Arsenal v. Manchester United Match Preview

 

Arsenal and Manchester United draw their battle lines at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night with a place in the UEFA Champions League final at stake.

The all-English semi-final of Europe’s most prestigious club competition was touted as a dream contest when the draw was made and, while the first leg failed to live up to those expectations, the tie is still tantalisingly poised.

Defending continental and world champions United, who have won the Carling Cup and continue to lead the Premier League, have their eyes on a quadruple of trophies and John O’Shea’s scrappy strike at Old Trafford last week ensured that target remains a possibility.

O’Shea’s goal, which gives United a narrow 1-0 aggregate lead, epitomised an opening encounter which could, at best, be described as one for the purists, but the second leg is likely to offer far more in the way of fireworks.

 

Thrilling

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has not been shy in announcing his young side have what it takes to overcome their opponents’ slender advantage, but he will also be well aware that one away goal for United could mean curtains.

That away goal is what is likely to drive Sir Alex Ferguson’s United towards the jugular in North London, rather than defending their edge which is always such a risky strategy in two-legged European knockout stages, and is also what promises to make for a thrilling, nerve-wracking night.

Wenger – whose relationship with Ferguson has been positively tranquil over the course of the two legs when compared with the duo’s domestic spit-spats of the last decade and more – will have the major advantage of being able to name Robin van Persie.

The Gunners’ top scorer has recovered from a groin problem which has seen the Dutch star sidelined over recent weeks and is available for selection.

 

Under fire

Van Persie is therefore expected to partner the under-fire Emmanuel Adebayor – who has come in for criticism following his showing in the first leg – as Andrey Arshavin is cup-tied and Eduardo is injured.

However, former United defender Mikael Silvestre is a doubt to face his former club as he is struggling with his own groin complaint, while full-back Gael Clichy is out of action.

United defender Rio Ferdinand is expected to play after recovering from a bruised lung sustained in the first leg.

Ferdinand was left coughing blood after an accidental clash with team-mate Edwin van der Sar, but Ferguson is confident he will able to call on the England international.

French left-back Patrice Evra (leg) is expected to start after being substituted as a precaution in Saturday’s Premier League win at Middlesbrough.

From Skysports.com

Manchester United v. Arsenal Match Analysis

This is going to be short as there weren’t much positives to take out of the game, aside from the fact that Manuel Almunia is showing the world what Arsenal fans have known since the beginning of last season: he is currently one of the top keepers in the world.  His heroics saved an Arsenal side overrun in midfield and devoid of any attacking threat whatsoever, allowing hope for the second leg to remain.

In truth, United should have been out of sight in the first 25 minutes. Tevez, Ronaldo, and Rooney all had chances to score, though Arsenal remained alive through Almunia’s point blank stops. It was the unlikeliest of scorers, John O’Shea, who put the ball in the net off a deflected square ball following a corner, and even then, Almunia almost stopped it.

For all of the talk of attacking full out and starting brightly, Arsenal dissapointed. A midfield line up that was predicted by Royal Arsenal started, yet they failed to click at all. Diaby on the left kept drifting in and out of the game and leaving Gibbs exposed time and time again against the threat of Ronaldo and O’Shea. It was to the youngsters plaudits that he coped extremely well, enough to see Ronaldo drifting into the middle and switching sides to try to find room to manuever.  

Song and Nasri tried grabbing a foothold in the middle of the part, but Adebayor’s poor touch and Fabregas consistently coming back to get the ball meant there was little for them to pass to aside from each other and backwards to the defenders. Tevez, Anderson, Rooney, and Fletcher all closed down quickly and gave Arsenal zero time on the ball, meaning possession for the Gunners only lasted in short spells in the first half.

For some reason, United and Ferguson decided to back off in the second half, which turned out to be a lot more pedestrian than the first. Ronaldo still managed to crash a stunning 30 yard effort off the crossbar, but aside from that, there was little to no chances for either side, meaning Arsenal have it all to do in the second leg. History might be on the Gunner’s side though, as the last time United took a 1-0 home advatage away from Old Trafford, AC Milan ran out 3-0 winners.

A simliar score line will be most welcomed.

Manchester United v. Arsenal Match Preview

So today’s the big one isn’t it? Firstly, apologies for the week or so absence, it came about mainly due to a large committment to work outside of the daily life of the writer. Now that it’s all over with, though, it’s time to enjoy the moment. Arsenal are coming into this game after losing out to Chelsea in the FA Cup semi final, and on the tails of a enthalling 4-4 draw at Anfield and a easy cruise to victory against Boro on Sunday. The Champions League represents their last chance for silverware this season, so it should be a cracker.Defensive Worries

It’s always going to be about the goals in a two legged tie, and more importantly the away ones. Arsenal must go into the Theatre of dreams thinking they need at least one away goal, as keeping Manchester United off the score sheet in the return leg at the Emirates will be a dauting task, all records aside. The first leg has thrown all sorts of doubts into the line up, more specifically in defense. Kieran Gibbs has been struggling with a groin injury, Clichy and Silvestre both have back problems, and there is concern over Djourou’s fitness levels, having just come back from injury. Eduardo and Van Perise are also both out through injury, which will most certainly affect how Arsenal line up tonight.

Almunia has returned though, and his calming presense was much more noticible in the back four on Sunday, than Fabianski’s performances against Chelsea and Liverpool. Defenders will always like it when they have someone they have confidence in, and while Fabianski is a great prospect, currently he is not at the level of the Spanish shot stopper, who seems to be in the form of his life.

Formation

Arsenal lined up in a 4-2-3-1 at the weekend against Boro, with Fabregas and Nasri switching roles. Denilson played alongside Nasri, who was installed in the box-to-box role, a position he has come out and said he is starting to be groomed for. Fabregas got both his goals playing behind the lone striker on Sunday and hopefully he can repeat the fact. 

Expect a formation consiting of Adebayor the lone striker with Walcott, Fabregas, and probably Diaby on the left hand side all playing behind him. Nasri will fill the box to box role while Song will be charged with patrolling the spaces between midfield and defense. Additionally, don’t be surprised if Arsene Wenger emulated Hiddink’s method of deploying a RB in the LB position, as both Gibbs and Silvestre are doubts. Djourou could start along side Toure with Sagna on the right and Eboue on the left.  Cristiano Ronaldo will be the danger man on that side, and Diaby should be able to offer defensive cover than some of the other players in that side.

Attractive

A small part of football died last night when Chelsea decided to employ 10 men behind the ball and just hoof the ball up to Bacelona’s Valdez whenever they got posession.  Fans of the game were promised attacking intent from Hiddink, but something must have got lost in translation as Chelsea struggled to even put four consecutive passes together. Arsenal really don’t have a set up to do the same, and besides a 0-0 result would be hardly safe in the eyes of mosst Gunners fans. Expect more freeflowing football that Arsenal/Manchester United matches usually produce, along with the usual tension attributed to semi-finals. 

It’s hard to predict a result, and usually the two legged ties between English opposition comes down to a mistake or dodgy decision. For Arsenal’s sake, let’s hope nothing of the sort happens.

Prediction: 1-1.

Hiatus

Due to prior committments, Royal Arsenal will be taking about a week off. We’ll return before Arsenal’s Semi-Final bout with Manchester United next week.

Arsenal v. Chelsea Match Preview

 

Back-four worries for Arsenal; Chelsea look to tighten up in defence

 

Arsenal and Chelsea head to Wembley on Saturday to battle it out for a place in the FA Cup final. Both clubs have a strong recent history in the competition, having secured the trophy in seven of the past twelve years between them. Chelsea’s most recent success came in 2007, but for Arsenal their 2005 victory marked the beginning of a barren four-year spell that they will be desperate to break this time round. And with the North Londoners seemingly out of the title race and facing a tough UEFA Champions League tie with Manchester United, the FA Cup may well be Arsenal’s best chance of silverware this year. History does appear to be on the side of Arsene Wenger’s men for the competition as Chelsea have failed to defeat Arsenal in the FA Cup for over sixty years, including the 2002 final between the two clubs. Moreover, Arsenal have won the only meeting between the sides this season – a Robin Van Persie double seeing off Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

 

Despite their good form against their rivals, Arsenal will have to overcome further injury problems at the back if they wish to maintain their long-held record over Chelsea.

Kieran Gibbs is a doubt with a groin problem picked up against Villarreal on Wednesday, while Bacary Sagna has been ruled out after failing to shake-off the virus that kept him out of his side’s Champions League tie.

With Gael Clichy, Johann Djourou and William Gallas also out injured, Arsene Wenger could shift Mikael Silvestre to the left-back slot and bring in Alex Song to fill the centre-back vacancy alongside Kolo Toure.

Meanwhile, options further up the pitch are far more plentiful for Arsenal, with Andrey Arshavin and Eduardo available to complement the in-form trio of Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adeybayor and Theo Walcott.

Arshavin is likely to make the line-up after being cup-tied in Europe, and Eduardo will be hoping to have finally shaken off a series of injury problems to take his place on the bench.

Defensive Blues

Chelsea are likely to stick with a similar starting XI that secured a 4-4 Champions League draw with Liverpool in midweek, although the return of John Terry to the defence will be a welcome inclusion.

The Blues have shipped a worrying seven goals in their last two games, but regardless of the statistics, manager Guus Hiddink is likely to return to the back four that almost capitulated to Bolton in the league.

Branislav Ivanovic should retain his place at right-back as Jose Bosingwa continues to struggle with a hamstring strain, and John Terry will return to the line-up in place of Alex after serving a one-match ban in Europe.

Up front, Hiddink may opt to start Nicholas Anelka in place of Salomon Kalou in light of the striker’s impressive substitute appearance against Liverpool.

The Chelsea boss may also take into account Anelka’s history with their opponents, while fellow former Gunner Ashley Cole will once again line-up against the club he left so acrimoniously in 2006.

 

Possible starting XIs:

Arsenal: Fabianski, Eboue, Toure, Song, Silvestre, Walcott, Diaby, Arshavin, Fabregas, Van Persie, Adebayor.

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Carvalho, Ashley Cole, Anelka, Ballack, Essien, Lampard, Malouda, Drogba.

 

 

From Skysports.com

Arsenal v. Villareal Match Analysis

A quick tempo and some clinical finishing saw Arsenal brush aside the  Yellow Submarine of Villareal last night in what was an emphatic quarterfinal win. Emmanuel Adebayor, Theo Walcott, and Robin Van Persie (via a penalty) all got on the score sheet, setting up a mouthwatering semi final tie versus Manchester United, who swon in the Drago stadium against Porto via a Cristiano Ronaldo wonder strike.

The Boss Looks On

Early Goal

Arsenal had promised to attack from the off, and they didn’t dissapoint, attacking down the right hand side flank via Walcott and Eboue, who was a late addition for the ill Sagna. Fabregas was picking passes out to the front duo of Van Persie and Adebayor, while Walcott was running Villareal and Spain international Capdevilla ragged. In fact, Wenger had opted for a loose 4-4-2 on paper, though Van Persie played a little deeper than Adebayor and helped defend when Arsenal had lost possession. It wasn’t long until the right flank provided the goal though, with Eboue picking up a loose ball and passing it to Fabregas who got the slightest of touches with a deft backheel. The slight diversion had the Villarealy defense caught out, with Walcott only needing to take a simple touch before cooling chipping the goalkeeper in a fashion that Carlos Vela had previously been known for.

The brought back memories of Bergkamp and Ljundberg doing the same, with the chipped finish capping off a fine footballing move. It was a moment of relief for the Arsenal faithful inside the Emirates, though Villareal could not complain that the lead was unfair. In fact, Arsenal should have added to it after a Van Persie freekick was parried into the path of Adebayor. The big stiker from Togo headed it back towards goal, only for no short of three Villareal players to clear it off the line. Replays were dubious as to whether or no the ball had crossed the line in its entireity, thus proving the match officials right in allowing play to resume.

Villareal had a few chances in the first, with a freekick floated to the back post where they could only kick it tamely into the hands of stand in goalkeeper Fabianski. A header over the bar from a corner in first half stoppage time was perhaps the best chance the Yellow Submarine got all game, but it wasn’t very close in hindsight.

Second Half Dominance

For all of ten minutes it looked like Villareal might try to claw themselves back into the game, but quick counter attack, started by a Fabregas flicked on header to Van Persie, saw the ball slid through to Adebayor who took one touch and cooly slotted it home beyond the keeper. The celebrations were palapable from the Arsenal bench, as Wenger joined in with his own little jig after the Arsenal African contingent had finished celebrating via their own unique dance.

Adebayor Gives Arsenal A Two Goal Cushion

Six minutes later and any doubts about the result were put to bed. Theo was released down the right hand side yet again by the ever inventful Eboue, and his drag back fooled the defender who took out Walcott’s trailing leg. A delayed call from the ref had him pointing to the spot for a penalty. Replays showed that the defender looked to have gotten the ball twice before taking out the England winger, but it was the linesman who made the call. Even after the game, Walcott was coy with his answers about whether or not it was the right call. During the expected prostests by the men in yellow, Eguren managed to talk himself into seeing red after a second yellow card was brandished.

Van Persie buried the subsequent penalty and the Gunners saw out the last twenty or so minutes uneventfully, even having subs come on for the three goal scorers in order to rest up to the second big test of the week: Chelsea in the FA Cup Semi-Finals.

Arsenal Verdict: Arsenal and Wenger will be pleased with the way they attacked Villareal and never really let them have much of the ball for large portions of the game. Fabregas and Song in particular seemed to dominate the midfield, using their close control and array of passes to release the attacking four of Nasri, Adebayor, Van Persie and Walcott. The real plus was the clean sheet that came with the 3-0 scoreline, as 80% of Arsenal’s starting back five was out through injury. Gibbs, Silvestre and Eboue all performed admirably, while Fabianski had a flawless game as well. Focus will now be on the semi-final with Chelsea on Saturday, but news today is that Sagna is still a doubt through illness, while Gibbs has picked up a small groin injury to put a question mark over his fitness as well.

Villareal Verdict: They never really got into the swing of things, and Pellegrini made the mistake of hoping Rossi could play the lone striker up top against Arsenal’s defense. The little striker was often crowded out, and when he did get through, Fabianski was there to clear. It was clear that Marcos Senna was sorely missed as the midfield from the Spanish outfit never really got a hold in the game. They must now focus on their league games as Champions League qualification for next season is anything but assured at this moment.

Robert Pires: The former Gunner was given a rousing ovation when his name was called over the loudspeaker and his name was sung throughout the night. One of the best players to have player for Arsenal under Wenger, he truly is an Arsenal hero. His night was capped off by trading shirts with the young Kieran Gibbs in a moment that must have been special for the young player.

Man of the Match

Man of the Match: Alex Song. The whole team put in display and choosing was hard as Fabregas and Walcott had great games, but the Cameroon international was, in one word: immense. Not only did he partner Fabregas perfectly and allowed the playmaker to get forward, but it is this writers opinion that he did very little wrong. Strong in the tackle and efficient in his distribution, he kept Arsenal’s game ticking over. It wasn’t too long ago that he was described as a “fish up a tree”, but he has now become one of the first names on the team sheet. His close control last night was something to behold as well, when in certain instant he received the ball into his feet surronuded by three Yellow shirts, only to committ a few twists and turns and then distribute the ball to Fabregas for an attack. The looks on the three Villareal players was priceless.

Arsenal v. Villareal Match Preview

Well it looks to be a big game tomorrow it what will be a season defining week for Arsenal. After tomorrows quarterfinal CL game against Villareal, Arsenal will head to Wembley for the first time where they will face a resurgent Chelsea side for a spot in the FA Cup Final. As Arsene Wenger said in his press conference today though, the focus remains on tomorrow.

Injuries

Injuries to Clichy, Almunia, Gallas, and Djourou will see Arsenal having to field a makeshift backline, with Toure and Sagna the only normal members of a normal back five that has been very solid of late. Arsenal are on an unbeaten 17 game run in the championship and while recently they have been scoring goals for fun, their defense has been one of the tops in the league on recent form. Gibbs, Fabianksi, and Silvestre are all expected to debut in their respective positions for the injured players.

Gibbs will probably be the main worry and a place of attack for Villareal, as Clichy himself had trouble containing that side of Villareal during the first leg. Samir Nasri, Alex Song, and Denilson will all have to be a bit more cautious of getting forward and leaving the young fullback exposed. Fabianski looked comfortable in the time he was on at Villareal, but then hesitant and uncertain vesus Wigan. The young polish keeper is certainly more than capable of pulling off stupendous saves, but he does have a little bit more of the wild Jens Lehmann in him than some Arsenal fans would like to see. The calming presense of Almunia will be a miss for the defense, but if the keeper can make an early save, his confidence usually grows.

The good news with Silvestre is he has been in this situation before, and his experience with Kolo Toure could prove to be valuable. The Frenchman is still a bit slow on the turn, but this writer is more comfortable as a backup player than some Arsenal fans.

Injuries have not just affected Arsenal though, with Cazorla still out with a broken leg and the influential Marcos Senna joining him on the bench for the return leg. The news will be welcomed with relief at the Emriates, as the Brazillian born Spaniard ran the midfield with Eguen for the first 55 minutes or so in the first leg. Senna’s dead ball and long range shots were also a worry for Arsenal in the first leg, so again, it will be met with relief that the midfielder will only be watching from the stands.

Returns

Robin Van Persie, Eduardo, and Diaby are all welcomed back to the squad and Nasri will come back in after not featuring in the game at the weekend. Expect Arsenal to go with a 4-4-2 at home, though a 4-5-1 may come into play. Wenger has been saying Arsenal will attack at home, and it’s really hard to see Arsenal playing for a 0-0 draw, something that could prove dangerous in the end. Adebayor is clearly the best option as the lone striker, so maybe a three of Van Persie, Nasri, and Eboue will come in behind him (Eboue to offer defensive cover), and Theo to be thrown on in the last twenty or so to run at tired legs. Cesc will be played deeper with Song, who has been in the form of his life recently, and both will offer cover for the defense as well.

Expect a cagey opening in the first half or so, but Arsenal will fully expect to take control of the game and midfield. Villareal will have to attack to get the goal they so desperately need, which should allow space for the attackers to run into. Expect an open game, with who ever dominates the midfield to go through.

Prediction: 2-1 Arsenal

Wigan v. Arsenal Match Analysis

This will be a short one, as only the first half was watched by Royal Arsenal, as an already planned engagement stopped this writer from watching the entirity of the game. A win is a win is a win in the end, even if Arsenal may not have played as well as they could have. Most worrying is the fact that Johan Djourou picked up what looked like a serious knee injury about mid way through the first half. The injury just so happens to be the second knee injury by an Arsenal centreback in the space of five days, and he can be added to the injury list alongside fellow CB William Gallas, who looks to be out for the remainder of the season.

Silvestre adds the second

 

 

First Half

Arsenal started out brightly and were playing well, but a poor clearance by Sagna from a corner and less than emphatic goal keeping by the stand in keeper Fabianski  saw Egyptian striker Mido scissor kick a shot into the near post. It looked to be a harsh blow, but for all their possession in the first fifteen minutes, Arsenal rarely looked like threatening the Wigan goal. Nicklas Bendtner had been chosen to lead the line, with Walcott and Arshavin in support on the wings and Fabregas behind Bendtner. Denilson and Song were again relegated into their now familiar roles of being the holding players behind the front four, but nothing seemed to have gone right. 

Along with Fabianski and Silvestre (who replaced Djourou) coming in for those injured, Gael Clichy had picked up a back problem in the midweek Champions League game against Villareal, thus allowing for Kieran Gibbs to start in his place. It was clear from the start that Wigan were going to target the young fullback, and in all fairness, he was lucky to stay on the pitch after hauling back Wigan winger Valencia when clear through on goal. Only a yellow card was brandished, though, and the resulting freekick was smashed off the post, and then: half time. Arsenal were lucky to go in only a goal down and still with eleven men, but such is the rub of the green sometimes.

Second Half

From the whistle to start the second half, it looked like Arsenal had gotten a right talking to from the manager, as they slowly started tightening the screws and taking over possession. A long ball hoofed up to Bendtner saw the Dane’s flicked header fall to the feet of Arshavin, who although falling down, still managed to prod the ball into the path of an onside Walcott. The young Englishman fired home with aplumb, and after that it was only going to be one result. 

Adebayor came on for Walcott after the goal, and Van Persie came on for Denilson. Arsenal switched into a 4-4-2 formation, and the presence of Adebayor was clearly giving the Wigan defense trouble. Then a routine free kick routine had Arsenal in front, with Mikael Silvestre the most unlikely of scorers. Fabregas passed quickly to Arshavin down the left hand side, who waited before returning the pass through his defenders legs back to Fabregas. The Spanish maestro then passed a lovely ball square across goal, where Silvestre had nothing to do but turn the ball into an open net.

More slack defending from Wigan allowed Song and Arshavin add gloss to the win, prompting a 4-1 scoreline that might have been a bit fortuitous for the visitors. Still, Arsenal’s win saw them extend their lead to 8 points over fifth placed Aston Villa, who fought back in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Everton on Sunday.

 

Arsenal Verdict: Arsenal will be looking ahead to the midweek game against Villareal and then the semi-final game against Chelsea on Saturday. Such a big week for the team and if all goes well, Arsenal could be looking at the very real possibility of hoisting two trophies from what at first appeared a very dissapointing season.

Wigan Verdict: They will be dissapointed with their defending in the second half, and probably with the decision that went against them to allowe Kieran Gibbs to stay on the pitch. They still remain in a fight for seventh place, which happens to be the last European spot in the Premier League this season. Steve Bruce has done a fantastic job with his team this season.

Man of the Match: Alex Song. The Cameroonian midfielder has come on leaps and bounds this season and is starting to show what Arsene Wenger has seen all along. It was a show of whos become more trusted lately in midfield when Denilson was one of the players replaced in the second half while Song was left on to partner Cesc in midfield. His goal capped off a fine display as well.

Wigan v. Arsenal Match Preview

 

Wigan Athletic lock horns with in-form Arsenal aiming to bounce back from a disappointing Premier League defeat last weekend.

The Latics, who are chasing a European berth, suffered a 4-0 drubbing at Everton last Sunday and will be keen to put the loss behind them.

Steve Bruce’s men impressed in the first half of the campaign and have recently begun to rediscover their form after overcoming the departures of key players in January.

However, Amr Zaki will not be involved in the clash with Arsenal at the JJB Stadium regardless of whether he is fit or not.

The striker sustained a hamstring injury while on international duty with Egypt, resulting in an unauthorised absence that has had boss Steve Bruce fuming.

Bruce is due to sit down with Zaki on Friday to discuss his future, but has made it clear the 26-year-old will not figure against Arsenal, even if he has recovered from the injury.

Injuries

Bruce has an otherwise fully-fit squad to choose from, other than midfielder Cho Won-hee who is out for the season after tearing a calf muscle playing for South Korea.

The Gunners are currently unbeaten in 17 Premier League games and will be hopeful of extending that run so long as they have recovered from draining midweek UEFA Champions League action.

Manager Arsene Wenger hopes to have strikers Robin van Persie and Eduardo (both groin) available for the trip.

However, goalkeeper Manuel Almunia (ankle) and full-back Gael Clichy (back) will miss out, while centre-half William Gallas looks set to be sidelined for the rest of the season with knee ligament damage.

Midfielder Abou Diaby (thigh) is another doubt after missing the visit to Villarreal, but Russian Andrey Arshavin is available again having been cup-tied in Europe. Winger Tomas Rosicky continues his recovery.

 

Possible starting XIs

Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Bramble, Scharner, Figueroa, Boyce, Brown, Watson, N’Zogbia, Mido, Rodallega.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Silvestre, Walcott, Fabregas, Denilson, Arshavin, Van Persie, Adebayor.

 

 

From Skysports.com

Villareal v. Arsenal Match Report

Emmanuel Adebayor netted a crucial away goal as Arsenal came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Villarreal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at El Madrigal.The Togo striker made it three in two games, and five in this European campaign, with a stunning scissor-kick after 66 minutes to cancel out an equally impressive opener from home captain Marcos Senna.

Arsene Wenger’s side lost both goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and centre-back William Gallas to injury during the first half, but rallied to secure what could prove to be a decisive result to defend at Emirates Stadium next Wednesday night.

The last time Arsenal played at the intimidating Spanish ground was three seasons ago when a dramatic late penalty save from Jens Lehmann guided them through to the European Cup final.

While that journey ultimately ended in defeat to Barcelona, there is growing belief Rome in 2009 could just prove the coming of age for Wenger’s young Gunners.

Villarreal have never lost at home in the Champions League and kept holders Manchester United to a goalless draw earlier this season.

So it was no surprise the hosts settled quickly.

There was a goal-mouth scramble following a corner when Gael Clichy cleared off the line and Almunia smothered the loose ball as defender Gonzalo Rodriguez looked to capitalise.

Villarreal then took the lead in stunning fashion after 10 minutes.

The ball was worked down the right before being passed inside to Senna. The skipper took aim and drilled a wonderful 25-yard strike past Almunia into the top corner, setting El Madrigal alight.

Arsenal looked to respond immediately and forced a couple of corners.

A smart turn and run by Theo Walcott fed Cesc Fabregas, who slipped Samir Nasri, replacing the cup-tied Andrey Arshavin, in on the left side of the area.

The Frenchman’s angled drive was pushed around the post by Diego Lopez.

Arsenal were forced into a change after 27 minutes when Almunia, who sustained an ankle injury in the early goal-line scramble, was replaced by Lukasz Fabianski.

The young Pole was immediately called into action, first saving low to his left from Senna and then producing a good reaction block at the near post to deny Joan Capdevila.

The visitors had some good spells of neat passing but were unable to make the best of promising positions.

After 38 minutes, Villarreal were awarded a free-kick when Alex Song tripped Giuseppe Rossi, once a Manchester United player, just outside the penalty area, the Arsenal midfielder booked.

Gallas was then clattered by the falling striker and had to be carried off on a stretcher for treatment, eventually being replaced by Johan Djourou.

Ariel Ibagaza struck the free-kick off the bottom of the wall.

Cani then shot wide as the Spaniards pressed for a second.

In stoppage time, Arsenal were awarded a free-kick in a central position after Adebayor went down in between two defenders.

Fabregas took his shot early, rolling the ball into the net, but the quick effort was ruled out by Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo and the Arsenal captain was shown a yellow card.

Kolo Toure’s strike was then blocked by the wall.

As the hour mark approached, it was continuing to be a night of frustration for the Barclays Premier League side, who had been on a decent run of form heading into the game.

Walcott floated a ball in from the right, which Adebayor glanced wide.

Then, out of nothing, the big striker struck a superb equaliser to stun the home crowd in the 66th minute.

There seemed little danger when Fabregas, who set up both Adebayor’s goals against Manchester City on Saturday, lofted a high ball into the Villarreal penalty area.

Even though surrounded by three markers and with his back to goal, Adebayor collected the ball on his chest before dispatching a brilliant scissor-kick into the far corner.

Nasri drilled wide as Arsenal went looking for a second.

Former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires was introduced, to a warm reception from the travelling fans, for the final 21 minutes, replacing Joseba Llorente.

Walcott blazed over after being played in on the right of the penalty area by Fabregas, before he was replaced by Emmanuel Eboue.

There was still some defending to do for the Gunners as Rossi looked to get on the end of a near-post cross before Senna almost netted another 25-yard effort.

But Arsenal remained strong under intense late pressure to give themselves every chance in the second leg.

via soccernet.espn.go.com