Gutted in Greece, Olympiacos 3-1 Arsenal

Its a rare thing in football to have a match you don't need to win.  Arsenal had previously secured the top spot in Group F of the Champions League and its a good thing because they absolutely got thrashed by Olympiacos on Tuesday.  Despite their vibrant display, the Greek champions were eliminated due to Marseille's late comeback in Dortmund.  So the loss proved a disappointment for both sides, but at least the Greeks had the satisfaction of a job well done.

The evening at a glance...

Arsenal fielded a side not unlike their Carling Cup lineup, with a mix of experienced and younger players.  One real plus from the match is that the starting XI were given the opportunity for some much needed R&R.  Wenger celebrated his 200th match in European competition, but I've no doubt he'll be wanting to forget that milestone.  The crowd of 32,000 within Karaiskakis Stadium boasted a volume equal to perhaps twice their numbers and one could quickly grasp this team were fighting for a European lifeline.  The hosts did not disappoint having a chance gone wide in under the first minute of play.  Arshavin countered with a shot of his own, Mirallas for the home side, then Santos and Frimpong for the likes of Arsenal.  A back and forth rhythm was developing.  The game was not a pretty one, but it was fast and intense.  And then, the goal.  Squillaci and Djourou attempted to clear the same ball but they had instead hand delivered it for the onrushing Djebbour to scoop up.  Deftly rounding Fabianski, Olypiacos were a goal to the good with only sixteen minutes on the board.  Two more strikes and moments later, Fabiaski was stretchered off, the injury resulting from a collision with Djebbour.  So at twenty-five minutes, third string Vito Mannone took the field.  The Ox and Benayoun combined to nearly level the deficit, but the recovery remained incomplete.  With thirty-six minutes gone, Manonne came off his line with a fine headed clearance, but Fuster gathered the ball thirty yards out and had a crack at goal.  Sadly, Manonne misjudged his position and attempted a kick-save when he could have used his hands.  It was the second fortunate goal for the hosts and they showed no signs of stopping.  

There was little improvement from the Gunners after the break.  Instead another injury to report, as Santos limped to the byline after only six minutes.  Miquel took his place and would soon take part in the Arsenal goal.  Just before the hour, Miquel's cross was chested down by Chamakh and confidently finished by Benayoun.  A good strike but far too early to celebrate.  The goal did seem to take the edge off Olympiacos and Arsenal crept back into the game as Rosicky came on in the seventy-fourth minute.  The Gunners nearly equalized as Benayoun fed 'Super Tom' who was narrowly quenched by the GK.  The hosts soon found their footing and renewed their attack.  The Greeks had an argument for a penalty with a handball in the box late in the game.  That third goal would come however, with a minute to spare as a ball headed off the bar was neatly tucked in by Modesto.  So too had the game and resulting Group F standings been put to bed.  

Would that it had gone in...

Now its not all bad news, several youngsters put forth strong performances in their Champs League debuts.  Miquel, the tenacious Frimpong, and of course the Ox all had good showings.  Far less can be said of our reserves between the sticks, but it would be a difficult situation for any keeper, much less one with very little first team experience in recent months.  Szczesny just can't get hurt, thats all.  The injury to Santos may prove costly in coming weeks as the backline had finally seemed to work out all the kinks.  Another encouraging note from the game was Benayoun's involvement as midfield maestro.  His experience will be called upon with our fixture congestion the rest of the month as our top players will need rotation.  Also, the blow is considerably softened when viewed from the angle of Manchester, England.  Both the red and the blue will be kicking about in the Europa League come the new year, and I'm sure this loss will be long forgotten.  Looking forward, Arsenal awaits a favorable draw for the knockout round as AC Milan, Napoli, and Bayer Leverkusen, by no means unbeatable, are perhaps the stiffest opposition to progress.  Saturday is Everton and the 125th anniversary match at Emirates Stadium.  This opponent is no push-over, but it should be all three points this weekend.  Also, if Chelsea fall to Man City, we're back in the top four, and who knows? maybe even the title race!!

Gunners Ditch Dortmund, Arsenal 2-1 Borussia Dortmund

Its on to the Knockout Round of UEFA's Champion's League!!  Wednesday's win over the German champions make it 12 successive seasons that the Gunners have progressed to the final stage of the tournament.  In a classic battle, the two sides determined the fate of Group F as Robin Van Persie lifted the Arsenal once more, his brace sealing the doom of this top-notch Bundesliga squad.

Dortmund were still high from their big win over Bayern Munich and their confidence showed.  Right away, Lewandowski managed a fierce shot followed in quick succession with an effort by Shinji Kagawa. The visitors allowed Arsenal no breathing space and Klopp's boys were out for blood.  The Gunners could muster little more than a determined defense in the first half, their only offensive foray being a sparkling run  by Theo Walcott.  Dortmund regrettable lost the services of Sven Bender and Mario Gotze early on, but they did not seem inhibited in the least.  No goals, but plenty of pace.  So ended the first half.

Determined defending won the day

Dortmund began right where they had left off, several strong chances with Kagawa leading the charge, but the Arsenal's defense was again matched with the challenge.  Then came a moment of brilliance that would certainly decide the match.  Ramsey hit a wall in the midfield and poked the ball back for Alex Song.  In what certainly became the most inspired assist of the season to this point, Song zipped down the left side losing one marker, danced in the heart of the Dortmund defense, shook several more defenders and chipped a cross to the waiting Robin Van Persie.  The Dutchman nodded in his 16th of the season, that goal proving perhaps the most decisive to date.  Arsenal looked to bury the fixture on the hour, but some last-ditch defending by Hummels robbed Gervinho of a spectacular goal.  Arsenal pressed to extend their lead as Song began yet another triumphal march downfield.  It was all there but the finish as Walcott fired wide, missing by inches.  With all the pressure from both sides, there were certainly more goals to be had.  An Arteta corner kick was moved on by Vermalen, allowing Van Persie to continue his flawless form, grabbing another with four minutes left to play.  Dortmund were sapped but Kagawa snatched an opportunist's goal once the Arsenal back-line had effectively switched off.  The goal would prove the last kick of the match.

Van Persie strikes again!

Arsenal are through and with Marseille's loss clinch the top spot.  The higher seed will likely ensure easier opposition in the next round.  Its disappointing to Dortmund's run come to an end, however.  They're a very entertaining side and have a great deal in common with Arsenal.  With little time to savour the victory, Arsenal host Fulham in the League and then the infamous Manchester City in the Carling Cup.

Well done Arsenal!!

Group Stage Stalemate, Arsenal 0-0 Marseille

Realizing this post comes a good week late, I still wanted to cover this Champions League draw.  A point a piece for Arsenal and Marseille with Dortmund's win over Olympiacos means its still an open field in Group F with Arsenal sitting on top by a point.  In their next Champs fixture, the Gunners host Dortmund and a win there would guarantee they progress to the knockout stage for 12 consecutive years.

In the weeks since their last matchup, Marseille had come into good form and were looking to take their chances at the Emirates.  The Ligue 1 side bossed the show in the opening minutes, and it was soon obvious the Gunner's line-up was less than the side that walloped Chelsea.  The visitors showed pluck and made several chances but the combination of Mertesacker and Vermalen at center back left Marseille with a  rather imposing challenge.  Arsenal had wrestled back control of the match by the half hour mark and both Ramsey and Park had seen a shot go wide.  At the break, however, nothing would separate the two.

The second half would be less remarkable than the first, and but was Marseille again who tried to make an impact early on.  Half way through the second period, Wenger subbed in Rosicky and Van Persie in an attempt to secure progression to the next round.  No such luck.  RVP had one decent chance but it was the visitors who dominated the final moments of the fixture.  At the whistle, the Marseille players were clearly happy with their performance, while the home sides showing was at least a decent outing.

A microcosm of the evening's events

There's hardly much to show from this game, but its important that the Gunners are still on top.  Its not a bad result all told, and honestly, its the first time this year that Arsenal could've afforded a draw.  The defense played well despite being tested by a quick Marseille attack.  As the campaign progresses, confidence and chemistry continue to grow on Arsenal's back line.  The Dortmund game will be a big one and the Gunner's must focus on that match before they can dream of the knockout stage.

Stamford Bridge is Falling Down! Chelsea 3-5 Arsenal

In what has been hailed as a "derby classic" and "the game" of the Premier League season so far, the North London rivals put on a show as the game finished with a remarkable eight goals!  The Flying Dutchman, Robin Van Persie, continued his immaculate form scoring a hat-trick as he led the Gunners in putting their derby foes to the sword.

Classic Derby Grit

It was truly a thrill-a-minute match, and every fan knew this was a critical test for Wenger's Arsenal.  You rarely see such an open game between two colossal teams but this was end-to-end stuff from the opening whistle.  Chelsea held the early advantage with Fernando Torres registering a big miss early on.  The Blue's Daniel Sturridge was key in their offensive buildup but the home side failed to connect early on.  Walcott instigated a response from the Gunners with a clever cross but Gervinho recorded a glaring miss of his own.  Minutes later it was Van Persie who missed the target with a hard shot flung just over the bar.  As soon as the Gunners had gained their footing, Chelsea gained the lead.  Juan Mata put in a fine cross and Frank Lampard headed home.  From the outset, both defenses had been poor, but this was rather against the run of play.  With thirty minutes gone, Szczesny rescued morale with a fine save.  Then Gervinho weaseled through a high back line and found himself alone with Petr Cech.  Waiting just until the keeper committed, the Ivorian deftly passed to a crashing RVP who slotted home to an empty net.  It was 'as you were' and Arsenal dug in to weather more heavy pressure from the hosts.  Nearing half time, the exciting pace had slowed ever so slightly and it seemed the break would find them level.  However, an injury time corner and some shameful positioning allowed John Terry to bag a goal just before the whistle.

Arsenal came back more confident than at first and Van Persie forced a fine kick save within a minute of resuming play.  Chelsea were on the back foot, and a lively Gunner midfield took advantage.  Song drifted a ball out to an attacking, unmarked Santos who guided his shot past the keeper, leveling the game once more.  At 55 minutes, Arsenal climbed up to the driver's seat when Walcott scored his fourth of the campaign.  The England winger was brought to the pitch, but his speedy recovery caught the drowsy Chelsea defense unaware.  A slick shot and control of the game had gone to the visitors.  Appropriately, the visitors section erupted and on the afternoon it was the traveling Arsenal fans who set the tone at Stamford Bridge.  Even from the telecast, you could clearly hear the familiar Arsenal chants throughout most of the match.  The goal brought on another heavy bout of Chelsea pressure and after fifteen minutes, the boss decided on a double substitution: Rosicky & Jenkinson on, Walcott & Djourou off.  Chelsea leveled the game almost immediately.  A fine strike from Juan Mata eluded the defense and as time evaporated, there was precious little left for a response.  The match was not over and the indomitable Gunners would recapture their lead with only five minutes remaining.  On a routine back-pass, John Terry lost his footing and the ever-present Van Persie snatched the ball and strode down the final third by his lonesome.  Exhibiting trickery, the Dutchman danced around Cech restored the Gunner's lead.  With the story all but told, RVP sliced home another in stoppage time to complete his hat-trick, leaving Stamford Bridge in disarray and ruin.

Three goals for the Flying Dutchman!!!

Arsenal are back. Undeniably, unmistakably back.  This was a monumental test, and the Arsenal passed with flying colours.  The Gunners continue climbing the table and cutting the gap creating by the season's disappointing start.  Next on the docket:  Marseille visit the Emirates in the Champions League. This is yet another crucial test for the rebounding North London side.  A win here will almost secure the group and their recent form forecasts a strong showing this evening in the Champs League encounter.

A Carling Comeback, Arsenal 2-1 Bolton

It doesn't have to be pretty...

The 'Carling Kids' have done it again!  Arsenal dispatched Bolton Tuesday with a brave performance and have progressed to the Carling Cup Quarterfinals.  In an odd twist of fate, Bolton's goal came from a former Arsenal Academy player, Fabrice Muamba.  The competition may stiffen from here on out, but the cup run looks promising as Arsenal await the drawing this Saturday.

All told, the first half was pretty tame stuff.  Perhaps the best news for Gunners fans was the return of center-back Thomas Vermalen a.k.a. 'The Vermanator' into Arsenal's starting lineup.  As usual, it was a youthful side put forth in the cup from the hosts.  Arshavin was given freedom to roam behind the lead striker, much like his role in the Russia national squad.  Arsenal enjoyed most of the possession in the early stages and Ju Young Park had several sharp cracks at goal in the first half.  Darren Pratley led the charge as Bolton briefly asserted themselves but when as the rain began to fall, the hosts resumed dictating the pace of the match.

A wet but content crowd of almost 57,000 vocalized their support throughout the match and they were certainly given more to cheer about in the second half.  However, two minutes from the restart, it was Fabrice Muamba of Bolton who would draw first blood.  It would be interesting indeed to discover Wenger's thoughts as he watched the ball pop into the roof of the net, having come from the boot of a former Arsenal Academy lad.  A sparkling goal and individual effort to be sure...thankfully, the Wanderer's lead would last only five minutes.  Arshavin orchestrated the attack from his free-form position culminating with a retaliatory strike that leveled the game.  The ever-smiling Russian shared the ball and the joy five minutes later when he fed the ball to a crashing Ju Young Park whose clever timing had kept him onside.  The South Korea skipper looped a swerving shot round Bogdan that just squeaked in the far post.  The Professor's face revealed his pride (and relief) but Arsenal were soon forced to defend their lead.  Gary Cahill, the summer's would be Gunner, provided a constant goal threat despite his defensive role in the lineup.  As Bolton pressed to tie the game, Fabianski was tested on several occasions.  Bolton swapped in Chris Eagles and Robbie Blake (both signings Owen Coyle brought along from his Burnley side) and Arsenal countered with Ryo Miyachi and Oguzhan Ozyakup.  Promising runs by each team, but the story of the match had already been told.

Its on to the next round for Arsenal, with eight teams left in the competition.  The selection draw takes place on Saturday and odds are the Gunners will draw a stiff Premier League rival.  That tie falls short of top priority at the moment, however.  Saturday, the Battle for North London commences as the Gunners travel to Stamford Bridge in the London Derby, and then host Marseille Tuesday in the Champions League.  Come on You Gunners!!

Gunners Down Marseille with Late Strike, Marseille 0-1 Arsenal

Snatching victory through injury time, the Arsenal have topped Group F in the UEFA Champions League. A hard-fought match on foreign soil seemed destined to remain scoreless, but the Welsh Wonder dubbed "Rambo", Aaron Ramsey, broke the deadlock with seconds to spare.  With two of their three remaining group fixtures at home, Arsenal are in the driver's seat and look to finish group play with a top seed in the knockout round.

The Stade Velodrome boasts one of Europe's most spirited (and vocal) atmospheres and 1400 Arsenal fans skipped the channel to find themselves in the midst of a fiery cauldron of Marseille support.  Dismantling Dortmund 3-0, the French side were looking to bide their time and use counterattack technique to undue the Arsenal.  Early on, Jenkinson looked impressive down the right flank for Arsenal, spending more time in Marseille's half than ours.  The first half was full of intensity from both sides and thirty minutes into the fixture, either squad had reasonable appeal for a penalty.  Neither would have their complaints heard and for all the back and forth football, it was nil-nil going into the break.  

Jubilant Gunners celebrate 'just-so' victory

The second half was much like the first.  All buildup, no result.  Substitutions on both sides.  Seemingly no avail.  Despite the scoreline, it was an encouraging performance by the Gunner defense.  Undoubtedly, the achilles heel of recent Arsenal performances, the backline was showing a determined solidarity.  It was good play by the hosts and visitors alike, unfortunately nothing could separate the two.  The draw looked inevitable as injury time ticked away and then, out of nothing, a goal!  Second half sub Johan Djourou sent a searching ball into the box.  Nudged ever so slightly by Gervinho, another second half installment, the ball wound up at the feet of Ramsey.  Without a moment's hesitation, the ball was flitted into the net and the match was over.  

The win gives Arsenal 7 points and command of the group.  This side is on the rise and look more dangerous with every game.  The Gunners 'never say die' attitude brought home all three points in this crucial Champions League game.  Look for them to grow stronger as the campaign continues.  Cheers Rambo!!  Come on You Gunners!!

A Workhorse Win, Arsenal 2-1 Sunderland

Not every win will be glamourous and glorious.  Not every victory contains the stuff of legend.  However, the workhorse wins and "ugly points" are what it takes to win championships.  Arsenal earned themselves such a win Sunday afternoon.  Those three points lifted Wenger's men out of the cellar of the Premier League and Arsenal are finally sitting at the top half of the table.

Every fan loves goals, there's no doubting that.  But players like Robin Van Persie cause loyal fans problems, leaving supporters kicking themselves for missing by moments the opening of the game.  The goal was scored in the first minute, but lets be a little more accurate:  the goal was scored before 30 seconds had ticked off that big clock on the wall of Emirates!!  The official had barely finished with the opening whistle when Gervinho slipped a delicate pass to RVP who cooly fired the Gunners ahead long before the sellout crowd had even taken their seats!!  Clearly football is a team sport, but in the opening quarter hour of the match, Van Persie was taking on the visiting Sunderland side almost singlehandedly.  On twelve minutes, the Dutchman scuffed the inside left post with a chip reminiscent of his preceding Arsenal legends.  The ball drifted haplessly square across the goal line and was regrettably cleared by a scrambling Sunderland defence.  Arsenal, with tempo and possession were quickly hemming them in.  Three minutes later another RVP strike ripped by the upright.  But this game was not without twists.  With half an hour gone, Sunderland had become the beneficiaries of a handball called against Arteta.  It just so happened that Sebastian Larsson is set piece specialist and given the chance he tied the game by putting the freekick beyond Szczesny's reach.  The effort was laudable, however, it hardly seemed just that the two were on level terms.  Sunderland looked to capitalize on their momentum and pushed for the second goal.  The Gunners left the pitch looking rather sheepish as the first half concluded.

Thankfully, Emirates witnessed a stronger more determined Arsenal emerge from the tunnel.  The home side began to dominate once more and the Professor's attack minded substitutions added aggressiveness.  The tone was set, the roles defined.  The hosts played at arsony, and Sunderland were left desperately putting out flames. The visitors gifted Arsenal a free kick just outside the box with only seven minutes remaining.  The resident clinical finisher took his place and Van Persie confidently scored his seventh of the campaign.  The final minutes featured surprisingly end-to-end football and perhaps both were relieved by the final whistle.  Arsenal had eventually found a way to victory and the unimpressive win certainly nudged them in the right direction.

Onwards & upwards in the EPL!

The win and the points were a relief, but it was the start of a big week for Arsenal.  Wednesday held a trip to Marseilles and a crucial group stage tie in the Champions League.  With confidence and a few more able bodies back from injury, the Gunners toasted the win but began preparations for entering enemy territory.

Gunners Edge Greeks, Arsenal 2-1

The Professor was in the stands for the second time this campaign.  Coming off the draw in Dortmund, Arsenal needed a strong performance at home to solidify their position in the group.  The "Ox" got the nod, and the stage was set for an important battle.

Plenty of Greek Londoners were in attendance and soon made their presence known.  The game begin quickly and as many were still finding their seats, in the 8th minute Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain had already found the net!  The Ox became the youngest Arsenal Englishman to score in the competition!  He seemed to surprise himself with the effort and no doubt delighted the sellout crowd.  Arsenal were looking dangerous, controlling the game with Mikel Arteta to thank for it.  With twenty minutes gone, Santos was released from the back and went ripping down the left flank.  In moments, the Brazilian had slipped a ball in from a very difficult angle to score his first goal in red and white.  The visitors had conceded but not capitulated.  Seven minutes later, the visitors had halved the deficit and were intent on overtaking it.  Scoring from a corner, the Greek champions displayed tenacity as they battled for the upset.  At the break, Arsenal had the lead but were not controlling the game.  Olypiacos had left the pitch as the more dominant side.  

'The Ox' leads the charge

The second half was more nervy than the first and the Greek champions nearly leveled at the restart.  Arsenal defended their slender lead but the play soon became end to end football, a little too reminiscent of the Dortmund game...The Gunners backline looked as comfortable on the field as Arsene Wenger did in the stands.  After an alarming close-call that left the crossbar trembling, Wenger's stand in, Pat Rice knew it was time to make changes.  Robin Van Persie replaced Chamak who had played an impressive game up front.  Aaron Ramsey came in for a tired Oxlaide-Chamberlain.  Finally Gibbs relieved Arshavin, joining Song who was filling in on defense.  It was a tense game to be sure, but the Gunners withstood the pressure and won the match.  

Santos' first goal for Arsenal!

Although we got the right result, it was a little disappointing to see the Gunners on the back foot against what should have been our easiest competition in the group.  Also, our next two Champs League games are against Marseille who trounced Dortmund 3-0 in matchday two.  The outcome of those two fixtures will have a tremendous effect on result of Group F.  Arsenal may not have played with full conviction today but we still hold second place with four points against Marseille's six.  However, the margin for error is becoming smaller and smaller as the tournement progresses.

Gunners On the Move, Arsenal 3-0 Bolton

Arsenal are moving up the table thanks to a solid win before a near capacity crowd at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.  The day marked Robin Van Persie's 100th goal for the North London Gunners and it seems that the Arsenal have made great strides to improving their form as of late.  The win comes at a good time as the Gunners prepare for their Champion's League match against Olypiacos on Wednesday.

There was nothing exceptional to report from the first half.  Bolton looked to grab a quick goal in the early minutes, but as time wore on, the hosts began to dominate possession.  At the break, neither side had reward for their efforts but that would soon change.

RVP scores 100 for the Gunners!

It was a scant forty seconds after the restart and Robin Van Persie had found the net!  Gervinho lay felled at midfield but the official allowed play to continue.  Moments later, the Flying Dutchman pinpointed the ball just between the keeper and the post.  It was the beginning of a trying second half for the Wanderers.  Van Persie would have several more good looks at goal, but his century for the club came in the 72nd minute.  Walcott stormed the right flank, as he has a habit of doing, delivered a textbook cross, and all the Arsenal skipper had to do was shin the ball into the net.  It was an important moment for the striker, but equally important were the implications for the entire team.  The pressure had been released and the Gunners were free to fire away.  Song added the icing on the cake in the final minute of regulation.  Sagna did the tricky footwork then laid off to his teammate who curled the ball into the top corner of the net with a fantastic shot.

It was a good day for Arsenal and a proud moment for captain Robin Van Persie.  The forwards had freedom to attack uninhibited because of a consistent defensive performance that has been lacking recently.  Laurent Koscielny had a particularly impressive game and contributed a great deal in the 3-0 result.  Arsenal will score goals.  Those goals will win matches when they are paired with equally impressive defensive solidarity.  Next up, the Gunners host Greek Champions Olypiacos at midweek.  This may be their easiest assignment in group play.  Thats why a big result with plenty of goals is what will be required.

And So it Begins, Arsenal 1-1 Dortmund

UEFA Champions League is underway!  Yesterday, fans witnessed some spectacular matches between European giants in the first round of group play.  Chelsea trumped Leverkusen and Porto dismissed Shaktar with a missed penalty to boot.  In dramatic fashion, AC Milan and Barcelona finished 2-2.  Pato silenced Camp Nou 30 seconds into the match but the Rossoneri would be a goal down shortly after the half.   Stunning the Catalan's and stealing a point, Thiago Silva's equalizer came late in the second minute of stoppage time.

Arsenal travelled to Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund for their most difficult appointment in group play.  As of late, there are very few teams on the Continent who have stepped onto that pitch and not been victimized by a footballing master-class.  The BVB Stadion is one of the most difficult places to play in Europe with a sellout crowd of over 80,000 hardcore Dortmund fanatics present at nearly every single match.  To escape the grounds without suffering a loss is indeed an accomplishment.

In the opening stages of the match, the visitors absorbed heavy pressure from the Dortmund offensive.  Gervinho had a good shot blocked not five minutes in, but the hosts soon settled in and attacked relentlessly.  The young Japanese ace, Shinji Kagawa proved lethal in front of goal in Dortmund's title winning season last year and his form has only improved.  Mario Gotze nearly broke the deadlock in the 10th minute, but a last gasp clearance by Bacary Sagna saw the ball off the line and kept the Londoner's in the match.  Arsenal gained ground and possession but were forced to fight for every inch.  As the half was drawing to a close, Robin Van Persie robbed the Dortmund defense with an incisive slide tackle, cleverly slotting the ball to a waiting Walcott center-field.  The two were clearly on the same plain; in moments the Dutchman raced forward, receiving a perfect through ball, and stung the net before Wiedenfeller had even read the play.  

The fans were no less vocal in the second half, almost in defiance of the goal deficit.  Some brilliant link up play saw Gervinho fall just short of what would have been the decisive goal in the 59th minute.  A Dortmund resurgence was not enough to penetrate a determined Arsenal defense whose stingy back-line was a salve to many ailing Arsenal fans.  The boys in Red and White had bent without being broken.  It seemed that Dortmund were spent and the Gunners had pulled it off...almost.  Four minutes from time, the hosts were awarded a free kick.  The initial effort was blocked, but in a sublime volley, Dortmund's Perisic found the absolute top corner of the net with a shot you couldn't help but admire.  In the final seconds, Szczesny snatched a critical save and preserved a point for Arsenal.

The draw was certainly a disappointment for Wenger's men, given the run of play.  However, the match as a whole was a colossal success.  Arsenal's defense showed some real grit and consistency in the face of a difficult opponent and a tough stadium.  The group should get easier from here and Arsenal will look to secure the top spot and easier draw in the next round.  For now, its time to refocus on the domestic campaign and prepare to face Blackburn at Ewood Park on Saturday.

Champions League Preview!!

As always, the Champion's League group stage throws out some tantalizing match-ups.  This season's fixtures are no exception.  The draw seems to be quite balanced this go-around and soccer fans will enjoy some fiery competition.  

Uefa Champions League Group Breakdown:

• Group A
Bayern Munich | Villarreal | Manchester City | Napoli

The "Group of Death" might be Group A with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, big spending Man City, Spanish contenders Villarreal, and Italian side Napoli all in the mix.  Barring a major upset, Bayern and Man City will likely see off their competition.  The winners of this group are bound to make a deep run in the competition.


• Group B

Inter Milan | CSKA Moscow | Lille | Trabzonspor

Having completed a treble-winning season two years ago, Inter Milan will be the favorite in Group B.  There is a considerable amount of talent in the remaining teams; expect fierce competition for the second spot.

• Group C
Manchester United | Benfica | Basel | Otelul Galati

The Red Devils have certainly lucked out and find themselves in the most plush group of the tournament.  Benfica should progress from the group but may go no further in the knockout round.

• Group D
Real Madrid | Lyon | Ajax | Dinamo Zagreb

This should prove another exciting compilation.  Expect Real to carry the group.  Its difficult to peg the second spot.  Ajax typically specialize in young talent, Lyon are Ligue 1 leaders, and Zagreb bring Eastern European flair to the table.  Definitely a group to watch.

• Group E
Chelsea| Valencia | Bayer Leverkusen | Genk

Chelsea are the predictable favorites.  We could see a slugfest between Valencia and Leverkusen to make it to the knockout round.  A champion from Group E?  Probably not.

Dortmund's Fortress: Signal Iduna

• Group F
Arsenal | Marseille | Olympiakos | Borussia Dortmund

Another lively group, this one should be fun to watch.  Arsenal/Dortmund will have the first two spots.  Both could have a great run in the tournament.  Arsenal need to turn Emirates into a fortress to succeed; Dortmund already have that reputation.  Marseille may put up a fight, but will have to overcome great odds to progress.  

• Group G
FC Porto | Shakhtar Donetsk | Zenit St Petersburg | APOEL

Portuguese Liga & Europa Champs FC Porto should dominate the field.  With increasing European experience, this side may dream to achieve something more this season.  The remaining sides are relatively soft, Zenit will likely grab the second berth.

• Group H
Barcelona | AC Milan | BATE Borisov | Viktoria Plzen

Barca are definite favorites to lift the trophy again.  An icon of the European football landscape, the Rossoneri look to make their mark again this year.  BATE have shown quality in recent years but have a tall order to escape the group.  The Czech champs face a grim outlook, given a tough group draw. 

Gunners through to final eight of Champions League

Last night Arsenal became the fourth English team to progress to the final eight of the UEFA Champions League. The 7-6 result came at the end of an aggregate tie and two periods of extra time. The two teams stayed level as Arsenal's Eduardo missed the first spot kick but Almunia saved a Roma attempt. In sudden death penalties, Diaby gave the Gunners an edge and Roma's Tonetto sealed the fixture by skying his shot over the crossbar. Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool also progressed, making it an English sweep to the final eight knockout round. Bayern Munich advanced with a record-setting demolition of Sporting Lisbon as Villareal defeated Panathinaikos. Porto and Barcelona are through, as former Gunner Thierry Henry scored two goals in as many minutes in Barca's 5-2 result over Lyon. The final eight draw will take place at 11am (UK) on Friday March 20.