I was immensely surprised at the inclusion of Kevin Prince Boateng in the starting line-up as he has just recently resumed training with the squad and his performance tonight proved how much he missed playing for the shirt. His influence on the pitch is an intangible asset to the team as he gave his teammates the much needed energy boost they were missing in their last few games. I don't think I was the only one who was surprised by KPB's inclusion in the starting lineup as Arsenal didn't appear to have anyone marking him. KPB was effectively free to link up play between midfield and attack without any real issues.
The first few minutes were a little worrying for Milan as Arsenal exposed some space behind Van Bommel , and put in a few counter attacks. As Milan settled into their positions, Arsenal began passing the ball around with no real threat, and Milan's pressing pressure started taking shape. Although Milan had less of the ball than their opponents, they looked far more dangerous with it, and the opening goal came from a poor Szczesny clearance that found Nocerino who expertly lofted the ball to Boateng in a tight angle. He took the shot , and in off the crossbar. 1-0 for the Home team.
It was interesting to see what Arsenal's response was going to be after going a goal down, but nothing changed. Milan looked even more dangerous and confident that even Antonini, who should've had his hands full marking Walcott, was bombing forward and had two close attempts on the Arsenal goal.
The Arsenal defenders played the offside trap a few times successfully but were quickly losing their organization and it was only a matter of time before Ibrahimovic burst forward breaking the offside trap to set up Robinho for Milan's second goal of the evening.
2-0 down, Arsenal resume their slow build up play , boosting their possession statistics, giving Milan all the time in the world to close down, mark players and read their plays. Where was that speed advantage that Arsenal were talking about?
Wenger removes the anonymous Walcott at half time for Henry. This looked like a change to a 4-4-2 formation and I fully expected Arsenal to base their attacks on the wings now (especially the right wing that Antonini is in charge of defending). Milan, however, counters this effectively by pressing their wide midfielders back into their own half with Robinho and KPB also providing defensive cover while Arsenal had possession.
The third goal from Ibrahimovic again, who really took charge of the game with a variety of dribbles, touches, flicks, he was really enjoying himself and Arsenal had no answer for him. He produced a nice set up for Robinho who found himself in some space to shoot after Vermaelen slipped while trying to change directions. Uncharacteristically, Robinho made no mistake, putting the ball into the bottom right corner of the net. With 40 minutes left, Arsenal looked like they just wanted to go back home. Wenger brought on Chamberlain for Gibbs who added some momentum to Arsenal's play. The Premier League side continued their possession game with little or no real threat apart from a Henry-Van Persie play which saw RVP unleash a goal bound shot where Abbiati pulled off an incredible save to deny Arsenal that vital away goal.
Ambrosini was brought on in the 70th minute to relieve KPB and provide defensive support in midfield to Van Bommel.
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| Score Board at the SanSiro |
In the 79th minute, Ibrahimovic struck again, forcing Djourou into commiting a foul inside the area. Ibrahimovic steps up to take the PK and scores a well deserved goal to wrap up his incredible performance. Milan could've scored one or two more in the dying minutes of the game from attempts by Pato who was brought on to replace Robinho. 4-0 for AC Milan was the final verdict, Arsenal completely outclassed, outplayed, and tactically outsmarted.
Closing Points:
* Milan played a perfect game, but it seemed to me that Arsenal were not mentally prepared for this fixture. The players looked shocked after the first 7 minutes and never really got out of that state. Felt like they were expecting a much, much easier game.
* The gap in Arsenal's defense could fit a bus. No positioning, no organization, no communication, it was an awful defensive display. The players just looked very uncomfortable in their positions.
* Arsenal simply left KPB to roam around the pitch without being marked... How can Wenger miss that? He can spot talent in a 12 year old, but can't see that KPB is not the man you don't want to be marking? No, he is not the same player he was at Tottenham.
* In addition to KPB not being marked, Robinho easily lured the center backs out wide , leaving Ibra with tons of space to put on a show at the San Siro.
* Arsenal had most of the ball in the game (57%), more accurate passes than Milan, but only had 2 real chances to score. Instead of Utilizing their wings and attacking Antonini's side with force and numbers, they inexplicably played to Milan's strength by trying to force their attacks through the middle.
* Most Milan fans wanted to see El Shaarawy make his CL debut tonight, they got Pato instead and were disappointed with his short cameo. On the contrary, I thought he looked energetic and lively although he squandered a sure goal at the last minute.
* The state of the pitch at the San Siro was used as an excuse by the English commentators and many Arsenal fans. I don't get this, Were Milan are Arsenal playing not playing on the same pitch?
(The pitch was relayed 2 days ago due to terrible weather in Italy, It was the first time Milan played on the new surface as well.)
* Arsenal need nothing short of a miracle to qualify for the Quarter-Finals, they must score 4 goals without conceding a single one. (If Milan score a single goal, Arsenal would need to win by a 5 goal margin) ... I just don't see that happening.
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