And so we won. The team was not what I had predicted, nor was
the score line and scorers. But who cares, we won!!!
On the onset it was clear that Jurgen Klopp had a plan for
stopping RVP. As he had told in his press conference, he really stopped any
delivery to RVP. Dortmund was pressing hard and not allowing our midfield to
pass the ball fluently. For first 30 minutes or so, Dortmund was on top and
looked like threatening our Goal more than once. Somehow we managed to keep
them on bay. And then came song's challenge on Gotze to our relief! If that was
not enough then Vermaelen's trailing leg did damage to Bender and he was stretchered
off! This was i think beginning of the end for Dortmund, as their two most influential
players were off the field.
Don't know what boss said to the players during break, but
it did the trick! RVP scored from Walcott's cross! Looked like Arteta rubbed
off on Song, as he started playing really well. He was a bit sloppy in first
half, but redeemed himself superbly in second half! The dribble past three
players was stupendous and RVP scored again!!! Players knew that RVP would be
covered and service would be denied to him by Dortmund defense, hence he
started interchanging positions with Walcott, Gervinho and even Ramsey. This
strategy worked well, as RVP was left nearly unmarked for both the
goals!!!
As far as player performance goes, I think Gervinho still
needs to improve upon his first touch and finishing! Santos was exciting as
ever, Kos did the job well, Mert was okay, and Verm was outstanding in
mitigating few errors from Santos (but he was exciting anyhow!). Arteta played
really well. I think playing in Champions League brings out the best in him!! We
would have kept a clean sheet, but for Djourou, who was trying to be too clever
near the final third in dying stages!!!
All in all, a satisfying victory. A victory which will
instill even more belief in our squad. A victory which has taken us to
qualification. A victory which will give RVP a much needed rest in next round.
A victory which made haters cry out loud that Arsenal is one man army (Seriously,
I don't give a damn!!!) A victory where three players involved in scoring have few
months left on their contract (To this I do give a Damn!!!)!!!
Victory was even sweeter because Chelsea lost to Leverkusen. It made Mata think 'Did I join the right club?'. And because after Tuesday there is a ripe possibility that we'll see a
Manchester Derby in Europa League Final!!! Amen to that!!!
Till next time. Hail Gunners!!!
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