Brilliant team effort by Arsenal

Let me just say that this was one of our good team games. Strong defending at the back and the mid field dominated over all. Nasri-Bendtner had the games of their lives!

The first ten minutes of the game were all Arsenal. The first goal was actually a bad call by the linesman. Arshavin headed the ball after coming from an off-side position but a great through ball by Nasri to Arshavin caused a havoc inside the Porto box and Bendtner finished the goal. Credit to Bendtner for being in the right position at the right time. Thats what the strikers are suppose to do!

The second goal was individual brilliance by our Russian prince Arshavin. His dribbling sometimes leaves defenders embarrassed. Bendtner did well to stay on-side. The first half was all Arsenal. Porto strikers hardly had any sniff of the goal.

The second half started differently. Seemed like the team had gone asleep. This was the period where Sol had some serious work to do. Nasri blocked a header at the post from a corner kick. This was the time where Arsenal woke up again and Nasri scored the best goal of 2010 so far. He dribbled through 3 defenders and shot from the acutest of the angles at the far post. Inch perfect. Nasri played very well throughout the game. He had some big shoes to fill but did a splendid job today. HE was man of the match for me. He pulled the strings very well in place of the absent Fabregas. Within the next two minutes Arsenal scored on the counter attack. Clichy cleared a corner kick which fell perfectly for Arshavin after a bad control by a Porto player. Arshavin ran about 40 yards with the big Manu making a lung bursting run to his right. He slipped a perfect reverse pass to Manu and Manu scored a good goal with the Porto keeper drawn out to the 6 yard box! Eboue also contributed to the last goal by drawing in a foul inside the box which won us a penalty. The big Den scored well, a cool finish from the spot.

Special mention should be made about the blocks and tackles put in by TV5. He was carded early in the game. But he made some very useful tackles. Sol looked calm and composed on most of the occasions. Clichy had a good game. Worked very hard and kept Hulk under control for most part. Sagna defended well but crossing was poor most part apart from a perfect dipping cross to Bendtner who missed it. Almunia was alright. Didnt have much to do all game.

Song and Diaby looked very comfortable. I hope Diaby can play this weekend against Hull. We will need his strength with Song suspended. Denilson could not really influence the game when he came on for Nasri who got a standing ovation along with Arshavin. Theo didnt have too much to do. Rosicky had a decent dribbling game. However the team today seemed to be passing badly than the usual inch perfect passing.

So we advance ahead and certainly hope we can go beyond the next round as well. I dont have that confidence about this team. If we get a non-English opposition, there is a chance. Lets see what happens. Would not mind, if I am proved wrong about progressing beyond semis. Oh well, we will find out by April End.

My prediction was wrong about the final score line but I am happy today like every other gooner on this god's green earth. Hope to feel the same way tomorrow if you know what I mean :D