Arsenal-Juventus Champions League QF [R]

[Bigpapa42]

A very very tough test for Arsenal, and it will likely be another 'upset' if they move past the Italian champs. But the Gunners do have a chance. Juventus has not been overly impressive in some recent matches, including both legs against Werder Bremen and this weekends draw against Roma. But they are ever dangerous and are never going to be an easy side to play. Arsenal have been finding their form in recent matches, and if they play to their best, they can beat any side.

[FireFan]

I think we have a relatively good chance. I think there will still be lots of momentum left over from the Real Madrid tie. I'm not sure enough to put any money on it though... I'd say the odds for both sides are about 1/1 in my book.

[Bigpapa42]

And on Vieria's much heralded return to Highbury, its his replacement who has a statement game. Huge win for Arsenal. Doesn't put them them into the semi finals yet, but its a huge step in the right direction.

[Hsain85]

Arsenal played a fantastic 90 minutes :)
Juventus seemed like a 2nd Division poor team

[Bigpapa42]

Winning in Turin is going to be very difficult. But Juventus will be missing Patrick Vieira, Jonathan Zebina, and Mauro Camronesi. That will make Arsenal's task slightly less difficult.

[FireFan]

Unfortunately they only showed the Braca-Benfica game here in the States, so I'm trying to find at least some video clips of the game on-line.

[FireFan]

Well, looks like Cesc and Eboue will be going to Turin afterall... good. And ESPN is showing the game in the US this time!! That's right, screw you Barca/Benfica!

[FireFan]

Double Post, sorry.

[Bigpapa42]

Its huge if both Eboue and Fabregas can go for this one. If either one has to sit it out because the injuries they picked up this weekend, its a blow because they lack depth, especially in defense. I mean, Flamini is still starting at LB and he's a midfielder...

Juve is going to be hampered by suspensions, too...

[femi_6]

arsenal can do it... eboue and Fabregas are gonna make the trip so everything should be alright.... Juves suspensions really will affect there team and there options during the game... i hope arsenal wins

[King_Eric]

looks like the 2-0 win at home will be enuff to get you guys past the Old Lady in Turin...

[Bigpapa42]

Scorless draw in Turin and Arsenal are through. Not the most impressive match for the Gunners, but it puts them in the semi final against Villarreal. I was a bit worried, because Juventus are strong enough that they could have come back, especially at the Delle Alpi. But Arsenal played well enough to prevent that, even if they didn't manage to score any more.

[Centarfor9]

Its Ibrahimovic's and Medved's foult, but mostly Ibrahimovic's.
He played awful, besides not scoring he looked lost, slow and he didn't hustle to the ball.
There was no sense of urgency with Juve players, they quit or something.
Their game plan was horrible they tryed to play the long ball, but Ibrahimovic could win one ball.
Arsenal deservingly goes through.

[FireFan]

YES!!! The one thing we cannot afford to do now is take Villareal too lightly. We have to go in with the exact same "do or die" mentality as we had in Leg 1 against Real.

[Bigpapa42]

YES!!! The one thing we cannot afford to do now is take Villareal too lightly. We have to go in with the exact same "do or die" mentality as we had in Leg 1 against Real.

I was actually a touch worried about how such a young squad would go into the 2nd leg against Juventus. But it seems like they took in the right attitude and they definitely got the job done. They didn't see it as "job done" after the first leg, which could have been fatal against a side like Juve. I'm starting to like the leadership that Thierry has shown. I wouldn't expect that they would take Villarreal as an easy win in any way....

[paul1]

haha, juventus really dont know arsenal. totally underestimated us and they paid hard for it

[Centarfor9]

Arsenal shouldn't underestimate Villarreal because same thing can happen to them

[Bigpapa42]

Arsenal shouldn't underestimate Villarreal because same thing can happen to them

True. I'm just hoping that Arsenal don't lose the underdog mentality.

He's suspended for the first leg, but Villarreal's keeper Viera is apparently wanting to prove something to Arsenal. They pulled out of a deal for him this summer before he moved to Villarreal, based on a medical concern. Could be a factor...