In what could be described as a pulsating game of football, Arsenal managed to grab a crucial away goal that could be the deciding factor when Villarreal travel to the Emirates. After an abysmal first half performance which saw Gallas and Almunia being substituted after picking up injuries, it seemed to be an uphill task for our lads. The 10th minute thunderbolt by Marcos Senna gave the hosts the lead... a spectacular goal to open the account. It was a struggle in the first half where we didn't control the ball well and gave away possession easily. They created more and better chances leaving us on the backfoot. I must say, Fabianski was exemplary. He kept his cool and made some glorious saves.
Came the second half and we were on our way... as always, the half time talk energised the team and we showed remarkable improvement from the first half and kept more of the ball. Walcott, with his lightning pace penetrated the Villarreal defence quite a few times and Nasri, Fab and Denilson too chipped in with their bit to create confusion in the minds of their defenders. Ade was ordinary throughout the game until he produced a staggering goal out of nowhere. He controlled Fab's delivery with his chest before rolling over and kicking the ball into the net leaving the goalkeeper dazed. A perfect scissor kick to cut the one goal advantage of the hosts and more importantly scoring an away goal in the 66th minute.
The last time we played on this ground, we were rescued by a dramatic late penalty save from Jens Lehmann which helped us reach the final of the Champions league. This is a very decent result and we go to the Emirates with the upper hand. There is no room for complacency but this draw is a favourable outcome and just what we wanted, the away goal factor being very important. So here we come Rome... one step closer...
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