FOOTBALL: ARSENAL 1-0 VILLARREAL

Toure created history in Highbury to be the last player to score in the last European match played there. At least Arsenal won the last match 1-0. It was a fast and exciting match with most offense by Arsenal, having many chances to score. Villarreal with their 2nd choice defence and goalkeeper really struggled to maintain the scoreline low against them.

Arsenal were the better side, playing well collectively as a unit, even with old horses Ljungberg and Pires doing well the whole night through. Henry again was dangerous all the time and the only goal of the match was possible because of the smart move started by him passing into the penalty box to Hleb who finally passed in for Toure to score.

Arsenal escaped a penalty booking for the from behind tackling of Jose Mari by Gilberto in the box. I guess the referee missed it. Riquelme complained and got a yellow card. Villarreal escaped a red card booking for Sanjuan Quique Alvarez I think for holding on Henry when he attacked. There were a few offside goals scored by Arsenal which according to replays were correct. Pires came close a few times to score.

The game in the first half was more exciting while the second half was more defending for Villarreal and attacking for Arsenal. Villarreal had alot of players falling down and wasting time, frustrating Arsene Wenger as he definitely wanted more goals to be scored before the 2nd leg.

The interesting part was a squirrel interfering the match during the first half. It was busy running around in the pitch, eager to be part of the action. I was having this outrageous thought of what will happen when a cross came in, hit the squirrel and goes into the net? Well, the scoresheet will have an animal, which is the SQUIRREL scoring for the first time in history! Haha!

Looking at the overall performances of both clubs, it is clear that Arsenal were the better side of the night and deserved to go through for their workmanship and sportsmanship. They need to defend a draw or at least score a goal to make life very difficult for Villarreal in Spain. It should not be a problem for them. They have an added advantage too now that Tacchinardi will not play in the second leg for his card collection. Arsenal can go all the way and most probably meet Barcelona.

While let me get back to my work or sleep. You guys have a good week ahead!