Europa League - AC Milan vs Arsenal 08 March 2018 Review
Having been off the back of one of the most painful runs in this or any Arsenal season having back to back losses for 4 games running and scoring only 2 goals in that period I had very little to be positive about going into an away game (Away form has been horrific this season) against a team that has been unbeaten in 10+ games.
I wouldn't say Milan were great but Arsenal put their recent problems to one side as a polished performance at fallen giants AC Milan gave them the upper hand in their Europa League last-16 tie, we won 2-0 and we could have won by an even larger margin if our confidence and finishing was on point and if we had the likes of Lacazette or Aubamayang upfront
Overall it was an important win and but it's not like we have a firm grip on the tie considering what Arsenal pulled off at home against Ostersund in the last round.
We have nothing to play for in the EPL and should focus on the Europa League this season and this is a win the team desperately needed when confidence was at an all-time low and nothing was going right.
Image from BBC - http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/43339213
Match Stats
Ac Milan 0 - 2 Arsenal
- Mkhitaryan (15' minutes)
- Ramsey (45'+4 minutes)
Line up
Arsenal
- 13 Ospina
- 21 Chambers (Substituted for El Neny at 85'minutes)
- 20 Mustafi
- 6 Koscielny
- 31 Kolasinac (Substituted for Maitland-Niles at 62'minutes)
- 8 Ramsey
- 29 Xhaka
- 11 Özil (Substituted for Holding at 80'minutes)
- 10 Wilshere
- 7 Mkhitaryan
- 23 Welbeck
Substitutes
- 16 Holding
- 17 Iwobi
- 30 Maitland-Niles
- 33 Cech
- 35 El Neny
- 61 Nelson
- 62 Nketiah
Player ratings
Ospina - 7.4
I was worried about him and a lot of his early decisions, but late in the game, when it mattered most, he was inch-perfect. he showed no hesitation and cleaned up messes aptly.
Chambers - 8.3
He was bloody brilliant. I take back what I said last week about him not being a fullback. He can be whatever the hell he wants. He is just such an intelligent defender. I would happily put him on the same level as Koscielny and Mustafi given how much maturity he has shown this year. Top, top stuff from the young man.
I really hope he pushes on and challenges bellerin for a spot we all know his been slacking lately
Mustafi - 7.5
Let it slip once last night but hardly a complaint. There was one big positioning question in the first half, but other than that he showcased superb athleticism, a fantastic nose for the ball and was not fazed at all, no matter the situation in front of him.
Koscielny - 8.6
This was the Laurent Koscielny we all know and love. He was superb, sweeping up dangerous runs and showing off what makes him one of the top defenders in England. Hardly a mistake to talk about, except maybe a bit of errant long balls, but his primary job and all his secondary jobs were all done to perfection.
Kolasinac - 7.0
A nice, steady return to form that was unfortunately ended by an injury. I love having a top-form Kolasinac on the pitch and the more he settled into the game, the closer he got to that top-form. Hopefully, this injury won’t keep him out for long.
Wilshere - 7.2
A hell of a lot better in the second half than the first. I wasn’t that impressed with him, as he was far too loose with the ball, but he does deserve credit for stepping up when the pressure was mounting. Still, let’s do better next time.
Xhaka - 8.3
Did he take a single poor touch? Check that, there was one misplayed pass as to be expected with Granit every game. Other than that, Xhaka was perfect.
He wasn’t a big influence on the match, but that’s okay. He settled into a deeper role better than he has in the past, boasted a 95% pass completion and was so damn intelligent on the defensive side of things. That’s four in a row now that he has been one of our best.
It was one of his better games tonight but his far from showing his worth 35mil but hopefully he can build on this performance
Ramsey - 8.5
He just does so much. He’s like a marauding fiend on that pitch, never letting the match rest. His goal was coolness incarnate, as he dribbled the ball into the net and on either side of his goal, he could be found pressing the issue, trying to extend the lead, and being a general hell-raiser. This is what he was saved for.
Mkhitaryan - 8.9 - Man of the Match
This guy right here was simply amazing. His deflected goal was just the tip of the iceberg. He was everything to the attack, hogging the spotlight (in a good way), dribbling through more defenders than anyone else on the pitch and losing possession all of one time despite how active he was in the final third. Should have had a second goal, but when that is my only criticism, you know you had a good day.
Ozil - 8.2
Such an understated performance. I found my self-laughing at his lazy defending, but when called upon to do what he does best, he did just that – his absolute best. Only created two chances, both were converted for assists. He faded away and let other people take the lead, but again, that is when he is at his best. He thrived in the shadows and sprung into the light when it was his turn to make something happen. Top stuff.
Welbeck - 7
It wasn’t pretty, but it was hugely effective. Welbeck was everywhere (other than picking the ball out of the back of the net). Seriously though, he pressed that AC Milan back line so well and he wasn’t a clumsy mess like he can be. Should have scored but DW finishing hasn't been there for over 6 months so don't expect too much from him, he had himself a solid outing.
Have your say
As an Arsenal fan or just a football fan, what did you think of Arsenals performances last night? Do you agree with the player ratings? Let me know and let's get the banter going
Well said.
Left to me, I would have sent Petr Cech to the bench since the match against Swansea. David Ospina for me only needs matches to stabilise his confidence. He's on the same level as the Lloris and Ter Stergen of this world. Could be like Neuer if given the opportunity but leaving him in the shadow of Cech is annoying. Ospina make just one error in the Champions League against Bayern, he was dropped immediately but Cech has shown he has no confidence in himself, playing twitch his leg, yet, he still maintains first shirt. It's pathetic if you ask me. DO has a lot of confidence. You can see how confident he is on the ball, no panic. I just wish Wenger gives him more time.
For Chambers, I wouldn't agree less. I realised, he has a lot of confidence. He loves to play like a senior player but his inconsistency has been his undoing. That for me was his best match yet in Arsenal colours. I hope he doesn't drop and pushes Bellerin who has been a shadow of himself.
Like you, I always love to Sead Kolasinac at his best, unfortunately, Wenger has kept him out of the side and now, I hope the injury isn't much. The thought of him being on the pitch gives me hope that he can take shots when on the offensive.
How would you forget to talk about the best Arsenal player so far, Ains Maitland Niles. He has been exceptional. For a Viera-like Midfielder to settle into left back position so beautiful is wonder. He plays very calmly, never on a rush but very fast a player. He controls the ball. Hardly loses it and shows the stuff of a Midfielder even while playing at left back. I just hope he's not converted to a full time defender coaches can be funny..
I don't want to bore you with my analysis.
So I'd just do a quick round up.
Welbeck for me is a Benzema-like player - Threatens defence but his final touches are nothing to wrote home about.
Ozil, delivered once more and nice partnership With Mhki .
I just hope we can pick ourselves up.
And like you said we should give our all in the Europa League. We have nothing else to fight for that's our only hope of any success..
And I miss Lacazette so so so so so so so much
That said, Wenger should still go at the end of the season.