INTER- STELLAR
gunners silence san siro
Hello there, Arsenal Legion.
They say a week is a long time in football, but what a difference a year makes.
Twelve months ago, we left the San Siro empty-handed after a frustrating 1-0 defeat, but last night, we returned to that same arena and proved that, even without a full-strength lineup, we are a completely different beast now.
OPENING THOUGHTS
A year ago we were considered 'dark horses' and Inter were one of the favourites. Now we look like the side that everyone wants to avoid.
7 wins out of 7. Twenty goals for and only two against. What a record. From the San Mames Bilbao to the San Siro Milan, we have taken our brand of football and imposed it both home and away.
LINEUPS
Of course, it wouldn't be an Arsenal game without lineup drama, and I thought Mikel did what he normally does and went a bit too strong in a meaningless game for my liking.
I get it. Inter are a strong side, and nobody wants turned over going into a big domestic fixture the game after.
However ...that doesn't mean I agree with it.
Zubimendi played another full 90. I would have liked to have seen Norgaard give our Spanish Six a breather. Both Saka and Trossard started. Again, I would have went with Martinelli and Madueke.
The rest of the lineup, apart from Raya and Timber (who looks like he needs a breather), was thankfully rotated.
ON THE PITCH
We came out of the traps flying and were all over Inter in the early part of the game and deservedly went ahead through Gabi Jesus after (ahem) an excellent pass from Timber landed in his path to stab home.
They equalised with pretty much their first attack with a terrific curling shot from outside the box from midfielder Sucic.
The game then got a bit open and stretched, and both teams had chances before Set Piece FC came through once more with Gabi J again being Johnny on the Spot to head home from close range after Trossard had headed back across goal off the crossbar.
The game again followed a similar end-to-end pattern, but the score remained 2-1 at the break. This was the first time since 2011 that Inter had conceded two goals at home in the Champions League in the first half.
The second half was much more like us, and we kept it tight and compact and didn't let them back into the game at all.
We sealed the deal with five minutes left with a great strike from Gyokeres after a sublime outside-of-the-foot pass from sub Martinelli.
For 84 minutes, I was sure Gabi Jesus had played himself into Sunday's starting lineup until Gyokeres stepped up and reminded everyone what he's all about. Now I'm not so sure.
WHAT IT MEANS
A lot would have to happen for us not to finish top with one game to go.
For starters, the biggest one is that we'd need to lose to Kairat at home in the final game. No disrespect, but our second string should take four or five off them.
Bayern would then need to win both their remaining games with a goal difference swing of +7.
What's the benefit of finishing top, I hear you ask?
We avoid the second-placed team until the final. We get home second legs in the quarters and semis. If we make it all the way to the final, we get the home kit, dugout, etc.
Worth not resting bodies for? Hmmm, I'm not sure.
If Mikel even THINKS about playing any first teamers against Kairat I swear I'm going to hunt him down and have a word.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Got a couple of HM's to shout out.
First up is our Gabi Jesus. I know, I know, why am I not giving him MOTM? Well, I always think it's too easy to give it to a striker just because he's scored. It's what they are supposed to do.
He has certainly looked fresh and lively since returning from such a lengthy spell on the sidelines. So much so that he is now forcing serious questions about whether he deserves to start.
For a player that's never been seen as a 'natural' goalscorer, both his goals last night were pure striker's instinct types. I love to see my centre forward score scruffy goals inside the box.
He has talked openly in the press about signing a new deal (that's a post for another day), and he's sure going the right way about earning one.
My other HM might surprise a few of you, but I've gone with MLS.
Much maligned and sidelined this season, it couldn't have been easy for him to come back into such a big game last night, but I thought he handled the occasion and the pressure admirably.
He wasn't flashy; he doesn't need to be. He was steady defensively, never gave the ball away and as for where he's at right now, that is good enough. The rest of his game will return in time.
MAN OF THE MATCH
My MOTM goes to ...
This was Mosquera's first game since the 3rd of December, when he limped off just before half-time at home to Brentford.
He gets thrown back in at San Siro and pockets 'El Toro' Martinez. Not many 21-year-old centre-backs are capable of that.
City just signed Marc Guehi, who is four years older, for £20m. God only knows what the signing-on fee is, and reportedly £200k/week. We signed Mosquera for £13m, roughly £55k/week, and I honestly don't see much difference in talent between the two.
Guys like him, Hincapie, etc, are so valuable to a squad, enabling regulars to rest, but when they step in, the levels of the team aren't falling off a cliff edge.
He struggled a bit against their sub young Italian Esposito, but I think it was down more to fatigue than anything else.
Berta has found an absolute gem.
LOOKING AHEAD
Next up is a seemingly rejuvenated Manchester United this Sunday afternoon.
We will find out if they really are a different side or whether there might be a case of after the Lord Mayor's show from the Derby match last weekend.
They are fully rested for a week, so it will be another tough game, no doubt.
We'll chat more about it when I do the preview for Sunday.
Until then, take it easy, Legion.