View Full Version : Arsenal-Milan CL Round of 16 Leg 1
I wasn't able to see the match, so i can't say anything about the performance. However from the numerous reports i've read it seems Arsenal dominated the 2nd half and we found it difficult to cope. Plus we didn't seem to create anything offensively either.
With this in mind i wonder why so many people are so overly confident that we will progress? Most of the people in here (Arsenal fans aside obviously) think we'll win, yet most reports say Arsenal had all the chances and ran the show in the 2nd half. I don't get how people come to this conclusion :confused:
We were all over Milan last night..just lacked that bit of composure in the final third...
We have taught you guys how to defend last night. Come visit SS next fortnight and we're going to teach you something about being clinical upfront too. Just like what we did to MU last season
I wasn't able to see the match, so i can't say anything about the performance. However from the numerous reports i've read it seems Arsenal dominated the 2nd half and we found it difficult to cope. Plus we didn't seem to create anything offensively either.
With this in mind i wonder why so many people are so overly confident that we will progress? Most of the people in here (Arsenal fans aside obviously) think we'll win, yet most reports say Arsenal had all the chances and ran the show in the 2nd half. I don't get how people come to this conclusion :confused:
I did watch the match and I can say it's a very balanced one. Arsenal had slightly more posession but apart from Adebayor's hitting the woodwork, they didn't really cause much danger.
Football is similar to boxing, 50% of it is the art of defense, and the other half is the art of attacking. Last night our defenders played brilliantly. I agree that we barely create any clear chances, Kaka only managed to have 1 shot and it went wide. Both Pirlo and Seedorf weren't convincing.
We still have 2 weeks to deal with the problem, but I believe at SS, just like last year, we're going to show them how to kill-off the match with goals.
I think it'll be 1-1 at the San Siro.
Arsenal to score first with Milan equalising in the dieing minutes.
Arsenal to go through hopefully :D.
If Milan played the way they played lat night 3-0 to the Arsenal :D
You think to match 1 1 dont be seely Milan weel beat Arsenal at San Siro. Milan weel not play like last night if Arsenal played like last night Milan 3 0 Arsenal. :nana: :nana:
Peachtot
21-02-2008, 07:46
lol why do some of you think Arsenal won't score at the San siro??
I personally think Milan have to beat us 2-0 to go through...because i don't see us not scoring.
But we'll see what happens.
We were all over Milan last night..just lacked that bit of composure in the final third...
hey there cescvanpersie. did you see that wenger choose 4-5-1 instead of 4-4-2. Yes, wenger played Eduardo since 1st minute but as left winger not to partnership with adebayor upfront.
That strategy made Arsenal so secure from milan counter attack by Kaka or Seedorf from central straight directly to face Gallas + Toure/Senderos.
I love all the trash talking from Arsenal fans here. If they are so confident that their team will win, it makes their team favorite for the game, hence pressure off out team.
Hence, the victory will be even sweeter for us, just the way it was against manUre.
Forza Milan!
hany.Egypt
21-02-2008, 08:31
If MIlan played like the way they did yesterday it will end 0-0 :blind:
this ill never happen I assure you milan will win 2-0. :rock3:
I love all the trash talking from Arsenal fans here. If they are so confident that their team will win, it makes their team favorite for the game, hence pressure off out team.
Hence, the victory will be even sweeter for us, just the way it was against manUre.
Forza Milan!
I think majority of the Arsenal fans know that Milan has the better chance of qualifying for the next round.
Even after the game yesterday Milan are favourites, so victory over us shouldn't be sweeter than it was against United.
I'm not optimistic, nor pessimistic for the match at San Siro ...
We played with 6 players yesterday: Kalac, 4 defensers, Ambrosini and Gattuso ...
EDIT: I'm a **** lol, that's 7 players, not 6 ... :stupid:
The others: Kaka' (lost too many balls), Pirlo (just not good this time, can only do better next match), Seedorf (was he ready physically ?? He almost walked for all the match), and Pato (never had a good pass).
If Kaka' doesn't retrieve his level, if Seedorf plays again like that, if Pirlo misses so many passes, and as a consequence, if Pato or other can't have any good offensive ball, we're going to be eliminated.
Arsenal played well but, fortunately, lucidity misses to Adebayor and Eduardo ... Arsenal could have won 1 or 2-0 yesterday, they had so many actions that they wasted while at the same time, we almost had no occasion in the match !!
Special mention to Oddo, I think he played very well, anyway, far better than his last matches ... Nesta was very good too, Maldini did well, Kaladze too, and I was afraid to see Janku enter on the pitch after Nesta "injury" (apparely he has nothing lol) but he did well too.
Now, let's wait and see !!
lol why do some of you think Arsenal won't score at the San siro??
I personally think Milan have to beat us 2-0 to go through...because i don't see us not scoring.
But we'll see what happens.
We were all over Milan last night..just lacked that bit of composure in the final third...
You also said Arsenal never fails to score at Emirates...
dont get me wrong, my compliments go to Arsenal for palyiong great football yesterday. They played with grip and great movement, and really pushed hard. But the comments that Arsenal were unlucky not to play better in the finat thinr of the field are not ok becouse it was all about good positioning of back four by Milan. Nesta, Kaladze, Maldini, Oddo played great and with patience, and that is notthe case in this match only . You will see teams press milan a lot in CL and things will always turn on this way - few missed and it ends 1:1 or 0:0. Its a common thing in CL matches played by Milan.
Its not the samne to try to pass the ball between Blackburn CB's and St. Paolo :respect: He played brilliantly , with 39 years on his shoulders!! I was so proud to have such a player in my team. Forza Paolo Maldini, THE DEFENDER!
It will be extremly difficult at the San Siro. But you should be real and not expect same Milan as yesterday. San Siro is a place where the magic turns on. Its not just last year against United, it lasts for decades.
i expect Pippo to be in the first 11, as Tony29 said, and also our cosing to go our day after, so the party can start - again :)
-------------------------------------------------------
P.S:
I ahve a friend who is a big Juventino and we watch games together. His comments were the same as those Juventini on italian forums :)
while i have confidence milan will play better at home and go through, i find some of our confidence misplaced. Arsenal owned us last night. our passing was horrible! they pressured the ball and forced bad passes and long kicks all night. we turned the ball over countless times, and never really threatend lehman. i think if the tide was turned we would be saying how arsenal got lucky.
luckily, we have a stoudt defence, and are tacktily strong and were able to get the draw. arsenal played with a lot of emotion and momentum, and we weathered the storm...also, we have a few "dr. jeckle/mr. hyde's" on our team that will hopefully show up ready play the next leg....seedorf and pirlo, who i thought were completely uneffective last night.
"luckily, we have a stoudt defence, and are tacktily strong and were able to get the draw"
its not luck, Milan bases its whole history on that. We are not Barcelona circus or Madrid lunapark.
We only need better Seedprf and Pippo upfront are are fine. but Arsenal are the team that playes with best momentum right now, the draw was actually horrible for us.
i guess what i am saying is "luckily milan has based its history in a stoudt and tackful defence" or we could of been easily slaughtered.
obviously the away draw is not the best outcome in the 2-legger...however, i was extremely relieved when the final whistle blew and the scoreboard read - 0-0.
i would also point out that the arsenal boys were not intimidated by the experience of milan, they attacked the ball vigourously, and played with high intensity, rarely did a milan player posess the ball without pressure. this should change somewhat at SS and carlo should be able to counter by march....
i dont think it would of mattered who was upfront last night...pato, gila, pippo, r99... the link between midfield and the final 3rd was almost non-existant. actually i think pato did quite well with the balls he played
Warro Bantan
21-02-2008, 10:30
My few cents:
I thought that the Arsenal midfield, had a better game by far than ours did...a lot of people tend to think that Kaka = Milan, but when Pirlo has a bad day, Milan have a bad day, and I think this was the real difference in yesterdays game.
Seedorf was also below his best, was waaay to non-chalant, and lost too many balls...through sheer overconfidence, and lack of speed (and concentration maybe?).
Carlo must have instructed them (ie Pirlo, the defense, etc) just to hoof the ball downfield to Pato, in the hope that the Arsenal defense would make a mistake, and allow the youngster to capitalise...but the clearances were too hasty for any level of accuracy, and kudos to Arsenal for not giving any of our players any time on the ball...
Wenger, and Arsenal for me, in not allowing us to threaten overmuch, "won" this tie, and will come to the San Siro full of confidence, loooking to score, in the same way they played in the first half of this past game, long searching balls for Adebayor to claim...to then relay to an advancing midfield...the only weakness in that strategy is the Africanīs poor passing..he could have set up Fabregas(? or Eduardo?) but misplaced his pass terribly, with the supposed recipient of his pass in acres of space in the 18yd box.
This season we have tended to score in bunches, or score one or two, and I am sure Arsenal and Arsene are aware that for every one goal they score, we have to score two...so, they will look to adopt the same tactics they used at the Emirates, (I think), but moreso hitting us on the counter...if our midfield is able to establish some possession, in light of their swarming defense.
Again, spirits not exactly "soaring" for this game, but I think we stand a good chance, especially after not conceding in London.
My prediction of "goals to be scored" in the first leg, was off by the width of the crossbar, and I doubt we will be as lucky at home, if we are not able to establish our patient passing game, and get an early goal.
Wont go into individual player comments, except to say that both Nesta and Maldini had excellent games, Kalazde wasnt too bad, and Max and Ambro, while not shining offensively, shackled Fabregas and co for much of the game...forcing a "stalemate of sorts"...
So, basically...not feeling overly confident re the return leg, and hoping that the intense atmosphere that I am sure the tifosi will create, will go aways to putting the young gunners off their game.
DeluxeNBG
21-02-2008, 10:35
hello together, i am new here and i am also not a so long milan fan
but i am sure that now i have found my team!
as a german guy i haven't had such a strong felling of supporting a team since i realised what a phantastic club milan is!
but i have a question: i want to become a real member of ac milan. i checked out the official ac milan website but i could not find something like a registration link. the english big teams like arsenal or manchester provide this.
maybe you can help me
greetings
tobias
outlaw_member
21-02-2008, 10:37
Hi I am an Arsenal fan, just popping in to see the reactions from you Milanistas. I am a poster on the Arsenal forum, www.arsenal-mania.com. It would be pleasure to have some of you posting your thoughts on the game on our forum.
My first and most important question is, how is the quality of the Milan pitch? As you saw yesterday that we move the ball around at a high tempo and the quality of the pitch is a vital factor to enable us to do this.
I have heard from many fan's of football, that Arsenal are in a weaker position after 1st leg, but I don't see why. The fact that we can go through without actually winning surely means we are in a very strong position. I have read through the pages in this thread, and most people are confident that you will win at the San Siro due to the home support. I don't think it is as straightforward as that. I am sure that most of your poor performances in the league came at the San Siro. I am fully aware that league games have absoluteley no relevence on CL games but I thought I should still point that out.
What do you guys think is formation for the home leg? If it is 4-5-1, I honestly cannot see you trouble us too much. I say this because Pato alone upfront will not be able to do anything, however good he is. 4-4-2 may cause us more problems but than it will suit us more as you will leave us more space to attack. Also people seem to forget that Arsenal have kept the most cleansheets consequtively in CL history, obviously that is absolutely nothing compared to what your great club has achiveved. However my point is that for some reason our defence is a machine when it comes up against big name players. Players like Kaka and Pato have great pace and skill but Arsenal have the FASTEST backline in the world. Our defenders are so fast bar Senderos so the likelihood of Kaka or Pato beating players is very unlikely and even if they do there pace will help them catch up. Personally Gilardino will cause us more problems, he may not be playing that good but he has different qualities which the Arsenal defence can struggle against. The key to the next leg is if your defence can keep us out again, as we were extremely unlucky yesterday. My only worry is that Arsenal could dominate 160 minutes of the tie only to lose to a Milan goal in the last 20 mins. If we can dominate the game and stop you from controlling the tempo like yesterday, Arsenal have a great chance to go through.
Also remember we are not Man Utd, they are a team who play great in flashes, with lot's of wing play. Arsenal are different, we look to control the game as well as keeping it a high tempo. I personally don't think you saw the proper Arsenal yesterday, we put in too many crosses and high balls which we don't do usually. I think the players were slightly overawed and if we can keep the ball slightly longer than I am fully confident that we can eventually wear you down. Don't forget we have an exceptional record against Italians.
Last but not least I am going to buy the black Milan shirt with Weah 14 at the back. Not only is it a great kit, it's the kit of a great team.
Also, its nice to see Kaka' and Calro and Galliani saying we didnt play as we wanted and that we need to be sharper.
Now everything is fair: if we want to go through, we have to win. We need a better Seedorf and Ricky, as Im sure our defence and Rino+Max will be good as usual.
Pielo had an "off" day becouse he was pressed extremly, due to poor display by Seedorf who pas outRUNNED by Flamini and Fabregas ( and Eboue, Sagna, Clichy ).
Pato did well, his speed is really extreme!
I personally don't think you saw the proper Arsenal yesterday, we put in too many crosses and high balls which we don't do usually. I think the players were slightly overawed and if we can keep the ball slightly longer than I am fully confident that we can eventually wear you down. Don't forget we have an exceptional record against Italians.
.
It was due to Rino and Max playing in the middle for Milan, plus Pirlo. Milan will again play 4-5-1 with Inzaghi up front, you can put your house on that formation, it will be like that. And Milan will not attack, we will play same game as we did at Emirates but only win higher tempo then we did yesterday.
I cant wait, it will be a great match. 1:0 is my preidction, Superpippo can solve it :)
What a intelligent and respectful fan :) it;s always a pleaseure to have opponents like you visit us here...making the beautiful game more beautiful
Warro Bantan
21-02-2008, 11:03
Welcome outlaw member...nice post, glad to have you join us.
One thing I forgot to mention in my "few cents" was the fact that our players, especially Pirlo were more fatigued than their Arsenal counterparts, as we have had a lot of "making up matches" to deal with, due to our exploits in Japan.
Hopefully we will (as Galliani pointed out) regain some fitness in the weeks to come, so the tired legs will be fresh, and ready to run rampant over the gunners.
FORZA MIIIIIIIIIIIILAN!!
Milan siempre!!
I did watch the match and I can say it's a very balanced one. Arsenal had slightly more posession but apart from Adebayor's hitting the woodwork, they didn't really cause much danger.
Football is similar to boxing, 50% of it is the art of defense, and the other half is the art of attacking. Last night our defenders played brilliantly. I agree that we barely create any clear chances, Kaka only managed to have 1 shot and it went wide. Both Pirlo and Seedorf weren't convincing.
We still have 2 weeks to deal with the problem, but I believe at SS, just like last year, we're going to show them how to kill-off the match with goals.
Let me just add that Arsenal has been surprisingly weak in finsihing. I think all of the shots are at Kalac, with just power but not angle whatsoever.
Adeayor's hitting the woodwork is the only REAL chance of the game.
With this in mind i wonder why so many people are so overly confident that we will progress? Most of the people in here (Arsenal fans aside obviously) think we'll win, yet most reports say Arsenal had all the chances and ran the show in the 2nd half. I don't get how people come to this conclusion :confused:
I wonder too; I think Arnseal is very strong, and it's still 50-50.
I think one of the reasons why people (including me) are over confident is the fact that:
1) When did Milan play well these days away?
2) It's Arsenal, and they didn't score (albeit hit the woodwork). The rest of the game they are just playing at high tempo trying to so-called run Milan over but at the end, they didn't do as well.
3) I wtched the game last night (replay); and I have never see Kaka coming back to Midfield to help defending. Our AMC (Rui, Kaka etc.) usually do not come back defending (e.g., against Deportivo (WOW!) and PSV (WOWOWOW!) and you knew what happened. I think MIlan is really playing not for a win yesterday, and thus not the true quality.
And finally
4) Four years ago if Milan played like this people are going to complain like crazy; but this time round a lot of use have seen Milan playing together for a long time and we knew how big the difference can be.
Of course, as i said, Arsenal is stlil more than capable of beating Milan, as in any of the other 14 teams in CL.
My first and most important question is, how is the quality of the Milan pitch? As you saw yesterday that we move the ball around at a high tempo and the quality of the pitch is a vital factor to enable us to do this.
I have heard from many fan's of football, that Arsenal are in a weaker position after 1st leg, but I don't see why. The fact that we can go through without actually winning surely means we are in a very strong position. I have read through the pages in this thread, and most people are confident that you will win at the San Siro due to the home support. I don't think it is as straightforward as that. I am sure that most of your poor performances in the league came at the San Siro. I am fully aware that league games have absoluteley no relevence on CL games but I thought I should still point that out.
What do you guys think is formation for the home leg? If it is 4-5-1, I honestly cannot see you trouble us too much. I say this because Pato alone upfront will not be able to do anything, however good he is. 4-4-2 may cause us more problems but than it will suit us more as you will leave us more space to attack. Also people seem to forget that Arsenal have kept the most cleansheets consequtively in CL history, obviously that is absolutely nothing compared to what your great club has achiveved. However my point is that for some reason our defence is a machine when it comes up against big name players. Players like Kaka and Pato have great pace and skill but Arsenal have the FASTEST backline in the world. Our defenders are so fast bar Senderos so the likelihood of Kaka or Pato beating players is very unlikely and even if they do there pace will help them catch up. Personally Gilardino will cause us more problems, he may not be playing that good but he has different qualities which the Arsenal defence can struggle against. The key to the next leg is if your defence can keep us out again, as we were extremely unlucky yesterday. My only worry is that Arsenal could dominate 160 minutes of the tie only to lose to a Milan goal in the last 20 mins. If we can dominate the game and stop you from controlling the tempo like yesterday, Arsenal have a great chance to go through.
Also remember we are not Man Utd, they are a team who play great in flashes, with lot's of wing play. Arsenal are different, we look to control the game as well as keeping it a high tempo. I personally don't think you saw the proper Arsenal yesterday, we put in too many crosses and high balls which we don't do usually. I think the players were slightly overawed and if we can keep the ball slightly longer than I am fully confident that we can eventually wear you down. Don't forget we have an exceptional record against Italians.
Last but not least I am going to buy the black Milan shirt with Weah 14 at the back. Not only is it a great kit, it's the kit of a great team.
Good to see you here. Welcome to MM!
Quality of San Siro is often awful lol (like potato field that's what they say). But that affects Milan just as much as Arsenal, so I don't think you can blame the field (unless it's horrendous like teams in lower division).
It's not just winning due to home support: But we have seen again and again a different MIlan at home. Now, I'm not saying that Milan IS going to win at home... Arsenal definitely has the chance to do it; we are just saying that Arsenal will see a different milan, at San Siro, 2 weeks later; and that may make a huge difference.
You are right that most of the poor league performance come before the break, but playing against SErie A teams is different from playing in CL then (you'll have to understand Italian way of playing against Milan in order to fully appreciate it). Also, Milan is already quit renowned for playing far less emphasis on Serie A (no idea why) and players are usually not as motivated as playing in Champion League.
The two years that we have won CLs (2003; 2007): Milan came in both 4th.
And we are going to come in 4th again this year -.-!
It's not 4-5-1; it's 4-3-2 (Seedorf and Kaka) - 1 and it's different. also known as the christmas tree formation.
4-3-2-1 has beaten Real Madrid, Liverpool (twice almost lol), Man U (3 times out of 4), and many others...
4-3-1-2 is used less frequently, usually against weaker team such as Deportivo (at home) and PSV. Or when both strikers are extremely fit.
Not sure if Ancelotti will play christmas tree or 4-3-1-2; given that we are lacking players in terms of attack (only Pato, Gila, and Inzaghi available) and that we have been playing one game per 3 days, I think Milan will opt for 4-3-2-1 in the first half.
4-4-2 is never Milan's strongest performance. In fact, quite awful.
Contrary to believe, Milan doesn't just rely on pace, though it is important. Milan tends to use ball possession and high-technique passing to tease the defense apart. And, of course, take adv. of lack of concentration of the opponent team.
Gilardino is never a real force in Champion League, though I will say that you'll see Pato - Gilardino if Milan lost 1-0 in the first half at SS.
Unlucky is almost always the word that the other team used when they didn't score against Milan (if not beacuse of the woodwork (that's the striker's fault), if not the last-ditch tackle (but that's what Milan does even at Serie A), if not because of that too much strength on the pass...)
Agree that Arsenal can dominate the game like they did yesterday, Arsenal has a high chance of going through. But do you ReALLY think that Arsenal can dominate the whole 180 minutes against a team that has won the Champion league 6 times in history (twice in the last 5 years and still playing about much the same team?)
The fact that Arsenal is putting high crosses (which they don't usually do according to you) is a sign that they fail to open up Milan in their usual way. The same goes for Milan: I Don't see MIlan playing long ball to pato (who is short and definitely not as good as Gilardino in heading the ball I guess) but they did just that yesterday, which were all in all awful.
And we have an exceptional record against English team at San siro ;).
Congrats on buying a Milan shirt! :)- J
Welcome to San Siro :5schal:
cescvanpersie
21-02-2008, 12:02
I'm not saying we will win at the San Siro.
If we score first we have a great chance of winning..but i feel pressure is on Milan seeing as they have to attack us, thus giving us space to exploit.
all we need to do is score a goal or fight for a draw...i'm glad it was a 0-0 draw for us.
Milan beating Man utd at the San Siro was a good result last year...But i'm very optimistic over our form and the ability for us to get a victory.
It's all well and good for Milan totry and get a draw at the emirates but a 0-0 draw is the worse kind at this stage...seeing as if we SCore which i know we can..we have the immediate advantage.
And Alot of serie A teams have scored against Milan at the San siro this season so i don't see what would stop us if we play to our potential.
I'm not saying we will win at the San Siro.
If we score first we have a great chance of winning..but i feel pressure is on Milan seeing as they have to attack us, thus giving us space to exploit.
all we need to do is score a goal or fight for a draw...i'm glad it was a 0-0 draw for us.
Milan beating Man utd at the San Siro was a good result last year...But i'm very optimistic over our form and the ability for us to get a victory.
It's all well and good for Milan totry and get a draw at the emirates but a 0-0 draw is the worse kind at this stage...seeing as if we SCore which i know we can..we have the immediate advantage.
And Alot of serie A teams have scored against Milan at the San siro this season so i don't see what would stop us if we play to our potential.
You mean, it's actually better to lose 2-0 than drawing 0-0? (Wait, that sounds like Inter...)
Well, Arsenal scores against a lot of teams in Emirates, but they didn't manage to (albeit almost) yesterday. So waht makes you think Arsenal would be able to score at San Siro?
The same argument can go on and on withuot much substance in it; so maybe we should just stop. Good luck to your team before we meet in 14days again.
Actually, I"m a bit worried now given that Milan is actually going to play a game every three days until the next game against Arsenal.
Not good... I suppose we won't get to the fourth position until March or April... *sigh*...
cescvanpersie
21-02-2008, 12:24
I know alot of Milan fans hold their home record to a light, and are proud of it,but all i'm saying is anything can happen.
I just want Arsenal to go all out for the win, we were extremely unlucky at the Emirates.
If we go with a winning mentality we have a great chance.
Lets just hope Milan are nice and fatigued for the game. :D
C'mon Arsenal!
Well Toure is deffo out, but did anyone see Senderos yesterday? Man was on fire and he is suppose to be our weak link.
The thing with Milan is exactly the same with Arsenal, you just don't know which team turns up on the day. I don't know why but I feel the Milan this year is slightly different to the Milan of last year, I think they would have probably felt more comfortable with playing United again than Arsenal.
Hearing Pirlo's & Maldini's words today show what an excellent club Milan is, very professional and humble, they set an example to the savage club from the same city. Talking of Inter let's have a moment of peace for the inner troubles within the club, lol apparently Ibra and Matrix have fallen out with each other and aren't speaking.
The error that a lot of teams do is to think that Milan will play bad because they lost some matches and a lot of points in Serie A against teams which would have to be afraid to play against us (it is sad to say we lost against these teams lol).
Arsenal may beat us (even if I don't think they will), they can surely do a draw with 1-1 or 2-2 and be qualified. But they can also loose 4-1 or 3-0 or ...
Actually, why do we speak about the next match ?
Everything can happen, both teams can also have injuried players before the next match (if Fabregas or if Pirlo are injuried, it wouldn't be the same match), both teams will be able to win and qualify for the next round ...
Only one thing to say: the winner will be favorite of the CL with Barcelona !!
I don't see any other team able to win against that kind of Arsenal or Milan for moment ...
PS: And with a lot of luck lol (ironic), the next round will face Milan/Arsenal to Barcelona ... :mute:
Giovanni
21-02-2008, 12:49
I read all your posts and many (even Milan fans) wonder why some of us are confident for the return leg (which not means we're sure to go through):
- Seedorf, Pato and Kakā had just recovered in the last days for this game. They were off the match. I can see them getting in better conditions for the next leg.
- San Siro will be amazing. Be sure. There's the same will to support the team as there was before the game versus United. It will be intimidating, especially for young players. Still possible Arsenal can cope with that, because they have players with personality.
- Carlo will study a few tactical surprises. He always do better in second legs, and second halves, after he's tactically studied the opposite teams.
- Carlo will test more their defence, probably playing with two strikers. As i wrote in the last days, Carlo's plan was conservative at Emirates, knowing they play 25% better due to home support and enthusiasm. I can't see them putting the same performance as yesterday. Nobody can outplay us on our home ground in CL. I have no memory of that in 15 years of European football. If they will achieve that, they will deservedly go through.
- Italians and italian teams play better when on pressure. It's written in history of football, and it's our dna. I think they will be focused like robots, now. And in such conditions nobody has ever stopped us.
Hi I am an Arsenal fan, just popping in to see the reactions from you Milanistas. I am a poster on the Arsenal forum, www.arsenal-mania.com.
Sorry, after reading the biased game report I could not force myself further into the web-site. I realize that this is a way of a fan support, but it just insults my intelligence :)
Nobody can outplay us on our home ground in CL. I have no memory of that in 15 years of European football. If they will achieve that, they will deservedly go through.
How about Barcelona against us like two years ago? Well, the ydidn't outplay us, but somehow they scored and went on to win the CL :(.
For the support, it was amazing how Arsenal fans were supporting their team, I hope it will be the same in Milan by Milan fans !!
Just one question: why is there few people going to support Milan at San Siro in Serie A ?
Giovanni
21-02-2008, 12:56
How about Barcelona against us like two years ago? Well, the ydidn't outplay us, but somehow they scored and went on to win the CL :(.
There's no absolute certainty. I give you a few thoughts on the positives.
They were at their absolute peak. We wasted something like 6-7 sitters. Rijkaard put a masterful tactical gameplan, being him a pupil of Sacchi. And Arsenal don't have a player like Ronaldinho of the seasons 2006, who found an unbelievable assist out of nowhere.
There's no absolute certainty. I give you a few thoughts on the positives.
They were at their absolute peak. We wasted something like 6-7 sitters. Rijkaard put a masterful tactical gameplan, being him a pupil of Sacchi. And Arsenal don't have a player like Ronaldinho of the seasons 2006.
True, and I still believe that shevchenko didn't foul Puyol, who slipped.
There's no absolute certainty. I give you a few thoughts on the positives.
They were at their absolute peak. We wasted something like 6-7 sitters. Rijkaard put a masterful tactical gameplan, being him a pupil of Sacchi. And Arsenal don't have a player like Ronaldinho of the seasons 2006, who found an unbelievable assist out of nowhere.
That assist was truly out of this world, but to me that goal should have been saved by Dida.
Milan created a lot of chances that game and were unlucky to walk away with a loss, I don't think Barca outplayed Milan at the SS.
How about Barcelona against us like two years ago? Well, the ydidn't outplay us, but somehow they scored and went on to win the CL :(.
After a perfectly legal Sheva goal....even if Eto'o hacked down Maldini to get to the ball the goal would have stood think about that :wth:
For the support, it was amazing how Arsenal fans were supporting their team, I hope it will be the same in Milan by Milan fans !!
Just one question: why is there few people going to support Milan at San Siro in Serie A ?
What??? Atmosphere at Emirates yesterday was really nothing...it was sad actually to see such a big match like that.
At San Siro its another, completely different world comparing to sterile Emirates. San Siro is temple of football, cannot be compared to Arsenal home ground of yesterday.
P.s.
Jeff, we won it 7 times, not 6 :)
cescvanpersie
21-02-2008, 14:54
I read all your posts and many (even Milan fans) wonder why some of us are confident for the return leg (which not means we're sure to go through):
- Seedorf, Pato and Kakā had just recovered in the last days for this game. They were off the match. I can see them getting in better conditions for the next leg.
- San Siro will be amazing. Be sure. There's the same will to support the team as there was before the game versus United. It will be intimidating, especially for young players. Still possible Arsenal can cope with that, because they have players with personality.
- Carlo will study a few tactical surprises. He always do better in second legs, and second halves, after he's tactically studied the opposite teams.
- Carlo will test more their defence, probably playing with two strikers. As i wrote in the last days, Carlo's plan was conservative at Emirates, knowing they play 25% better due to home support and enthusiasm. I can't see them putting the same performance as yesterday. Nobody can outplay us on our home ground in CL. I have no memory of that in 15 years of European football. If they will achieve that, they will deservedly go through.
- Italians and italian teams play better when on pressure. It's written in history of football, and it's our dna. I think they will be focused like robots, now. And in such conditions nobody has ever stopped us.
I'm sorry but Pato wasn't all that when he played, and now that he took a knock i don't see any changes.
You say Ancelotti studies other teams tactics? So you think the other manager is sitting there drinking tea? Don't think so.
If Nesta isn't match fit i can see Arsenal getting more joy at your end.
I know the Atmosphere will be electric...but i'm sure the Arsenal players will be up for it, just like your players.
Doesn't mean a 1-1, 2-2 won't happen.
And I see alot of milan fans banging on about the 3-0 against Man utd, sorry Man utd isn't Arsenal, i would also like to say that Man utd just had their defence back from injur, Rio ferdinand was out, so was Evra.
And didn't barcelona win at the San siro in April 2006 in the CL semi final??
An Arsenal victory is very possible.
But i'd be happy with any score draw :blind:
Giovanni
21-02-2008, 15:44
I'm sorry but Pato wasn't all that when he played, and now that he took a knock i don't see any changes.
You say Ancelotti studies other teams tactics? So you think the other manager is sitting there drinking tea? Don't think so.
If Nesta isn't match fit i can see Arsenal getting more joy at your end.
I know the Atmosphere will be electric...but i'm sure the Arsenal players will be up for it, just like your players.
Doesn't mean a 1-1, 2-2 won't happen.
And I see alot of milan fans banging on about the 3-0 against Man utd, sorry Man utd isn't Arsenal, i would also like to say that Man utd just had their defence back from injur, Rio ferdinand was out, so was Evra.
And didn't barcelona win at the San siro in April 2006 in the CL semi final??
An Arsenal victory is very possible.
But i'd be happy with any score draw :blind:
1. Pato didn't get a knock. He went out for cramps. He was out in the last 20 days, he can do much better. Anyway we still have Gilardino and a man called Inzaghi...
2. My point about Carlo's tactics was that he will surely study different solutions to get a result in the second leg. Milan will unleash something new in the second leg, while a few Arsenal fans suggested that we may be watching the replica of the first leg.
3. Nesta will be fit for Palermo's game this weekend. Maybe the next at worst, as far as i know.
4. If the Arsenal players will be up to it, it has yet to be seen.
5. People is taking the United game as a standard for the intimidating atmosphere, not for the game in itself.
6. Barcelona won by chance in San Siro, playing a tactically wise match and Milan oddly wasting their chances. The goal was set up by Ronaldinho at the heights of his career. You don't have a player with his skills, don't you?
Warro Bantan
21-02-2008, 15:56
One HUGE question Jeff...why are we still playing matches every 3 days? Or whatever u posted...ie mid week matches, plus weekend matches?
I thought that we were done with that, now that we have no more "games in hand"?????????????????????????????? :dontkn:
You are right, Warro, and I may be wrong. Here is the schedule:
Palermo - Milan
02/24/2008
3 day of rest:
Milan - Catania
02/27/2008
6 days of rest:
Lazio - Milan
03/02/2008
3 days of rest:
Milan - Arsenal
03/05/2008
But that's just one big chuck of rest in between Lazio and catania; also I suppose Milan will 'save' their energies against Lazio. I'm not optimistic of that much lol.
Hopefully no one will get injured.
Giovanni
21-02-2008, 16:35
Milan play Palermo at home this sunday night, 8.30 PM Italian hour.
Warro Bantan
21-02-2008, 16:36
Thanks Jeff...I think with the amount of matches decreasing vs previous to this first leg, we should be in much better physical condition to face these "young guns"
:D
One thing I dont want to hear if we beet Arsenal is: " we lacked experience".
Ther are always double standards by the rest of the uerope towards italian football. Im not italian so I can be objective in here.
Look at the goal Raul scored against Roma now. If Pippo scored that goal england press, or French or whatever would say: " oh, such luck by Milan again. the masters of luck." But now it the great Raul that reacted well... that was just an example, minor detail. For real, show some respect towards worlds most titled club at international level, for a country with european club champions, world cup champions, for a league that has most CL and euroean cups overall, 3 out of last 4 golden ball winners, best CL scorer of all times, paolo maldini, and so on...
"luck", crossbar, "almost a goal" means NOTHING! You get what you deserve. If you kick the ball wrongly it ends in a cross bar, its your fault and not Milans.
So, Milan is poor, slow, old and what alse. But when we win, and we almost always do ( lucky aguess, of course... 8 finals in 20 years, sooo lucky...), then its "united had no experience", "inzaghi scored with his shoulder", " there were penalties"...
milan is AC MILAN, European champions, world champions, most titled club in the world, had golden ball winner and record breaker Inzaghi. And some people still have the nerves to say the game will be played at the same way as at the Meirates...wow. Really...wow...
If Arsenal wins, Milan players and us fans will respect them as we did against L'pool when we lost the impossible, against Deportivo when we lost something even more impossible, and even against Barcelona when we were ROBBED by german monkey called "refferee" ( Sheva vs Puyol-the cheater ).
But untill oyu come to San Siro and win, respect the club that is the most succesfull club in past 20 years. Milan are favorites, we should act like that! im sure Gattuso and Paolo will.
That's a nice post, mrki. I think you can be a bit modest about our history :).
That's a nice post, mrki. I think you can be a bit modest about our history :).
no reason for that, those are the facts :rone:
If someone doesnt like it, well... :nana:
Giovanni
21-02-2008, 16:54
Thanks Jeff...I think with the amount of matches decreasing vs previous to this first leg, we should be in much better physical condition to face these "young guns"
:D
Players like Seedorf, Pato, Kakā, who have been out 2-3 weeks need to play to get in shape, so even playing an extra game won't affect. On the contrary, they will have more chances to find the best form.
Nice post Mrki, although i didn't understand who were your targets..The arsenal fans on here have posted in moderate way, while the comments from the Juventini were jokes made for a banter.
Thanks Jeff...I think with the amount of matches decreasing vs previous to this first leg, we should be in much better physical condition to face these "young guns"
:D
lol, the young guns consists of the reserve team not the first team.
Mrki I don't think Arsenal would use the 'inexperienced' excuse because end of the day when you look at it the team that reached the final in 2006 it had many players from the current team. These guys aint kids, even when you look at Fabregas whose only 20 he has over 100 appearences to his name, would you say he's inexperienced?
I'd rather get knocked out by the Champions of Europe than some mickey mouse team.
Giovanni
21-02-2008, 18:24
I forgot to point out a 0-0 draw away means that if it were to go into extra time in the second leg, we would have our own fans behind us, and would have the advantage of playing at home an extra half an hour than our opponents.
I will bring a sedative at San Siro though, just in case.
cescvanpersie
21-02-2008, 18:31
Yeah same here Ghost.
No shame in getting knocked out by AC.
At the end of the day we have to take the game in our stride.
If Arsenal go looking for a draw we will lose, we have to play to win...
The atmosphere will be electric...no better than the Bernabeau in my opinion, and i had the luck of going to that game and it was buzzing.
Hopefully Milan slip up, we need to be more clinical we wasted all our chances and i said before the game we have to be CLINICAL.
Oh and Giovanni, i think we have a player who can change a game in one pass, FABREGAS, if VAN PERSIE is nice and fit that is another player.
We have atleast 3 players who can change any game at anytime in Fabregas, Hleb, and Robin van persie.
Milan have top players in Kaka, Pirlo and Seedorf.
Pato for me is no where near the standard...he is a good prospect but overhyped much like Rooney.
For now i'll go look in my crystal ball :D
I forgot to point out a 0-0 draw away means that if it were to go into extra time in the second leg, we would have our own fans behind us, and would have the advantage of playing at home an extra half an hour than our opponents.
I will bring a sedative at San Siro though, just in case.
0-0 only happens with Celtic lol.
Isn't the match against Lazio at home ?
mrki, I'm sorry, but Arsenal fans were ok ... they didn't shut up, they just supported their team during the entire match !! And only for that, that's very good. They also whistled not too much, which is a sign of respect for the opponent (not sure they would do the same against MU or Chelsea lol).
And for the San Siro ambiancy, I would like to see an intimidating ambiancy for each match of CL and some matches of Serie A at least, because actually, we see an important support in Milan only for the dangerous Milan matches against great teams. Did you see any good support for the first three San Siro matches in the round robin ?? Personnally no, nothing compared to Celtic support or Barcelona support ...
Pato for me is no where near the standard...he is a good prospect but overhyped much like Rooney.
Oops.... lol cescvanpersie: If there is one thing you are annoying the hell out of people here, it is it this: you are posting things about Milan as if you know everything and every player.
I don't think anyone of us have said, "Febragas is useless" or "So-and-so Arsenal player is crap" unless we actually have seen the players play for a long time (or at least that's how I do it ;)), so I seldom act like I know everything.
That's why in previous post I say that I'm amazed that you follow MIlan's games and seem to know every player inside out. And just again and again unfortunately showing that you really don't know much about Milan players. Things you have said about Pato and Pirlo simply show that you haven't really seen enough of Milan.
I am just waiting for you to say that Oddo puts in good crosses lol :).
Well, at least we agree that Maldini is the man of the world (or may be not; you'll say that he is old...)
Please, stop this I-know-all attitude; it's getting quite annoying. - J
Isn't the match against Lazio at home ?
mrki, I'm sorry, but Arsenal fans were ok ... they didn't shut up, they just supported their team during the entire match !! And only for that, that's very good. They also whistled not too much, which is a sign of respect for the opponent (not sure they would do the same against MU or Chelsea lol).
And for the San Siro ambiancy, I would like to see an intimidating ambiancy for each match of CL and some matches of Serie A at least, because actually, we see an important support in Milan only for the dangerous Milan matches against great teams. Did you see any good support for the first three San Siro matches in the round robin ?? Personnally no, nothing compared to Celtic support or Barcelona support ...
Yes, playing home.
Arsenal fans seem to be great, while some fans actually worry that the potato pitch at SS will ruin Arsenal's ground ball game (as if Milan only play long ball lol).
Fans don't even go to stadium except big matches these days. I guess we lots of fans are spoilt to just watch great matches in the world involving Milan.
Milan vs. Livorno? who cares...
remote2book
21-02-2008, 19:08
yea pato played after a long injury...(no one outside of italy has seen him play yet) it was his debut in the CL but when he is 100% again along with kaka and seedorf you will see a player better than rooney
Actually, nobody can say anything about Pato, even Milan fans that we are ... he didn't play enough to allow anybody to say "he's da man" or "put him in the next plane for Brazil".
The 3-4 appearances he did just showed he could become the next big thing in Milan, all is hypothesis ...
rainman0407
21-02-2008, 19:17
Pato had unbelievable touches, he ran around the arsenal defense when he had good passes. I expect kaka and pato(back for the 2nd leg) at san siro to put on a tremendous performance in the 2nd leg....FORZA MILAN!!!!
Yes, playing home.
Arsenal fans seem to be great, while some fans actually worry that the potato pitch at SS will ruin Arsenal's ground ball game (as if Milan only play long ball lol).
Fans don't even go to stadium except big matches these days. I guess we lots of fans are spoilt to just watch great matches in the world involving Milan.
Milan vs. Livorno? who cares...
Real supporters would have to care (in a perfect Milan world lol) !!
(i don't say you or other are not good supporters, i don't know any of you yet lol)
Personnally, I take care of Milan-Livorno for example, it's less exciting for sure, but it is as important because when we loose these matches against this kind of team with nobody in the stadium, it's also our next CL we already waste ...
Giovanni
21-02-2008, 19:18
I dare to say that Pato will become better than Kakā, one day. His talent is pure. He just need to rule it.
Did you see when he recovered something like 10 meters to Gallas?
I dare to say that Pato will become better than Kakā, one day. His talent is pure. He just need to rule it.
Did you see when he recovered something like 10 meters to Gallas?
Pato goes fast, it's true, and Gallas is a kind of "tracteur" (seems like it is translated by "tractor", french expression to say he doesn't run very fast).
Would enjoy to see him scoring in CL, but he needs to score many goals in Serie A too to become our 1st goalscorer.
And i hope not to see a 4-3-1-2 formation at the return leg, i don't like the way Milan plays when there is 2 attackers.
remote2book
21-02-2008, 19:24
yea he deffinetly had more pace than the arsenal defenders
Of course we all care; all I am saying is that Milan is a lot more hype about serie A now, and it looks like such mindset is slowly trickling down even to the (not-so-hard-core) fans.
Pato goes fast, it's true, and Gallas is a kind of "tracteur" (seems like it is translated by "tractor", french expression to say he doesn't run very fast).
Would enjoy to see him scoring in CL, but he needs to score many goals in Serie A too to become our 1st goalscorer.
And i hope not to see a 4-3-1-2 formation at the return leg, i don't like the way Milan plays when there is 2 attackers.
In CL, yes. In Serie A, starting with 2 strikers almost always produce better results.
The problem sounds to me like players are gradually not motivated by Serie A (what is better than winning both CL and Serie A ? Remember 2005, it was an amazing season, we unfortunately lost all at the end, but we could have won everything too), supporters gradually seem not concerned by this competition, and so players are less concerned too, so less motivated, so the supporters ... do you understand my reasonment ? I'm probably wrong (I hope) but it is how I feel this situation.
This is what you mean, GeoTav?
1) Let's go for Serie A!
2) injuries, bad luck, stupid GK, Gila not scoring, Inter winning like crazy, referee bla... ok start to lose more games.
3) Winning in Champion League! More attendence! 3-0! 4-1! Gila scored! GK amazing! Referee doing a good job!
4) Serie A against Parma: 4-3-2-1 and draw again.
5) Galliani: CL is always our objective.
6) Seedorf: um... okay.
Does this make your point GeoTav? :)
cescvanpersie
22-02-2008, 02:43
lol Jeff,
I never said Pato wasn't good...I've seen him play for AC milan, he has scored i think 4 goals...correct me if i'm wrong..with 2 of them being against genoa?? Also correct me if i'm wrong.
One of his very first goals was a tap in...and i seem to remember him missing a fair few sitters in one of his matches.
I'm not saying he isn't...he just isn't up to the standard that people are setting him for, that's my own opinion anyway.
And yes Maldini is top class...best display from a defender against Arsenal i've seen in a while.
Giovanni
22-02-2008, 04:00
lol Jeff,
I never said Pato wasn't good...I've seen him play for AC milan, he has scored i think 4 goals...correct me if i'm wrong..with 2 of them being against genoa?? Also correct me if i'm wrong.
One of his very first goals was a tap in...and i seem to remember him missing a fair few sitters in one of his matches.
I'm not saying he isn't...he just isn't up to the standard that people are setting him for, that's my own opinion anyway.
And yes Maldini is top class...best display from a defender against Arsenal i've seen in a while.
I rate Pato because he has skills that no other 18 y o have. You have to watch his technical baggage, which is already complete, and compare it to other 18 y o players in the world.
He is fast, has a fantastic technique, has got heading abilities, shoots with both feet, has a terrific shot (Toure got injured on his strike), moves all over the attack front, has terrific control of the ball. He will become a lethal finisher. Yes, even though he has missed a few goals.
In few words, he has all the qualities to become a n.1 in the world. I'm convinced about that, because when you rate a player you don't have to rate his few performances, but the overall qualities, especially if he's so young.
Maybe now he is a bit naive and doesn't know the european game so well. He has immense potential, but has to work on it. He has to get better in every department. But what this guy lacks, at the end of the day, is just experience. When he will understand how to fool the European defenders he will be unstoppable.
You say that he missed a few goals and some of them were tap ins. Well, considering his impact in Serie A the likes of Platini and Van Basten couldn't do the same, or at least didn't have the impact Pato has had on our league. He's 18 y o, don't forget, and these other players (including Kakā who was 21 y o) went to Italy when they were much older.
Di Marzio, an italian scout who discovered Maradona and many other southern american talents, said this guy belongs to a different class. Many coaches confirmed that. Ancelotti played with Van Basten and faced Maradona. He should understand a bit out of it, given that he saw the amazing talent of Kakā after just 1 training session. After that first session he said : " Kakā is a regular". Some eye, you would say.
In last, consider that Pato has scored 4 goals in 5 games and half in Serie A. If he scored the chances he naively missed, we would be talking about 8-9 goals in 6 matches. Just out of this world, and in line with what Ancelotti said at the beginning of January: "I've never seen a striker with these qualities. He can score 30 goals in 6 months".
Isn't the match against Lazio at home ?
mrki, I'm sorry, but Arsenal fans were ok ... they didn't shut up, they just supported their team during the entire match !! And only for that, that's very good. They also whistled not too much, which is a sign of respect for the opponent (not sure they would do the same against MU or Chelsea lol).
And for the San Siro ambiancy, I would like to see an intimidating ambiancy for each match of CL and some matches of Serie A at least, because actually, we see an important support in Milan only for the dangerous Milan matches against great teams. Did you see any good support for the first three San Siro matches in the round robin ?? Personnally no, nothing compared to Celtic support or Barcelona support ...
Celtic has great support but Barcelona and Real Madrid have laughable fans! those teams have no ultras whatsoever, or if they show up, its like 200 of them. In Camp Nou THE CLUB makes coreos and then all the turists out there lift it up, pathetic. Same with Mardid.
Milan plays horribly in serie a, and laws in italy are killing the supporters spirit 8 fireworks, flags, banners ). And, Fossa dei Leoni had been dissmissed. BUT - I have seen A LION flag with our surva at Parma, so that is a good sign! Maybe the old crew will be back soon! :3band: Plus, serie a has been ruined , it needs time for people to start believing in cvalcio again. Soon, when Eniglish people lose everything they have in EPL. like they have started to, the EPl will become like MLB. England needs to protect its clubs from Russians, Tailand or whatever owners. Its for the good of England's football spirit. The Highbury was broungt down, not it will be Ainfeld... Bolton has REEBOK stadium...not good.
The buzz at Bernabeu is just noise, the singing of Curva at San Siro, Roma, Napoli is something else, you'll see.
And I have to say I dont think that will affect Arsenal play, but it will affect milan's play, the tempo we will play in will be higher, for sure.
----------------------------------------------------------------
So much for the crowd. Van Persie will not beready I think, but Rosicky could be fit.
As for Pato, he is a boy who has played 6, SIX, games for milan, this was his FIRST CL game, after an injury... he did well. And befrore those 6 games, he didnt play for 5 months. And before that :) he played like half a season only in professional football with Internacional... he did wqell trust me :)
We need to take care of him and give him time, in 2 years we see real Pato. And in San Siro only one man will be important up front - Inzaghi.
Pato has a touch of a football genious. He lacks strenght and power. he even looks like a boy! but the speed against SAGNA, Eboue, Gallas ( who is not so slow )...wow. When PAto gets a bit of routine, and Milan gets one more good forward ( whoch is important for PAto )..I hope we will see a player that you can see in his every touch of the ball. You dont need statistics, Gazzetta ratings and all that crap. You just need one training session to see it all.
I envy Arsenal for palyers like Hleb, Rosicky ( free ), Sagna, Eboue ( Beveren!!!)...and so on... But PAto will will Golden ball. We can put a bet if you guys want.
Giovanni
22-02-2008, 08:44
Capello released an interview in which he said he was impressed with Pato's debut in CL. He said it was the first time he saw the player live and that Alexandre shows so much personality, trying to do difficult plays and showing no fear towards such important games and events.
acmilan_nutu
22-02-2008, 08:47
Milan vs Arsenal will be a very dificult game because rossoneri will try first protect themselfs against a goal from Adebayor's team.So i guess we will play carefully and evetually speculating their mistakes in defence.There will be a great atmosphere for sure in San Siro ( Simmilar to milan manchester) the youngsters froma arsenall will be intimidated 100%.Curva Sud Milano ( brigate , g u, alternativa) will make an coreograpy to give milan players a lift up.No atmospere in the world can support a comparation with San Siro " La scala del calcio".
Milan has 55 000 "abbonamenti " every game wich place them on 1 first place in italy.
Forza Milan!! Brn 1975
As much as I've seen Pato play and witness the potential in him, I don't think he'll be better than Kaka.
Kaka is a player which comes by very rarely once every decade or so, before him it was Zidane. Never seen a player take a whole team to CL glory.
Kaka is a player which comes by very rarely once every decade or so, before him it was Zidane. Never seen a player take a whole team to CL glory.
I think it's still too early to say if he is as good as Kaka`, but given his age + the hype around him before his Serie A deput, I think it's fair to say that he has absorbed the pressure and have done very well, something that Kaka` did not have to worry about...
j
cescvanpersie
22-02-2008, 10:17
Can we stop using Pato's age in every argument please??
It's quite easy for me to just say Fabregas is the best seeing as he is only 20 and is already very dominant.
---
the youngsters froma arsenall will be intimidated 100%
---
The same way they were intimidated when beating real madrid at the bernabeau? :rolleyes:
You can never judge these facts, just have to take the game as it comes.
we will see, all I want is no excuses after one goes out. Milan or Arsenal.
Arsenal players WILL NOT be intiminated! San Siro will affect Milan team, that is enough to take our rithm up for 20%.
So you believe that Real has a defense as strong as Milan?
This argument is going nowhere; you are not ready to be convinced while we have already accepted the fact (even before the game) that Arsenal is a very fast and strong team and will match Milan. Trying to hype Arsenal here is not going to change our opinion that the one you saw at Emirates is not going to be the one you are going to see at Milan. A lot of us have seen how Milan play (in Serie A, and in CL) week in week out and I think we are in a position better than many others who try to trump their teams over ours.
Milan has nothing to prove, really, except to give Maldini a perfect gift to retirement, right?
We'll shake hand and leave this thread; see you in 14 days.
I think it's still too early to say if he is as good as Kaka`, but given his age + the hype around him before his Serie A deput, I think it's fair to say that he has absorbed the pressure and have done very well, something that Kaka` did not have to worry about...
j
I know Jeff, I'm impressed with Pato and he has time is on his side.
I do hope that I get proved wrong and Pato ends up being a player for the whole world to remember.
I think it's still too early to say if he is as good as Kaka`, but given his age + the hype around him before his Serie A deput, I think it's fair to say that he has absorbed the pressure and have done very well, something that Kaka` did not have to worry about...
j
I know Jeff, I'm impressed with Pato and he has time is on his side.
I do hope that I get proved wrong and Pato ends up being a player for the whole world to remember.
I think it's still too early to say if he is as good as Kaka`, but given his age + the hype around him before his Serie A deput, I think it's fair to say that he has absorbed the pressure and have done very well, something that Kaka` did not have to worry about...
j
I know Jeff, I'm impressed with Pato and he has time is on his side.
I do hope that I get proved wrong and Pato ends up being a player for the whole world to remember.
Can we stop using Pato's age in every argument please??
It's quite easy for me to just say Fabregas is the best seeing as he is only 20 and is already very dominant.
---
the youngsters froma arsenall will be intimidated 100%
---
The same way they were intimidated when beating real madrid at the bernabeau? :rolleyes:
You can never judge these facts, just have to take the game as it comes.
Ok dude.....Fabregas is GREAT we get it :wallbang: but if you're questioning Pato's credentials then that's a bit way out. at 17 Pato Ripped the then kings of the world Barca apart....toying Puyol like if he was playing for fun....Cesc was brought in from Barca's youth academy at 16. So there's not much difference there especially if you consider that Fabregas was gradually brought to the forefront by Wenger while Pato was immediately thrown to the wolves as soon as he was allowed to drink :cheers:
Fabregas was allowed to work under one of the best dm's in the world in Vieria. Pato- though initially played alongside the best striker ever....has had to fend for himself for most of this season with Ronaldo out. AND PATO IS STILL UP THERE WITH THE BEST.
So age IS surely a factor in that if all things are equal he should progress to become very good if not wrold class. I mean I could go on about his pace his first touch, dribbling skills, shooting ability and creativity but you already know about that :D
outlaw_member
22-02-2008, 12:37
What a intelligent and respectful fan :) it;s always a pleaseure to have opponents like you visit us here...making the beautiful game more beautiful
Thanks Drucurl (if it was me you were referring to).
Mrki- 4-5-1 will certainly fill me with more confidence, but Pippo definitely won't and I know you don't need me tell you why.
I watched the game on the internet as my Sky Sports died on the eve of the game so I wasn't too sure how the Milan support was throughout the game but when they showed them at the start, the banners, culture and colour was the best I have ever seen at the Emirates. Credit goes to you for that.
Just a couple of questions, how is the San Siro pitch?
What are your impressions of Arsenal after you saw us, up close, compared to what you thought prior to the game?
Last but not least, how do Arsenal fair as a fan of the most successful European team of all time in comparison to Liverpool and Man United?
Maybe the last 2 questions are suited for reply after the San Siro game but I'll ask anyway.
Just a couple of questions, how is the San Siro pitch?
What are your impressions of Arsenal after you saw us, up close, compared to what you thought prior to the game?
Last but not least, how do Arsenal fair as a fan of the most successful European team of all time in comparison to Liverpool and Man United?
Maybe the last 2 questions are suited for reply after the San Siro game but I'll ask anyway.
RElatively pOor; but both Milan and Arsenal play ground ball anyway, so it should affect both teams.
Yes; arsenal is just what we (and I think Milan management) has expected.
Liverpool and Man U and Arsenal are just different teams. I must say that Arseanal looks the most threatening among all. I can't judge Liverpool, because we only play Liverpool in a one-tie game twice. But my impression out of these two one-tie game is that Liverpool is really never that strong (despite that 6 minutes of MIlan stupidity). Things might be different have the games be two-tie.
Man U are strong at home but awful away. They didn't know what to do from the first minute, and by then Milan is a lot fresher than the first league.
We also beat them twice 1-0 (crespo scored both goals), but back then they were not as strong as last (and this) year.
Arsenal is fast, quick, but they lack a forward (i.e., Henry) who can finish in an international game where experience counts. A major difference between domestic game and UCL is that Arsenal will be able to tear the defense apart with wonderful passing and speed, but when you play against top teams in Italy you need to have that sublime finishing and crafting out clear-cut chances in order to score, something that you can do against smaller teams but have yet to demonstrate it against Milan (except the one that hit the woodwork). NOtice that Arsenal got a lot of shots, but all of them are almost straight to the goal keeper.
So, all up in the air for the second league!
Sorry for the multiple post, don't know what happened there.
Computer must be on E.
outlaw_member
22-02-2008, 13:28
Thanks Jeff, it's not Henry we miss. It's not having Robin Van Persie, that's the problem. He is the most talented and skillful player in the squad, even more than Hleb, but he is always injured. He usually has the guile and skill to be able to make the difference in a big game. However most Arsenal fan's just assume he doesn't play for us. Rosicky will be a big plus. He is a vital component of Wengerball. Individually he isn't better than the other 2 playmakers, Hleb and Cesc but together they play some stunning stuff. For us to beat your team, we need to keep the ball like we usually do. We played more crosses and high balls than I had seen in years and I watch every Arsenal game. Maybe it was deliberate, I don't know. Saying all that, I would prefer knocking Milan out by beating them at the Giuseppe Meazza than the Emirates as it's a far greater achievement. It's obviously no way as easy as it sounds but that's my view on it.
So how do you plan on beating us?
Giovanni
22-02-2008, 13:39
I can sum it up on Arsenal saying that if we must to go out with a club, surely going out with your team wouldn't be considered a disgrace or a big failure.
We can't win every year and you have all the credentials to achieve glory. But we'll fight as hard as dead men walking are likely to do, given that our biggest target is giving Paolo Maldini a proper final to salute the fans and quit an already legendary career.
Can we stop using Pato's age in every argument please??
It's quite easy for me to just say Fabregas is the best seeing as he is only 20 and is already very dominant.
dude, what's your problem? first of all the guys were discussing Pato in comparison to the other team member in AC Milan, we weren't even speaking about Arsenal. second, the point they were trying to make that Pato is still to young to judge how good of a player he is.. he needs a couple of years before we know if he is world class or just an average striker..
finallyl, this is AC Milan related forum and you don't have to change the topic to Arsenal all the time
cescvanpersie
22-02-2008, 14:19
dude, what's your problem? first of all the guys were discussing Pato in comparison to the other team member in AC Milan, we weren't even speaking about Arsenal. second, the point they were trying to make that Pato is still to young to judge how good of a player he is.. he needs a couple of years before we know if he is world class or just an average striker..
finallyl, this is AC Milan related forum and you don't have to change the topic to Arsenal all the time
Correct me if i'm wrong but this is the AC Milan AND Arsenal thread?
Have you seen me post anywhere else on this forum??
Jeff i'm not hyping up Arsenal...i wasn't even talking about Arsenal.
Ok Pato is a world class player, he is the best and can rip defences apart, best striker i've seen in a long time. ok?
For the person who said that Fabregas was gradually eased into the team, i think you'll find that's wrong seeing as he was basically chucked into the team after Vieira left.
And if Pato is too young to judge, why do other people judge Fabregas??
I'm not saying you lot do...just stating an example where people don't necessarily take age into consideration.
:guw:
Arsenal played that many long balls and crosses simply because they were made to. You passed the ball around with speed and it is impressive but it didn't lead you anywhere productive. The ball was constantly pushed wide by Gattuso and Ambrosini and forcing you to play with crosses and long balls. I read a lot of stuff how Arsenal did this and that. And yes, when you look at the game from far away it did look that way, but if we analyze it a bit, there was only one or two TRUE chances for you guys and everything else was either a saving tackle by our players or a shot from 25 meters. This is what we went to do in England and that is exactly what we did. That was the game plan all along, and that is why Pato started and not Gila/Inzaghi. Simply because we were going to defend and try to use pato/kaka speed to counter if possible. So all this talk about Arsenal being unlucky, I don't get it. You were only unlucky on ONE occasion when Adebayor hit the bar. Everything else was not unlucky but it was good defending.
How do we plan on beating you? I gues we have to ask Carlo, but my prediction is that we'll play similar to what we did in England. Things will be very very tight in the middle and I don't expect Gattuso, Ambro and Pirlo to go forward much. What we will see however is Oddo and Jankulovski/Maldini push up a lot more. I also don't expect us to just lounch the ball forward like we did in England, but a lot more patient build up with the fullbacks pushing up and pulling ur midfield wide which will ease up the pressure on Pirlo. Don't expect an open Milan. I think things will be even tighter as Carlo knows that we can not allow you to score as for every goal you score we need to score one more then you.
Ok Pato is a world class player, he is the best and can rip defences apart, best striker i've seen in a long time
No one said that. We just said that he is fantastic for his age because the things he does right now even very promising 20-23 year olds can't get done well.
For the person who said that Fabregas was gradually eased into the team, i think you'll find that's wrong seeing as he was basically chucked into the team after Vieira left
Wrong again.....Cesc is 20 now......and we're in 08....Vieria left for Juve at the start of the '05-06 season. This means he had at leat one year playing with him since he started playing for Arsenal at 16
And if Pato is too young to judge, why do other people judge Fabregas??
I'm not saying you lot do...just stating an example where people don't necessarily take age into consideration.
:guw:
Fabregas is 20 and has been at Arsenal for the better part of FOUR years. Pato just turned 18 and played less than ten professional games in total for Milan. Fabregas has been born and bred into European football. Pato has had 6 months to learn it. If you don't think that age, or at least experience has anything to do with the discussion then we're probably better off ending it here and now. Age is ALWAYS a factor in comparisons of these types simply because it is perhaps the best indicator of a player's potential or room for improvement. Why didn't Wenger cry when left.....it was because at Vieria's age he had already seen the best of him and Fabregas was nearly at Vieria's present level while still only a teenager.
Similarly at his age Pato is ALREADY on the level of most senior strikers and above many too. This is why Milan fans are raving over him....not for who he is now but for who he can become....I thought this was obvious :o
So how do you plan on beating us?
I think you have already gotten answers from other fellows.
I guess it'll be again 4-3-2-1 with Pato in front, but do expect 4-3-1-2 if Arsenal scored one goal.
If Milan is to start with 4-3-1-2 at the beginning, it's because Milan wants to impose from the first minute. It really is up to Carlo.
J
outlaw_member
22-02-2008, 15:49
Arsenal played that many long balls and crosses simply because they were made to. You passed the ball around with speed and it is impressive but it didn't lead you anywhere productive. The ball was constantly pushed wide by Gattuso and Ambrosini and forcing you to play with crosses and long balls. I read a lot of stuff how Arsenal did this and that. And yes, when you look at the game from far away it did look that way, but if we analyze it a bit, there was only one or two TRUE chances for you guys and everything else was either a saving tackle by our players or a shot from 25 meters. This is what we went to do in England and that is exactly what we did. That was the game plan all along, and that is why Pato started and not Gila/Inzaghi. Simply because we were going to defend and try to use pato/kaka speed to counter if possible. So all this talk about Arsenal being unlucky, I don't get it. You were only unlucky on ONE occasion when Adebayor hit the bar. Everything else was not unlucky but it was good defending.
How do we plan on beating you? I gues we have to ask Carlo, but my prediction is that we'll play similar to what we did in England. Things will be very very tight in the middle and I don't expect Gattuso, Ambro and Pirlo to go forward much. What we will see however is Oddo and Jankulovski/Maldini push up a lot more. I also don't expect us to just lounch the ball forward like we did in England, but a lot more patient build up with the fullbacks pushing up and pulling ur midfield wide which will ease up the pressure on Pirlo. Don't expect an open Milan. I think things will be even tighter as Carlo knows that we can not allow you to score as for every goal you score we need to score one more then you.
As much as you might want to think this, I honestly do not think it was your tactics that caused us to play those balls. Maybe to an extent but that's all. We were eager but also overrawed playing against you. You are the champions and our players were no doubt nervous as every attack needs to count and because of this the players were expecting alot from Ade as he is the man in form, even though he was never going to do much alone. How many times did Cesc play a long raking ball from the middle of the park or the defenders from deep like Clichy, there is no way Ambrosini or Gattuso were far enough up the pitch for being the reason as to why our players were launching it. Selective crosses have worked especially well this season, so the players knowing this, were not being selective but were forcing it. Try and think how many times you saw Ade and a couple of your defenders chasing balls, whilst the rest of the players were far far away. It happened all night, and it was down to our players making the wrong choices and expecting Ade to do the damage alone. It was inexperience and naivety that caused this. We are far more patient and probing, everytime single time Sagna got the ball he crossed, same with Clichy, but if you watch other Arsenal games, you will see how they would both get in crossing positions but than turn back and recycle the ball. I don't think Ambrosini and Gattuso were able to handle our pace and movement. Neither had any impact on the game. Your defenders were superb, they made superb last timed tackles but I wouldn't praise anyone else from your team on the night. Lastly, those who are saying that Kaka and Pato and others just came back from injury, is very well but I would just like to point out that 4 days before we played you, we had 12 players with injuries or knocks. 12, not to forget Sagna's brother died over the weekend.
Regarding the debate about Pato, all I have to say is I am jealous that we don't have him. The guy is out of this world. He is young and will become superb. Just one last thing, you couldn't give us Gourcuff could you, I mean you don't use him anyway. (Big smile)
Giovanni
22-02-2008, 15:56
I'd like to point out that Pato has played his 7th official game with Milan after joining the club. Does a player need a bit of time to gel with new team and new type of football?
The understanding with Kakā and Pirlo is still work in progress.
Correct me if i'm wrong but this is the AC Milan AND Arsenal thread?
Have you seen me post anywhere else on this forum??
totally missed my point... oh well...
Warro Bantan
22-02-2008, 16:44
What a lot of the Arsenal fans are forgetting is that as a person ages, the recovery time from injury is greater...and if our players on average are older than the Arsenal players, then the recovery period will be that much greater.
All in all, for a bunch of old, broken down old fogeys, we didnt do too badly, and maybe by the time March rolls around, we can get out of our rocking chairs for one last charge...perhaps like that of the infamous Light Brigade? :D
Someone said we play at GIUSEPPE MEAZZA. When Milan plays its San Siro :)
How do we plan to beat you? The best way to describe it is: somehow :) Milans big games are usually decided by two or three touches by Pirlo, Seedprf, KAka and in the end Pippo. Do not expent attacking Milan that will pass like crazy and try to play like Wenger's team. Milan will be Milan. Pirlo's wide passes, Oddo's horrible crosses :), Clarence and Kaka' will make something up and Inzaghi will be always in an offside. Untill one moment :)
For real, I think Milan will play in higher tempo. With Seedorf and Kaka' playing visibly better football and Inzaghi up front, that will be all tha twill change. We will probably have more corners and free kicks then in London also.
outlaw_member
22-02-2008, 17:23
Good to see you here. Welcome to MM!
Quality of San Siro is often awful lol (like potato field that's what they say). But that affects Milan just as much as Arsenal, so I don't think you can blame the field (unless it's horrendous like teams in lower division).
It's not just winning due to home support: But we have seen again and again a different MIlan at home. Now, I'm not saying that Milan IS going to win at home... Arsenal definitely has the chance to do it; we are just saying that Arsenal will see a different milan, at San Siro, 2 weeks later; and that may make a huge difference.
You are right that most of the poor league performance come before the break, but playing against SErie A teams is different from playing in CL then (you'll have to understand Italian way of playing against Milan in order to fully appreciate it). Also, Milan is already quit renowned for playing far less emphasis on Serie A (no idea why) and players are usually not as motivated as playing in Champion League.
The two years that we have won CLs (2003; 2007): Milan came in both 4th.
And we are going to come in 4th again this year -.-!
It's not 4-5-1; it's 4-3-2 (Seedorf and Kaka) - 1 and it's different. also known as the christmas tree formation.
4-3-2-1 has beaten Real Madrid, Liverpool (twice almost lol), Man U (3 times out of 4), and many others...
4-3-1-2 is used less frequently, usually against weaker team such as Deportivo (at home) and PSV. Or when both strikers are extremely fit.
Not sure if Ancelotti will play christmas tree or 4-3-1-2; given that we are lacking players in terms of attack (only Pato, Gila, and Inzaghi available) and that we have been playing one game per 3 days, I think Milan will opt for 4-3-2-1 in the first half.
4-4-2 is never Milan's strongest performance. In fact, quite awful.
Contrary to believe, Milan doesn't just rely on pace, though it is important. Milan tends to use ball possession and high-technique passing to tease the defense apart. And, of course, take adv. of lack of concentration of the opponent team.
Gilardino is never a real force in Champion League, though I will say that you'll see Pato - Gilardino if Milan lost 1-0 in the first half at SS.
Unlucky is almost always the word that the other team used when they didn't score against Milan (if not beacuse of the woodwork (that's the striker's fault), if not the last-ditch tackle (but that's what Milan does even at Serie A), if not because of that too much strength on the pass...)
Agree that Arsenal can dominate the game like they did yesterday, Arsenal has a high chance of going through. But do you ReALLY think that Arsenal can dominate the whole 180 minutes against a team that has won the Champion league 6 times in history (twice in the last 5 years and still playing about much the same team?)
The fact that Arsenal is putting high crosses (which they don't usually do according to you) is a sign that they fail to open up Milan in their usual way. The same goes for Milan: I Don't see MIlan playing long ball to pato (who is short and definitely not as good as Gilardino in heading the ball I guess) but they did just that yesterday, which were all in all awful.
And we have an exceptional record against English team at San siro ;).
Congrats on buying a Milan shirt! :)- J
I never saw your post until and now, so sorry for the late response.
Why is it so bad? I always assume as Italy has a better climate than England, that most Italian teams would good pitches. Is this the case for most teams? I watch Serie A games, here and there but I don't distinctly remember the pitch quality. Like you said though it will affect both teams.
I am aware of the Christmas tree, but in England those AM's are considered as midfielders, so they just say 5. I don't know why though.
It would be interesting to see whether it's the 2 upfront for you and a lone striker. Personally I think 2 strikers may suit you better, give us more to think about. Lone strikers are much easier to nullify, especially if the midifield is not making up the ground to help.
The thing is about Arsenal is,the bigger the team, the better we play. Last season was our worst season under Wenger ever since he joined 11 years ago, yet we still had the best head to head record out of the Big 4, beating the champions United twice. Don't let the last game against United cloud your judgement. You could see one thing on the minds on the players in that game and that was Milan. This team we have is very very hungry, for us playing you is our biggest game ever in the CL ever alongside the game's against Madrid. The players want to prove, that they can mix it up with the big boys, and there's none better than doing it against a team of your calibre.
Also we dominated, Juventus and Madrid not too long ago, and we kept the better possesion in both legs. Obviously those two are not Milan but the point is that we have done it against other big teams. Against your team it will be harder, which is why we need to be on the top of our game.
About the high balls and such, like I said in my previous post. It was more down to our inexperience, over eagerness, we were not patient but than again it could have been deliberate, so we will never know for sure.
Maybe but we have a great record against Italians, so were the perfect match.
I didn't know who to get on the back of the shirt, there was Van Basten, Boban, Altafini, Gullit, Nordhal and amongst many others greats to choose from, but I settled on George Weah. If you wonder why, well it was because Wenger bought him ifrom Africa and he wears the same number as my favourite player Henry.
jcastagn
22-02-2008, 17:33
Outlaw,
about the pitch, the San Siro will have 3 games played on it from now until we play on the 4th; Milan this weekend against Palermo, Inter vs Roma on the 27th, and Milan vs Lazio the weekend before our match. That is part of the problem, it never gets a rest there are games on it every weekend.
outlaw_member
22-02-2008, 17:33
Mrki, I forgot that's what the scum call it. :5inter: Hope they lose in the league, how dare they go a season unbeaten like us two. :1five:
outlaw_member
22-02-2008, 17:43
I'd like to point out that Pato has played his 7th official game with Milan after joining the club. Does a player need a bit of time to gel with new team and new type of football?
The understanding with Kakā and Pirlo is still work in progress.
If you were talking to me, than I totally agree. Patience is wearing thin and thin now amongst bosses in football. So even if Pato never played well in his games I would still have backed him for many many years. Pato has done so much, in so little time and he is bound to only become better.
Why is it so bad? I always assume as Italy has a better climate than England, that most Italian teams would good pitches. Is this the case for most teams? I watch Serie A games, here and there but I don't distinctly remember the pitch quality. Like you said though it will affect both teams.
I am aware of the Christmas tree, but in England those AM's are considered as midfielders, so they just say 5. I don't know why though.
It would be interesting to see whether it's the 2 upfront for you and a lone striker. Personally I think 2 strikers may suit you better, give us more to think about. Lone strikers are much easier to nullify, especially if the midifield is not making up the ground to help.
The thing is about Arsenal is,the bigger the team, the better we play. Last season was our worst season under Wenger ever since he joined 11 years ago, yet we still had the best head to head record out of the Big 4, beating the champions United twice. Don't let the last game against United cloud your judgement. You could see one thing on the minds on the players in that game and that was Milan. This team we have is very very hungry, for us playing you is our biggest game ever in the CL ever alongside the game's against Madrid. The players want to prove, that they can mix it up with the big boys, and there's none better than doing it against a team of your calibre.
Also we dominated, Juventus and Madrid not too long ago, and we kept the better possesion in both legs. Obviously those two are not Milan but the point is that we have done it against other big teams. Against your team it will be harder, which is why we need to be on the top of our game.
About the high balls and such, like I said in my previous post. It was more down to our inexperience, over eagerness, we were not patient but than again it could have been deliberate, so we will never know for sure.
Maybe but we have a great record against Italians, so were the perfect match.
1) yes, the pitch is not very well nurtured...
2) 4-3-2-1 is quite distinctive; I don't know why is called 4-5-1 or 4-4-1-1 either; Kaka and Seedorf obviously play in front of Ambro and Gattuso, while Pirlo is definitely deeper than Ambro and Gattuso. Maybe the Englishmen are not attentive to tactics so to them it doesn't make a difference ;)?
3) I bet 90% will start with 4-3-2-1. The reason is simple: Milan doesn't want to lose the midfield to the opponent. On one hand, it is easy to see that Milan will be more threatening in with 4-3-1-2, but it's also obvious (darn obvious) Milan is more exposed in midfield and is more prone to counterattack with 4-3-1-2, on the expense of a stronger attack of course.
Knowing Carlo for so many years, his tactics, his philosophies etc., I don't think he is going for a 4-3-2-1. But he may well surprise all of us :).
4) We all know that Arsenal is very very hungry (so was Man U and they put in a brilliant performance at Old Trafford; not sure what happened to them at San Siro). But being hungry is one thing and being calm is another. To reach Milan's level (in UCL, not in Serie A) you need both hunger (i.e., motivation) and calm (i.e., experience). Milan is blessed to have a group of players who are well-motivated, for one reason (e.g., the football scandal) to another (e.g., Maldini is retiring), and have vast amount of experiences. Milan players know when they did not play well (i.e., against Man U last year, Arsenal, Bayern Munich at home, Deportivo etc.), but they also know when and how to pull the triggers when needed (e.g., against Bayern Munich at Germany; against Man U at home; against Liverpool [finally] at Athen).
And if they pull the trigger and still didn't win, then it's fair to say that our opponent deserves to go through (e.g., Barcelona).
5) For any team playing against milan should feel the same hunger. Celtic did a pretty good job last year until the extra time... And I don't think Arsenal has anything to prove; they are strong, fast, quick; what they need now is a sense of quality of mind and confidence in themselves that will exude. Sometimes it comes from winning trophies, but sometimes it also comes from knowing thyself. Eventually, even if Arsenal lose, I still think they have proven a point already.
6) I'm not surprised that Arsenal keeps possession well. Fast, accurate passing etc. But I also think that you have not seen how Milan has kept possession. Real and Juve are nowhere near Milan in terms of ball possession. Unfortunately, Milan was way too slow on Wednesday and seemed to be unprepared for Arsenal's aggressiveness. A better preparation and a better mindset from the Milan players are needed to counteract the young and aggressive Arsenal team.
Trust me, most Milan players are used to be pressed like Arsenal pressed Milan on Wed and Milan players did much better than that. We'll see how it goes in the second league.
7) Final note: Milan also plays better against bigger team (although such recent trends have stopped in Italy with Inter dominating and the emphasis on CL only gets larger). You don't need me to give you examples, but we do usually suffer against the smaller teams.
Fortunately, Milan will never make the mistake of treating Arsenal as one.
Peace,
J
outlaw_member
22-02-2008, 18:30
After a great discussion, let's hope for another great match.
remote2book
22-02-2008, 18:52
outlaw iwould also like to make another point...last year when arsenal was drawn against PSV..arsenal failed to score on both legs and if i remember correctly the score in the first leg was 1-0 and the second leg 1-1(Alex scored and own goal than pulled one back) ..and the year before that the score was only 1-0 against madrid ..the year before that against byaren you guys scored 1 goal in the away match and scored 1 goal at home while conceding 3 away to bayren ....looking at this record arsenal doesnt score many goals away or at home espicialy you guys seem to struggle away (this is all in the final 16 stage of the CL) from the last three years arsenal have scored 2 away goals one against madrid and one against bayren...and if you go back and look at Milan's history of scoring at HOME in the same years we have scored a total of 6 goals...but these are just numbers hoping for a great game
Giovanni
22-02-2008, 18:58
The key for us will be passing the ball more quickly. We can do that, even with Arsenal pressing us. The secret is to play with first touches. Our players can do that, with their technical skills.
When Kakā first touched the ball to the right flank we created two chances: one with Oddo and another one to Gattuso, with Kakā shooting afterwards.
I have a feeling Carlo will put a masterful gameplan for the return match. In this field he's the perfect pupil of Sacchi, who never failed a final or a big game. And i think that even in the first leg Carlo won the tactical chess battle, because we drew (and it was one of our targets) while Arsenal was expected to score a few (just look at any prematch discussion in various websites).
This game is a final, and it'll be prepared like a Final. We are used to Finals. That's why i'm sure the guys will put a great performance.
remote2book
22-02-2008, 19:06
GIO do you know of any coreo planned by the ultras for this match?
Giovanni
22-02-2008, 19:46
How could i know? I don't belong to groups. Considering the importance of the match, i'm almost sure something will be done.
outlaw_member
22-02-2008, 20:10
outlaw iwould also like to make another point...last year when arsenal was drawn against PSV..arsenal failed to score on both legs and if i remember correctly the score in the first leg was 1-0 and the second leg 1-1(Alex scored and own goal than pulled one back) ..and the year before that the score was only 1-0 against madrid ..the year before that against byaren you guys scored 1 goal in the away match and scored 1 goal at home while conceding 3 away to bayren ....looking at this record arsenal doesnt score many goals away or at home espicialy you guys seem to struggle away (this is all in the final 16 stage of the CL) from the last three years arsenal have scored 2 away goals one against madrid and one against bayren...and if you go back and look at Milan's history of scoring at HOME in the same years we have scored a total of 6 goals...but these are just numbers hoping for a great game
I don't think you should consider the PSV game, simply because we underestimate weaker opposition. Our performances are far stronger against big opposition whereas we tend to write off weaker ones before we even play them. Bayern were a big opposition we lost to, however that game we started the tie very very poorly, making 2 mistakes in a couple of minutes to already go 2-0 down before we even got started. Also our defence has matured and become better since than, so the likelihood of making the same mistakes are very small. Like you said there are numbers and we will just have to wait til the match.
remote2book
22-02-2008, 20:27
;) ok that maybe the case maybe you will make mistakes against us too
outlaw_member
22-02-2008, 22:15
How much is tickets for games at the San Siro? especially CL games.
Giovanni
23-02-2008, 07:18
How much is tickets for games at the San Siro? especially CL games.
I paid 20 euros for the second tier. The view is great from there. I'm a bit aside this time, cause the orange section were already sold out after a few hours.
Ps. POST IN THE NEW THREAD MILAN VS ARSENAL
So sorry about Eduardo (Arsenal forward)... his injury from today could finish his carreer... he'll be out at least for a year... I mention this because he was supposed to play against Milan in San Siro in 10 days... wish him the best.
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