Ever so often - just when you think you can detect a pattern in the greater scheme of footballing things; inexplicably, things go very, very wrong.
That's exactly what happened on the Wednesday of Matchday 4 of the Champions' League. One big name took a tumble, another had a stumble, while some others were run close by some small fish trying to cause a rumble.
I guess Matchday 4 Wednesday was more about normal service being rudely interrupted - what should have been and what really was were quite different. Nonetheless it meant the interest in certain groups were kept alive for another round at least. And that, I guess, is basic requirement of competition.
But, as a result I've been in a stupor for a day. Contemplating some of the possibly dire ramifications of the shocking inability of certain prefessional footballers to stick a ball in an empty net from a few yards out - surely the simplest most basic act in football.
Group E
Lyon 1 - 0 Dynamo
Real 1 - 0 Levski
Olympique Lyon were rarely troubled in this seemingly leisurely stroll to another win (14th straight in all competitions) and another clean sheet (4th on the trot in the Champions' League). In truth, of course, they had plenty of chances which they were unable to put away and manager Houllier's off the cuff remark that the match was 'so superb' that 'it should have finished 3-1 or 4-1' while a little arrogant, was nearer the mark than it seems.
However, such are the ridiculous standards Lyon have set themselves that they appeared, just a little, jaded and uninterested. Whether this performance signalled more than just the French Champions' taking their foot off the pedal, having virtually assured themselves of a place in the next round, we'll never know, but the fact remains that Lyon displayed none of the attacking vigour that normally accompanies their games.
Initially, atleast it seemed so, with Lyon preferring young striker Karim Benzema to big bruising Norwegian John Carew, not to mention leaving out Kim Kallstrom and Sylvain Wiltord. But I wonder, in keeping out a traditional hulking centre forward, who's better at converting set pieces into goals, in favour of a young pup who deals in the currency of pacy, direct football, was Houllier signalling his intention to pave the way for the next generation of Lyonnais talent while doling out some much needed continental experience in a semi dead home game. Or was he taking the game to lightly with one eye on the weekend Ligue 1 game ? However, such is Lyon's mastery of the local scene that they have virtually destroyed any semblance of a title fight by opening up an 11 point lead in France - so surely the next Champions' league game against Real Madrid represents their earliest most meaningful match - in bragging rights alone. In the event, Benzema scored the only goal and we'll never know if this was the start of Lyon coming back down to Earth or just a small pitstop on their way to the Bernebeu.
As for the game itself, Lyon's profligacy in front of goal would have made headlines, if it weren't for the other events elsewhere this night (More on that later - SEE ARSENAL v CSKA) while Dynamo, well, they seemed unable to really get out of second gear. For reasons known only to them, if at all, and a mystery to everyone else, Dynamo's sojourn in Europe this season has been strangely muted. They've worked hard, been organised and proficient at the simple things. Perhaps their strikers have lacked assurance, perhaps their midfielders have lacked ideas, but one thing is certain - Dynamo have lacked any potency this year. I see interesting formations every week - on Tuesday Shaktar treated us to an 'old skool' rendition of the stopper-sweeper line up in their back four - but Dynamo's odd sided lineup was comical to say the least. They played an odd formation with 4 at the back, 3 in the middle, 2 up front and Serhiy Rebrov alone on the left flank - something of a half forward, expected to cut in I would imagine. In the event he was left out in the cold, never part of the action and due to his positional bearings, frozen on the left. Artim Milevskyi was a virtual non entity, one close shot, that skimmed the bar, apart. Personally, I would have opted for the experience of Maksim Shatskik for the novelty of Ayila Yussuf in the middle of the park and shunted Rebrov to partner Milevskyi up front.
They are still in with a small chance of hauling in 3rd for the UEFA Cup place but I wouldn't put money on it. Despite coach Demianenko's good work, the Ukrainian team needs a major retool and rethink to be competitive in Europe again.
One only need to compare Dynamo with Steaua Bucharest, from the same group. Whereas the Romanians, no doubt displaying the enthusiasm of youth, have played really well, in beating Dynamo themselves, and while losing to Real and Lyon. Despite having a limited roster, they've made a real game of it. Against Real today, only a farcical own goal prevented them from picking up a well deserved point from an away draw against the Spanish aristocrats.
Admittedly, Ruud missed a penalty which could have put Steaua away, but it would have been harsh on the team from the Romanian capital. As far as chances go, both sides missed sitters, with recalled Real defender Helguera's orbit shot from a yard out topping the list. For the underdogs both Petre Marin and Oprita came close; however, knowing that they spent most of the first half with Real pressed back in their own area will be encouragement enough.
Real are still far from the finished article, with Robinho and Raul, in particular, in this game, still showing the inconsistency that often separates good teams from great ones. Nonetheless, they have come miles from their disarray last year and will mount a serious challenge both in Europe and in Spain. Capello has decided to go with a midfield featuring 2 extremes this season, pairing the twin defensive grinders of Emerson and Mahamadou Diarra with no less than 4 forwards. So it came as no surprise when Steau took advantage of this imbalance to impose themselves at the start. While it's a shame that his one main change to this Real outfit had been the introduction of 2 defensive choppers, sadly it's been the most crucial. Both Emerson and Diarra have added some much needed steel in the back field and like Chelsea, cynicism in their play may be their strongest ingredient of their consistency.
As it happens this group is now wrapped up. Only the final positions remain to be decided. Both Lyon and Real go through. Hopefully Lyon can put on a show when they go to the Bernebeu next round - but I sense that game may be the first they lose this year. Levski have to ensure they don't lose by a huge margin to Dynamo in the next round to seal qualification to the UEFA cup. Once there, they may - just may - be one of 3 Romanian teams in the round of 32.
Group F
Kobenhavn 1 - 0 Man U
Benfica 3 - 0 Celtic
Upset of the week belonged to the Danish team. They pulled off a shocker in trumping Man United and spoiling the latter's perfect record. Perhaps, in riding a high after a good 4 - 0 demolition of Bolton at the Reebok on Saturday, the Mancunians were suffering a slight hangover - but the truth remains they have too much money and seemingly, resources, to let that be the case - especially against a side like Kobenhavn who operate on a fraction of the money, support and competition.
But the truth is, other than grit and graft, United have few truly talented players. Their squad is made up of robotic passers, tacklers and markers - their machine like system barrelling away at the opposition till a goal is scored. Other than their wingers Giggs (whom I respect) and Ronaldo (whom I loathe), they have a whole raft of interchangeable middling players who fit well in their system, but will never set a game alight - Rooney apart. And even Rooney, for all his talent is a just a faster, more clinical version of John Hartson, with a predeliction for shooting. And as for shooting - when they go in, they're spectacular but when they don't they look ordinary - with the difference between a scorcher and a shot off target a mere few inches. I cannot call that a good gameplan - which would explain why Rooney's been on a drought despite not playing any differently and when he does score he scores a hatful - somedays the shots work, other days they don't. Simply blasting it from distance repeatedly till success is hardly a skill worth committing to legend. This defeat should bring them down to Earth a bit. They'll still go through though - easily.
It was a pleasant surprise to see Marcus Allback get on the scoresheet. The pace and graft of English football has a nasty habit of reducing some pretty good players to unremarkable non entities hoping to see out their contract and leave (SEE Savo Milosevic, Gaitzka Mendieta, Juninho, etc, etc). Allback's alway been a better player than his record in England has suggested and he provided the perfect riposte by claiming the goal that condemned one of the premiership's biggest lights to an unlikely defeat. Kobenhavn won't go far in Europe this year - but they have ensured this campaign will be truly memorable. Hell you never know, If Tobias Linderoth and Tomas Gravgaard play another blinder, they might even make the UEFA cup.
Benfica went a long way in undoing their disastrous game in Glasgow last time out with a good 3-0 win over Celtic. I know Gary Caldwell scored an own goal and assisted on another - but Benfica showed more heart and more desire in this game. They were all over Celtic and brought all their continental experience and pedigree to bear. Just when I was beginning to think Celtic were going to show us how far they have come under Gordon Strachan, they completely let me down. I had expected them to come out and add a slight defensive tinge to their natural game, keep it tight at the back and come away with an away draw. Instead they seem to have tried to run before they learnt to walk - trying to outgun a seasoned European team in its own backyard. For all their running and hustling, Nakamura, Caldwell, Sno, Kenny Miller and Maloney do not have the know how to switch to Champions' League away mode - where they cut out passes, build slowly from the back and keep possession. It took Arsenal several years to learn it and perhaps Celtic will need a few as well. In this game they were frequently caught out at the back and their midfield repeatedly over extended themselves. Still, they are in prime position to make it out of this group.
Benfica, obviously smarting from defeat in the league, to rivals Porto on the weekend, came out firing. It speaks of their ambition and desire that not only did Quim launch an audacious long ball from a goal kick, Nuno Gomes actually chased it down. Fortune favours the bold they say and indeed for Nuno Gomes, it proved to be true. Karyaka's notch, Benfica's third goal was classic counter attack and once again the defence was all over the place. So the two teams have now split their games and for Benfica, qualification is still very much on.
Group G
Arsenal 0 - 0 CSKA
Hamburg 1 - 3 Porto
I am still slightly depressed when I think of the Arsenal game. Just how the Gunners managed to keep an attacking clean sheet despite being utterly dominant is completely beyond me. It's one thing to not create chances or not create chances that are good goalscoring opportunities. It's a wholly different matter to miss the goal from 3 feet out with no goalie in sight and all the time in the world. All 4 of Arsenal's attacking fulcrum missed sitters - sitters that were asking to be put away. Sitter's that they have been putting away since they first learnt to walk.
Let's put it this way. Parochial bias aside. Arsenal's domination of CSKA was the most completely one sided match in the Champions' League this season and quite possibly ever. They rained shots on the CSKA goal all game, they tore the defence to shreds, ratcheting up over 60% possession at one point and still COULD NOT STICK ONE BALL IN THE NET. The game was crying out for a Pippo Inzaghi type player. As such Baptista and Adebayor were both missed - terribly. As such Van Persie and Rosicky both missed - horribly.
As a result Arsenal are now making heavy weather of what should have been a moderate group. Their match against Hamburg was one that they should win - now it's a game that they MUST win. A bit like General Cornwallis at the fag end of the American War of Independence, "How did it come to this?". CKSA were virtual spectators in this match and had ONE chance where they caused a flutter in the Arsenal camp. That's how much they were out of this game.
Match report aside. Thierry Henry was once again increasingly peripheral as the game wore on and the pressure built up. For all his talent and skill, personal inspiration and the ability to handle pressure are not among them. I hate to round on him in what must be, one hopes, a difficult time for him - but this is the latest big game in which his first 15 odd minutes have been underwhelming and his game has faded further thereafter. Thierry, like Arsenal on and off the last 4 seasons, are all about the rhythm developed in the first little bit -- they cannot work themselves into a game - they either arrive ready to set the field alight, or they don't turn up. Like many people have observed - there is something to be said about the canny knack of winning a game despite playing well below one's potential. Sadly, this may very well be the price one has to pay for this team's undoubted brilliance.
Still, practically speaking, they created a boat load of chances, like in the weekend draw against Everton, and they will be in much better shape once they win the home game against Hamburg next week. No Arsenal fan would want them to go to Porto needing a win in their final game. I certainly don't.
I never expected Hamburg to be this bad once the tournament started and Porto to be this good. No other team has racked up as many goals, in this 2 game home and away, as Porto has against Hamburg. The Portugese team built on their epic weekend win against Benfica, by steadily dominating a Hamburg side that has fallen so far in just one season. Surely Porto's attacking quintet of Quaresma, Postiga, Lisandro Lopez, Lucho Gonzalez and Raul Meireles are one of the better offences this season. On this performance alone they deserve to be.
Despite being outshot in the first half, Porto were never really troubled. As soon as the first half wound down they were on their way with an outstanding volley from Lucho. Once again a deep cross from Quaresma on the right caused the Hamburg defence all sorts of problems, and as it came out to the edge of the box, no one had picked out Lucho, who unleashed a spectacular shot into the top corner. Shortly after the restart they went 2 up - this time Lisandro getting in on the action, beating Atouba to another Quaresma cross. For the second time in 2 weeks Quaresma won the battle against Sorin, the Hamburg defence went AWOL on crucial plays and their attack was barely competent. Even when Van der Vaart scored you sensed it was only a lull in the storm and sure enough it was Porto who added a third later in the game.
Now they've won twice in 2 games and have caught up with Arsenal who are now 3rd on goal difference. This group will go right down to the wire - and Porto now have the momentum. Let's see what happens in Russia in Matchday 5.
Group H
Milan 4 - 1 Anderlecht
AEK 1 - 0 Lille
If Milan were still smarting from their derby day humbling at the hands of Inter, it didn't show here. Imperious from the start, they brused aside Anderlecht's weak excuse for a challenge and have virtually asured themselves of a spot in the round of 16.
Watching Kaka singlehandedly dismantle the Belgians, one wondered, who else can boast of such potent class in the middle of the park. Virtually solo, he destroyed Anderlecht with guile, poise and cultured finishing. While his salvo began from the penalty spot, shooting high over goalie Zitka for the openener, there was nothing brutish about his later 2 goals - simply sublime. The first one was to remind us all that the school ground give and go can still make its way to the back of the net - while the second was just a sweet shot from the left - a bit like Deco against Chelsea - but only better.
Gilardino added a fourth late in the game as Milan comprehensively ended the rout. Gilardino is one of the unluckiest strikers around who seemed unable to get a goal no matter how hard he tried - but now he's scored in consecutive games - surely giving impetus to the striker that he was originaly bought as. As for Kaka - he's scored 4 goals against Anderlecht in 2 games. There won't be any Christmas cards coming his way from the Belgians.
Milan were purposeful, singleminded and clinical. From the opening pass to the final whistle they played as if it was a cup final - pressing, pushing, harrying yet maintaining their shape. There's a fine line between enthusiasm and exuberance (SEE LEEDS under David O' Leary). Milan placed themselves perfectly.
However, I must check myself, this overindulgence in praising Milan, takes away from what was a competent but eventually under-par game for Anderlecht. On shots, they are even with their Italian opponents but their finishing and approach play rarely threatened the Milan goal. Anderlecht, no doubt, have some young and up and coming talent but like several teams - will perpetually make it to the group stage without going far. Another sad indictment of the game is that when some smaller team actually makes a difference and wins the title - it's coached by someone as intolerably inhuman as Jose Mourinho.
Lille came unstuck here in the worst way possible. Ironically, against Greek opposition, their Greek defensive stalwart, Stathis Tavlaridis, got sent off. Having to play for most of the game with just 10 men, away from home, proved too much for them. Now they face a real battle to progress. Normally, Kader Keita is a consummate attacking presence in the middle of the park, but like many members of this summer's Ivorian national team, defends only as an afterthought. On even strength, he is a worthwhile investment in the team but while playing short handed, is a bit of an adornment - something of a liability. And for all their graft and grit, Lille were eventually undone by a late Liberopoulos goal.
Group H is now very interesting. Don't assume anything.
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How did I do ?
Not very well I am afraid - 3 out of 8.
Celtic and Hamburg let me down terribly - their lack of tactical nous exposed both me and them. And as for Arsenal and Man U - well what can I say. Nothing is ever certain in sport.
AEK - Lille was always going to be a tough call - I would argue that had it remained 11 versus 11 - Lille would have won.
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Tactic of the day:
I'll plump for the 4-5-1 this time - both Portugese teams used them in emphatic victories. It's received a lot of bad press as the harbinger of defensive, boring football, but it can be just as exciting as a more fashionable attacking layout.
The 4-3-3 used by the French teams and AEK has to come close though - almost as effective.
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Team of the day:
(4-5-1)
Quim; Clerc, Toure, Gravgaard, Marin; Quaresma, Kaka, Simao, Lucho Gonzalez, Tobias Linderoth; Nuno Gomes;
That's exactly what happened on the Wednesday of Matchday 4 of the Champions' League. One big name took a tumble, another had a stumble, while some others were run close by some small fish trying to cause a rumble.
I guess Matchday 4 Wednesday was more about normal service being rudely interrupted - what should have been and what really was were quite different. Nonetheless it meant the interest in certain groups were kept alive for another round at least. And that, I guess, is basic requirement of competition.
But, as a result I've been in a stupor for a day. Contemplating some of the possibly dire ramifications of the shocking inability of certain prefessional footballers to stick a ball in an empty net from a few yards out - surely the simplest most basic act in football.
Group E
Lyon 1 - 0 Dynamo
Real 1 - 0 Levski
Olympique Lyon were rarely troubled in this seemingly leisurely stroll to another win (14th straight in all competitions) and another clean sheet (4th on the trot in the Champions' League). In truth, of course, they had plenty of chances which they were unable to put away and manager Houllier's off the cuff remark that the match was 'so superb' that 'it should have finished 3-1 or 4-1' while a little arrogant, was nearer the mark than it seems.
However, such are the ridiculous standards Lyon have set themselves that they appeared, just a little, jaded and uninterested. Whether this performance signalled more than just the French Champions' taking their foot off the pedal, having virtually assured themselves of a place in the next round, we'll never know, but the fact remains that Lyon displayed none of the attacking vigour that normally accompanies their games.
Initially, atleast it seemed so, with Lyon preferring young striker Karim Benzema to big bruising Norwegian John Carew, not to mention leaving out Kim Kallstrom and Sylvain Wiltord. But I wonder, in keeping out a traditional hulking centre forward, who's better at converting set pieces into goals, in favour of a young pup who deals in the currency of pacy, direct football, was Houllier signalling his intention to pave the way for the next generation of Lyonnais talent while doling out some much needed continental experience in a semi dead home game. Or was he taking the game to lightly with one eye on the weekend Ligue 1 game ? However, such is Lyon's mastery of the local scene that they have virtually destroyed any semblance of a title fight by opening up an 11 point lead in France - so surely the next Champions' league game against Real Madrid represents their earliest most meaningful match - in bragging rights alone. In the event, Benzema scored the only goal and we'll never know if this was the start of Lyon coming back down to Earth or just a small pitstop on their way to the Bernebeu.
As for the game itself, Lyon's profligacy in front of goal would have made headlines, if it weren't for the other events elsewhere this night (More on that later - SEE ARSENAL v CSKA) while Dynamo, well, they seemed unable to really get out of second gear. For reasons known only to them, if at all, and a mystery to everyone else, Dynamo's sojourn in Europe this season has been strangely muted. They've worked hard, been organised and proficient at the simple things. Perhaps their strikers have lacked assurance, perhaps their midfielders have lacked ideas, but one thing is certain - Dynamo have lacked any potency this year. I see interesting formations every week - on Tuesday Shaktar treated us to an 'old skool' rendition of the stopper-sweeper line up in their back four - but Dynamo's odd sided lineup was comical to say the least. They played an odd formation with 4 at the back, 3 in the middle, 2 up front and Serhiy Rebrov alone on the left flank - something of a half forward, expected to cut in I would imagine. In the event he was left out in the cold, never part of the action and due to his positional bearings, frozen on the left. Artim Milevskyi was a virtual non entity, one close shot, that skimmed the bar, apart. Personally, I would have opted for the experience of Maksim Shatskik for the novelty of Ayila Yussuf in the middle of the park and shunted Rebrov to partner Milevskyi up front.
They are still in with a small chance of hauling in 3rd for the UEFA Cup place but I wouldn't put money on it. Despite coach Demianenko's good work, the Ukrainian team needs a major retool and rethink to be competitive in Europe again.
One only need to compare Dynamo with Steaua Bucharest, from the same group. Whereas the Romanians, no doubt displaying the enthusiasm of youth, have played really well, in beating Dynamo themselves, and while losing to Real and Lyon. Despite having a limited roster, they've made a real game of it. Against Real today, only a farcical own goal prevented them from picking up a well deserved point from an away draw against the Spanish aristocrats.
Admittedly, Ruud missed a penalty which could have put Steaua away, but it would have been harsh on the team from the Romanian capital. As far as chances go, both sides missed sitters, with recalled Real defender Helguera's orbit shot from a yard out topping the list. For the underdogs both Petre Marin and Oprita came close; however, knowing that they spent most of the first half with Real pressed back in their own area will be encouragement enough.
Real are still far from the finished article, with Robinho and Raul, in particular, in this game, still showing the inconsistency that often separates good teams from great ones. Nonetheless, they have come miles from their disarray last year and will mount a serious challenge both in Europe and in Spain. Capello has decided to go with a midfield featuring 2 extremes this season, pairing the twin defensive grinders of Emerson and Mahamadou Diarra with no less than 4 forwards. So it came as no surprise when Steau took advantage of this imbalance to impose themselves at the start. While it's a shame that his one main change to this Real outfit had been the introduction of 2 defensive choppers, sadly it's been the most crucial. Both Emerson and Diarra have added some much needed steel in the back field and like Chelsea, cynicism in their play may be their strongest ingredient of their consistency.
As it happens this group is now wrapped up. Only the final positions remain to be decided. Both Lyon and Real go through. Hopefully Lyon can put on a show when they go to the Bernebeu next round - but I sense that game may be the first they lose this year. Levski have to ensure they don't lose by a huge margin to Dynamo in the next round to seal qualification to the UEFA cup. Once there, they may - just may - be one of 3 Romanian teams in the round of 32.
Group F
Kobenhavn 1 - 0 Man U
Benfica 3 - 0 Celtic
Upset of the week belonged to the Danish team. They pulled off a shocker in trumping Man United and spoiling the latter's perfect record. Perhaps, in riding a high after a good 4 - 0 demolition of Bolton at the Reebok on Saturday, the Mancunians were suffering a slight hangover - but the truth remains they have too much money and seemingly, resources, to let that be the case - especially against a side like Kobenhavn who operate on a fraction of the money, support and competition.
But the truth is, other than grit and graft, United have few truly talented players. Their squad is made up of robotic passers, tacklers and markers - their machine like system barrelling away at the opposition till a goal is scored. Other than their wingers Giggs (whom I respect) and Ronaldo (whom I loathe), they have a whole raft of interchangeable middling players who fit well in their system, but will never set a game alight - Rooney apart. And even Rooney, for all his talent is a just a faster, more clinical version of John Hartson, with a predeliction for shooting. And as for shooting - when they go in, they're spectacular but when they don't they look ordinary - with the difference between a scorcher and a shot off target a mere few inches. I cannot call that a good gameplan - which would explain why Rooney's been on a drought despite not playing any differently and when he does score he scores a hatful - somedays the shots work, other days they don't. Simply blasting it from distance repeatedly till success is hardly a skill worth committing to legend. This defeat should bring them down to Earth a bit. They'll still go through though - easily.
It was a pleasant surprise to see Marcus Allback get on the scoresheet. The pace and graft of English football has a nasty habit of reducing some pretty good players to unremarkable non entities hoping to see out their contract and leave (SEE Savo Milosevic, Gaitzka Mendieta, Juninho, etc, etc). Allback's alway been a better player than his record in England has suggested and he provided the perfect riposte by claiming the goal that condemned one of the premiership's biggest lights to an unlikely defeat. Kobenhavn won't go far in Europe this year - but they have ensured this campaign will be truly memorable. Hell you never know, If Tobias Linderoth and Tomas Gravgaard play another blinder, they might even make the UEFA cup.
Benfica went a long way in undoing their disastrous game in Glasgow last time out with a good 3-0 win over Celtic. I know Gary Caldwell scored an own goal and assisted on another - but Benfica showed more heart and more desire in this game. They were all over Celtic and brought all their continental experience and pedigree to bear. Just when I was beginning to think Celtic were going to show us how far they have come under Gordon Strachan, they completely let me down. I had expected them to come out and add a slight defensive tinge to their natural game, keep it tight at the back and come away with an away draw. Instead they seem to have tried to run before they learnt to walk - trying to outgun a seasoned European team in its own backyard. For all their running and hustling, Nakamura, Caldwell, Sno, Kenny Miller and Maloney do not have the know how to switch to Champions' League away mode - where they cut out passes, build slowly from the back and keep possession. It took Arsenal several years to learn it and perhaps Celtic will need a few as well. In this game they were frequently caught out at the back and their midfield repeatedly over extended themselves. Still, they are in prime position to make it out of this group.
Benfica, obviously smarting from defeat in the league, to rivals Porto on the weekend, came out firing. It speaks of their ambition and desire that not only did Quim launch an audacious long ball from a goal kick, Nuno Gomes actually chased it down. Fortune favours the bold they say and indeed for Nuno Gomes, it proved to be true. Karyaka's notch, Benfica's third goal was classic counter attack and once again the defence was all over the place. So the two teams have now split their games and for Benfica, qualification is still very much on.
Group G
Arsenal 0 - 0 CSKA
Hamburg 1 - 3 Porto
I am still slightly depressed when I think of the Arsenal game. Just how the Gunners managed to keep an attacking clean sheet despite being utterly dominant is completely beyond me. It's one thing to not create chances or not create chances that are good goalscoring opportunities. It's a wholly different matter to miss the goal from 3 feet out with no goalie in sight and all the time in the world. All 4 of Arsenal's attacking fulcrum missed sitters - sitters that were asking to be put away. Sitter's that they have been putting away since they first learnt to walk.
Let's put it this way. Parochial bias aside. Arsenal's domination of CSKA was the most completely one sided match in the Champions' League this season and quite possibly ever. They rained shots on the CSKA goal all game, they tore the defence to shreds, ratcheting up over 60% possession at one point and still COULD NOT STICK ONE BALL IN THE NET. The game was crying out for a Pippo Inzaghi type player. As such Baptista and Adebayor were both missed - terribly. As such Van Persie and Rosicky both missed - horribly.
As a result Arsenal are now making heavy weather of what should have been a moderate group. Their match against Hamburg was one that they should win - now it's a game that they MUST win. A bit like General Cornwallis at the fag end of the American War of Independence, "How did it come to this?". CKSA were virtual spectators in this match and had ONE chance where they caused a flutter in the Arsenal camp. That's how much they were out of this game.
Match report aside. Thierry Henry was once again increasingly peripheral as the game wore on and the pressure built up. For all his talent and skill, personal inspiration and the ability to handle pressure are not among them. I hate to round on him in what must be, one hopes, a difficult time for him - but this is the latest big game in which his first 15 odd minutes have been underwhelming and his game has faded further thereafter. Thierry, like Arsenal on and off the last 4 seasons, are all about the rhythm developed in the first little bit -- they cannot work themselves into a game - they either arrive ready to set the field alight, or they don't turn up. Like many people have observed - there is something to be said about the canny knack of winning a game despite playing well below one's potential. Sadly, this may very well be the price one has to pay for this team's undoubted brilliance.
Still, practically speaking, they created a boat load of chances, like in the weekend draw against Everton, and they will be in much better shape once they win the home game against Hamburg next week. No Arsenal fan would want them to go to Porto needing a win in their final game. I certainly don't.
I never expected Hamburg to be this bad once the tournament started and Porto to be this good. No other team has racked up as many goals, in this 2 game home and away, as Porto has against Hamburg. The Portugese team built on their epic weekend win against Benfica, by steadily dominating a Hamburg side that has fallen so far in just one season. Surely Porto's attacking quintet of Quaresma, Postiga, Lisandro Lopez, Lucho Gonzalez and Raul Meireles are one of the better offences this season. On this performance alone they deserve to be.
Despite being outshot in the first half, Porto were never really troubled. As soon as the first half wound down they were on their way with an outstanding volley from Lucho. Once again a deep cross from Quaresma on the right caused the Hamburg defence all sorts of problems, and as it came out to the edge of the box, no one had picked out Lucho, who unleashed a spectacular shot into the top corner. Shortly after the restart they went 2 up - this time Lisandro getting in on the action, beating Atouba to another Quaresma cross. For the second time in 2 weeks Quaresma won the battle against Sorin, the Hamburg defence went AWOL on crucial plays and their attack was barely competent. Even when Van der Vaart scored you sensed it was only a lull in the storm and sure enough it was Porto who added a third later in the game.
Now they've won twice in 2 games and have caught up with Arsenal who are now 3rd on goal difference. This group will go right down to the wire - and Porto now have the momentum. Let's see what happens in Russia in Matchday 5.
Group H
Milan 4 - 1 Anderlecht
AEK 1 - 0 Lille
If Milan were still smarting from their derby day humbling at the hands of Inter, it didn't show here. Imperious from the start, they brused aside Anderlecht's weak excuse for a challenge and have virtually asured themselves of a spot in the round of 16.
Watching Kaka singlehandedly dismantle the Belgians, one wondered, who else can boast of such potent class in the middle of the park. Virtually solo, he destroyed Anderlecht with guile, poise and cultured finishing. While his salvo began from the penalty spot, shooting high over goalie Zitka for the openener, there was nothing brutish about his later 2 goals - simply sublime. The first one was to remind us all that the school ground give and go can still make its way to the back of the net - while the second was just a sweet shot from the left - a bit like Deco against Chelsea - but only better.
Gilardino added a fourth late in the game as Milan comprehensively ended the rout. Gilardino is one of the unluckiest strikers around who seemed unable to get a goal no matter how hard he tried - but now he's scored in consecutive games - surely giving impetus to the striker that he was originaly bought as. As for Kaka - he's scored 4 goals against Anderlecht in 2 games. There won't be any Christmas cards coming his way from the Belgians.
Milan were purposeful, singleminded and clinical. From the opening pass to the final whistle they played as if it was a cup final - pressing, pushing, harrying yet maintaining their shape. There's a fine line between enthusiasm and exuberance (SEE LEEDS under David O' Leary). Milan placed themselves perfectly.
However, I must check myself, this overindulgence in praising Milan, takes away from what was a competent but eventually under-par game for Anderlecht. On shots, they are even with their Italian opponents but their finishing and approach play rarely threatened the Milan goal. Anderlecht, no doubt, have some young and up and coming talent but like several teams - will perpetually make it to the group stage without going far. Another sad indictment of the game is that when some smaller team actually makes a difference and wins the title - it's coached by someone as intolerably inhuman as Jose Mourinho.
Lille came unstuck here in the worst way possible. Ironically, against Greek opposition, their Greek defensive stalwart, Stathis Tavlaridis, got sent off. Having to play for most of the game with just 10 men, away from home, proved too much for them. Now they face a real battle to progress. Normally, Kader Keita is a consummate attacking presence in the middle of the park, but like many members of this summer's Ivorian national team, defends only as an afterthought. On even strength, he is a worthwhile investment in the team but while playing short handed, is a bit of an adornment - something of a liability. And for all their graft and grit, Lille were eventually undone by a late Liberopoulos goal.
Group H is now very interesting. Don't assume anything.
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How did I do ?
Not very well I am afraid - 3 out of 8.
Celtic and Hamburg let me down terribly - their lack of tactical nous exposed both me and them. And as for Arsenal and Man U - well what can I say. Nothing is ever certain in sport.
AEK - Lille was always going to be a tough call - I would argue that had it remained 11 versus 11 - Lille would have won.
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Tactic of the day:
I'll plump for the 4-5-1 this time - both Portugese teams used them in emphatic victories. It's received a lot of bad press as the harbinger of defensive, boring football, but it can be just as exciting as a more fashionable attacking layout.
The 4-3-3 used by the French teams and AEK has to come close though - almost as effective.
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Team of the day:
(4-5-1)
Quim; Clerc, Toure, Gravgaard, Marin; Quaresma, Kaka, Simao, Lucho Gonzalez, Tobias Linderoth; Nuno Gomes;
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