Adebayor 65 – Divers: none

It was a game of two… nah, fuck it, that’s been done to death. The truth is that we didn’t look particularly bad in the first half. It was just that Villareal looked exceptionally good. But, despite the fact that the commentators pointed out that both Villareal and Arsenal were the “Dark horses of the competition” (read:  shit teams who would never make it in such an illustrious contest), the fact remains: these are the quarter finals. Shit teams don’t make it this far. So, I wasn’t surprised to see Villareal playing like Arsenal in the first half. In fact, I was quite worried by it. Ten minutes in, Marcus Senna went unmarked from about 27 yards out and positively blasted one into the top right past a fully stretched Almunia and we went in the tunnel down 1-0. They were keeping possession quite well, and they looked to have enough steam to keep it up for the full 90.

But then Arsène got hold of the lads in the locker room. As we’ve seen so many times this season, a very different Arsenal emerged from the tunnel, and we began bossing the match. Villareal had seemed to lose a bit of tooth as we started creating chances. Then at 65? Cesc Fabregas used his incredible ability to pick out the perfect pass and chipped one upfield to Emmanuel Adebayor who, as we’ve seen him do before, took it on his chest and then inverted himself to nail it home. I’ve read in at least one place that he probably won’t be able to repeat such a feat. But, he’s done it before. I’m convinced he practices these type of shots. Whatever, they’re certainly pretty to watch. And, it was a even prettier as an Away Goal.

So, we’ll have Villareal at The Grove next week for the other leg. Despite the advantage we go into the match with, it won’t be easy. They will probably come storming out at us again if they’re to advance. One home goal and a decent defensive performance should see us through. Although, reports are filtering in that William Gallas’ season may be over. Hopefully not. His form has improved drastically since the weight of captaincy was taken off his shoulders. Also, it looks like Manuel Almunia will be sidelined for a bit as well.

This weekend sees us travel up the JJB for our away fixture with Wigan. They’re coming off a 4-0 thumping at the hands of Everton. You may remember the win we barely scraped over Wigan at The Grove back in December. It was also the match where The Ebooing took place. Well, I never thought I’d be writing this back in December, but: Emmanuel Eboue is doing fairly well these days. Including a cheeky little run into the box last night at Villareal that may have created a late winner for us. Perhaps The Ebooing was just what he needed? Perhaps he can show Steve Bruce’s men what he’s really got? We shall see.

Adebayor 8, 49 – Divers: Robinho

What a return for Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor. The two combined to create both goals and almost a third. With a supporting cast that was firing on all cylinders, Citeh never had a chance.

We lined up in a 4-2-3-1 with Cesc in the hole behind Ade. That, combined with pure speed and trickery of Theo & Andrey on the wings was just too much for Hughes’ men. Honestly, I think it would be too much for most sides. Denilson and Song did a great job in the middle and the back four held the lines nicely. Almunia wasn’t tested much, but when he was, he was spot on as usual.

About ten minutes in, Theo takes a decent knock but continued. He ended the day with an ice pack on his knee, but he’s been passed fit along with Samir Nasri for the trip to Villareal. Kolo also put in a nice performance, getting into the attack on several occasions. One time even getting up along the right side of the goal and nearly netting.

Overall, a great showing, albeit a bit disappointing from Man City. Seeing Robinho and Bellamy in the lineup, I expected more of a test. But they weren’t having their best day. Oh, well… three points to usMy biggest concern for Tuesday is whether or not the team will be rested enough, especially with travel.

This Saturday’s tea fixture sees the arrival of Manchester City at Ashburton Grove. You may recall the sound thumping we received at the hands of the sky blue half of Manchester this past November. We paid them a visit at a time when injuries were mounting and the whole Captain Gallas affair had reached a fever pitch. After that game, I declared the team officially in crisis. And they were. But I also declared that if anyone was going to turn things around, it would be Arsène Wenger. And he did… by handing Cesc Fabregas the armband. It worked. Soon, the team would embark on their longest unbeaten run since The Invincibles. A run that continues today. Can we exact some revenge upon Manchester City? Citeh’s away form has been dismal of late, producing two draws and four losses. They now sit soundly in the middle of the table, just three points outside of playing UEFA Cup ball next season.

The Arsenal side they face this time around couldn’t be more of a polar opposite than the one they faced in November. Of course, we’ve picked up the obligatory injuries from the pointless International Break, as always. But Arsène Wenger now has an abundance of striking talent to choose from, whereas in November, we almost put Vic Akers on the pitch. By no means do I think this will be an easy match, though. Robinho’s form is off & on. If it’s on, our back four will have some work to do. The same can be said for Wright-Phillips. If he has a good day, we could find ourselves on the back foot, and right quick.

Cesc Fabregas might be in the squad, back from his knee damage. It’s unclear how match fit he will be, but we need him. Also, we should see the return of Emmanuel Adebayor, and it will be interesting to see how he plays. Quite a bit of competition has cropped up in striking roles of late. I’d be shocked if we see the same lackadaisical Manu we saw last. Arsène also has to field a squad to travel to El Madrigal on Tuesday for the first leg of the Champions League Quarter Finals against Villareal. Crazy, but good times for the Arsenal. I’m very much looking forward to both of these matches. Come on you GUNNERS!

In other news: Geordie Messiah Alan Shearer, known far and wide for his spectacular timing, has made his triumphant return to help see Newcastle United safely down to the Championship, where they will prepare for their triumphant return to glory in 2013. God speed, Alan.