What a superb game-winning goal on the counter-attack by Arshavin. Nasri is off to the races, cuts it back, patiently seeks support, and here comes the little Russian – a second half substitute, to do the business.
2-1 Arsenal.
Sure, Barcelona can still win at the Camp Nou 1-0 and advance, but British football is certainly on a high right now after two unexpected wins (Tottenham and Arsenal).
You know the game was big when the New York Times is covering it…
But are these wins a double-edged sword for these two clubs? If Arsenal and Tottenham advance to the Champions League Quarterfinals will they be able to remain focused on domestic competition and challenge for the title (Arsenal) and for 4th place (Tottenham)?
The road will certainly be tougher. While Arsenal have a fit squad now, they have suffered from injuries in the past – especially past seasons – so the deeper they go in European competition, the more likelihood their Premier League campaign could be derailed by injuries and fatigue, and vice versa. Tottenham have also been hit by injuries this season but it looks like the two main studs from a fantasy perspective – Van der Vaart and Bale – are back to full fitness and should feature in the league next week.
It’s great for the Premier League to see two teams excelling on the continent, but fantasy managers (and fans of both teams) will still be just a bit worried as the fixtures pile up…
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Two great matches, especially the Arsenal Barca game. Arsenal’s squad is much stronger than last year, so I don’t think injuries should be as much of a concern as last year. They seem to have reasonable cover in every position, Djourou has been performing well in Vermaelen’s absence. I do still feel that Barca will go through.
Spurs’s squad is much weaker than Arsenal’s, except midfield where Spurs have enough for 3 or 4 teams. With Corluka injured and Woodgate out again their defencive weakness could begin to tell.
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What a game by Arsenal… the Arsharvin goal was fantastic but how magnificent was Van Persie’s goal from the tightest of angles – pure class. Arsenal is in a fantastic position now to win the Carling Cup and make a run for top spot in the Premier League based on their current form. I also doubt their ability to win at Camp Nou but all they need is a draw to get through… Fingers crossed!