He is not fit for this game and the Gunners will be glad to hear that.

In defence, Thiago Silva will be looking to shackle Robin Van Persie. This match up will be an interesting watch as it pits two world class players against each other. Antonio Nocerino has been the surprise player for Milan this season. A player that was purchased on the very last day of the transfer window for a fee in the region of €500,000 from Palermo. He has exceeded the expectations of many and his presence in the Milan midfield has helped them control games. He is also a player that has a lot of energy and will try to not let Arsenal settle in midfield. The amazing Clarence Seedorf is still an important player for Milan and his experience and technical skills will help Milan to take control of the midfield against Arsenal if he is on top form. Robinho who failed to impress in England with Manchester City has found his home in Milan and while not ever living up to the early promise of his career he has done well at Milan. With Bacary Sagna back for Arsenal this should be yet another interesting battle in the game. Per Mertesacker has been ruled out by Arsene Wenger after suffering an ankle injury in the win against Sunderland. So Arsenal will have to have yet another reshuffle in defence. Kieran Gibbs could be in line for his first start in four months.

The Milan game will be the last for Thierry Henry at Arsenal. He has to return to New York Red Bulls after this game as his loan spell comes to an end. Henry has helped his old side with three goals and has passed on his knowledge no doubt to many of the players in the squad. Henry will have great memories of the San Siro. He destroyed Inter Milan back in 2003 at this very ground. Two goals of the highest quality from a player that was at the peak of his powers. Arsenal still have a world class forward but that man is no longer Henry. Its Robin Van Persie, the Dutchman has scored an amazing 28 goals in all competitions this season. But with Van Persie, it’s not just about the goals. He has contributed with his link up play and has also made goals for others. A complete forward that will be looking to make his mark at such a famous stadium as the San Siro. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain could be in line for just his third start in the champions league and the youngster has shown with his displays that he plays with an intelligence of a player at his peak. His and Theo Walcott’s pace will worry the Milan defence. If they step up then Arsenal have two flying machines on the wing that can exploit any space. Mikel Arteta moved to Arsenal in order to take part in games such as these. His return has seen Arsenal pick up form and that is not a coincidence. A calm and steady influence who can keep the Gunners ticking in midfield. Arsenal will be looking to get that vital away goal and if they can build on their recent good form then they can get the positive result they are looking for at the San Siro.


Teams News:

Arsene Wenger:
[on Gibbs] I believe physically and mentally he is ready. But if I start him, which is not decided yet, I do not want to put too much pressure on him because we want a good team performance. Gibbs is a good player. [on Wilshere] The recovery of his latest problems looks very good," added Wenger. The latest scan was very positive. We go cautiously step by step because we tried to push him back quicker in the first instance and he had a setback. So this time we have to be cautious and not go too quick. He can be back before then end of the season, of course. [on Mertesacker] He had a reconstruction of his ankle in Germany before he joined us, And the scan didn't look to positive yesterday. He went back to Germany to consult the specialist to see where we go from there and he is supposed to contact me this afternoon to tell me exactly what the specialist told him. Certainly in the next month he will not be with us.
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Three Key Match-ups:

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Last Time They Met:

AC Milan vs Arsenal (2007-08)

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How They Got Here:

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  • Broussia Dortmund 1 - 1 Arsenal
  • Arsenal 2 - 1 Olympiacos
  • Olympique Marseille 0 - 1 Arsenal
  • Arsenal 0 - 0 Olympique Marseille
  • Arsenal 2 - 1 Broussia Dortmund
  • Olympiacos 3 - 1 Arsenal


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  • Barcelona 2 - 2 AC Milan
  • AC Milan 2 - 0 Viktoria Plzeň
  • AC Milan 2 - 0 BATE Borisov
  • BATE Borisov 1 - 1 AC Milan
  • AC Milan 2 - 3 Barcelona
  • Viktoria Plzeň 2 - 2 AC Milan



Mangers Views:

Arsene Wenger:
[on Van Persie] Yes, I believe that [game at Barcelona] was hugely frustrating, he said. I believe as well when he was sent off that he didn't deserve to be. It was also a big frustration as he wasn't prepared to play that game - everybody said he could not play because of his knee problem. I decided very late to play him. He had to dig deep as well maybe to play the game. But this year he is in a much better condition. [on Serie A vs Premier League] Of course you can make comparisons between the two leagues. Let's not forget that Napoli already knocked Man City out of the Champions League and we already knocked Udinese out. They are one of the better teams in the league. So yes, comparisons can be made after these games.
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My Team:

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Final Score:

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Jayram_Football said:
Will Merts be fit?
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Wenger said he's 'definitely out for Wednesday' with suspected ligament damage to his ankle. Not good news at all, he's been really solid at the back. That said, Kos and TV are well equipped for CB and Sagna is back at RB. I'd put Miquel in at LB - I think his game is well suited to the European 'ball playing' style of football - as opposed to the kick and rush style that the prem can be at times.
 
Robinho vs Mertesacker will be comedy gold (if he partners Ibra) ;)
 
Yeah Ammaar <grr>

[video=youtube;19xJIedrrfA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19xJIedrrfA[/video]

anyway, back to topic, I think Arsenal will lose at the San Siro but win at home! Don't have a scooby what the scores will be but I hope both English teams go as far as possible!
 
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