INTER MILAN (1) FC BARCELONA (2): Barca looked to be cruising after beind 2-goals up inside 20mins, but slack marking allowed Marco Materazzi (SW, D C) to head Inter back into the tie. Now, at the San Siro, where Inter have been impressive all season, they’ll have to be considered favorites unless Barca can release the handbreak and hit the net as reliably – and often – as they have at times in this campaign.

MAN UTD (1) CHELSEA FC (2): The 2nd of the behemoth battles to be finely balanced heading into the 2nd leg. West African duo Didier Drogba (ST) and Michael Essien (D C, M C) gave the Blues a 2-goal lead that was critically halved by a Paul Scholes penalty, and that away goal gives the Red Devils a way back into the tie. Interestingly enough both sides lost their talismanic hitmen to injury – Drogba is now out for up to 2weeks, while Ruud van Nistlerooy (ST) will be out for less but shall be sitting this one out regardless. Chelsea’s travel plans are further hampered by the fact that William Gallas (D LC) and Frank Lampard (AM C) are suspended, while Arjen Robben hasn’t overcome an injury picked up on international duty. This one could really go either way, and depends on how badly Man Utd want it, because it looks like archnemeses Chelsea could be there for the taking.

REAL MADRID (0) REAL BETIS (0): Los Blancos were unceremoniously blanked in the 1st leg, meaning they’ve got no away goals to fall back on. To win this outright, they’ll have to beat a determined and resilient Betis side that has thus far astounded all critics in still being alive at this stage of the competition.

TEAM NEWS: Long-term absentee Philippe Senderos (D LC, broken leg – thigh) is still out for another 4weeks; David Bentley (AM RLC, shin splints) is out for 2weeks.
Gilberto Silva (DM), Valeri Bojinov (AM R, ST) are a booking away from suspension.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
THIERRY HENRY (ST): The maestro leads our offensive line, and poses our most palpable threat in extending our aggregate lead over Porto; here’s hoping this game sees him comfortably over 30goals in all contests. ROBIN VAN PERSIE (AM LC, F C) is our next most experienced offensive player, and will have a lot to make up for his very disappointing showing at Newcastle in the league on the weekend. JOSEPH YOBO (D C, DM), a revelation since signing him in the off-season, is our most in-form defender and will be key in keeping out a potent Porto offense desperate for 2 away goals.

PORTO: The Portuguese giants really have their backs up against it, seeing as they’ve got a one-goal deficit to overturn and 2 away goals to make up for. In all fairness, Porto have proven they can beat us, and can score freely on our turf, and, in whipping relegation-threatened Feirense 3-1 on the road to tighten their fierce grip on the league summit, they certainly warmed up far better than we did. They’ll have to come at us hard to prevent us from playing our game, and hoping our Emirates jinx carries over to continental play, too.

TEAM NEWS: André Bahia (SW, DC); Sandro (D/WB/M L); Ibson (M C); and Lucho González (M C); Thomas Gravesen (DM) is on loan from Real Madrid and ineligible for this competition.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
DIEGO (AM C): The Brazilian maestro scored the equalizing goal in the last leg, his 10th in all contests, giving Porto a way back into the tie, and all his guile, technique and ruthless finishing will be required for the visitors to complete an amazing comeback. MARTIN STRANZL (D C) was the 2nd best Porto player behind their playmaker, and will need to be at his sharpest to keep the home side at bay. BENNI MCCARTHY (ST) had a disappointing outing, but with away goals the currency on which these ties can be turned, plenty of eyes will be on him tonight, as well as on NETO POITGUAR (AM/F C), who has scored or created a goal in each of his last 5games (tallying 6goals and 1assist), including the assist for Diego’s goal in the last leg.

ARSENAL LINEUP (4-4-2):
Jens Lehmann (GK)
Eboué (D/WB R), Touré (D RC), Yobo (D C, DM), Clichy (D/WB/M L)
Billy Jones (D RLC, DM), Hleb (AM C), Gilberto (DM), van Persie (AM LC, F C)
Bendtner (ST), Henry (ST)

BENCH: Manuel Almunia (GK), Valeri Bojinov (AM R, ST), Gonzalo (SW, D C), Dennis Bergkamp (AM/F C), Vincenzo Iaquinta (ST), Ashley Cole (D RL, WB L), Fredrik Ljungberg (AM RL)

It seems an almost experimental side, with Bendtner pairing Henry and Billy Jones manning the right flank, but young Jones has been training well there and is suspended against Everton, the club he very almost moved to, and Bendtner needs to start showing whether or not he can cut it at this level after all. But there’s no denying the strength of the team I’m putting out, with suddenly misfiring Flamini, exhausted Fabregas and speedy Ryan Smith all being rested.

ARSENAL FORM ALL CONTESTS (WLWWL):
5-0 Leeds (A)
0-1 Chelsea (H)
3-0 Q.P.R. (A)
2-1 Porto (A)
0-1 Newcastle (A)

PORTO FORM ALL CONTESTS (WWWLW):
1-0 Vizela (H)
2-1 Lyon (A)
4-0 E. Amadora (H)
1-2 Arsenal (H)
3-1 Feirense (A)

PORTO CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RUN:
4-1 Olympique Lyonnais (H) – 1st Knockout Round, Leg 1
2-1 Olympique Lyonnais (A) – 1st Knockout Round, Leg 2
1-2 Arsenal FC (H) – Quarter Final, Leg 1

ARSENAL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RUN:
3-2 Shakhtar Donetsk (A) – 1st Knockout Round, Leg 1
3-0 Shakhtar Donetsk (H) – 1st Knockout Round, Leg 2
2-1 FC Porto (A) – Quarter Final, Leg 1

PAST MEETINGS:
POR 2 ARS 1 – Champions League Group B (Sept 13, ’05)
ARS 4 POR 3 – Champions League Group B (Nov 23, ’05)
POR 1 ARS 2 – Champions League Quarter Final, Leg 1 (Mar 28, ’07)

Fabregas was easily robbed in the middle of the park, setting up a break that saw Campbell recklessly haul down Michael Owen inside the area. Michael Chopra stepped up to take the resultant penalty kick, but Lehmann was equal to it. Rather than learning from the experience, we still struggled to find any rhythm and, on the quarter-hour, James Milner dispatched a glorious free kick that left Lehmann stranded and handed the home side a lead that we failed to adequately challenge. Chelsea, on the other hand, one 2-0 over Portsmouth to edge ahead of us in the standings and set up a tense and frantic finish to the season. We’re clearly not the form side in this equation, having easily handed over the impetus, and we’ll have our backs up against it if we’re to repeat as champions this season.

N’CASTLE 1 (James Milner 14’)
ARSL 0

ARSENAL TEAM RATINGS: Jens Lehmann: 7 – Billy Jones: 8, Kolo Touré: 6, Sol Campbell: 6, Ashley Cole: 8 – Fredrik Ljungberg: 6 (Valeri Bojinov [57’]: 7), Francesc Fabregas: 7, Mathieu Flamini: 6, Gaël Clichy: 6 (Nicklas Bendtner [57’]: 7) – Vincenzo Iaquinta: 6, Robin van Persie: 6 (Aliaksandr Hleb: 6 [75’])

STATS:

STANDINGS:

TEAM NEWS: Scott Parker (DM, bruised shin) is out for 3days to a week; Belozoglu Emre (M LC, dislocated shoulder) is out for another month.
Kieron Dyer (WB R, AM RC) and Andy O’Brien (AM L) are one booking away from suspension.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
MICHAEL OWEN (ST): Certainly a far cry from the player that terrified defenses with Liverpool, he is still a class act that instinctively knows his way to the back of the net. As the club’s leading scorer this season with 15goals under his belt, Newcastle knows that the way to goal will likely run through him. ALBERT LUQUE (AM L, ST) is not the most celebrated striker around, but he’s nabbed 9goals largely from midfield, and could be a very serious attacking outlet for the home side. AMDY FAYE (DM) is arguably their best player this season, and will be no less critical today against a very offensive outlet, and his job will be to slow them down and protect his backline – most notably the very impressive TITUS BRAMBLE (D C) and glovesman SHAY GIVEN (GK).

ARSENAL (1st, 69pts: 22-3-4): No rest for the weary, unfortunately, as we returned from Portugal only to fly north to Newcastle with only a 3-day window. No further complaints will be issued, though it is important to stress that a number of my players will thus be missing through exhaustion or just a need to rest them, from Gilberto to Thierry Henry to Ryan Smith. But we’ve got a good squad, and we’ve been solid on the road this term and we have to continue that, especially with Chelsea breathing down our necks as they entertain Portsmouth later this afternoon. We need to stick to our gameplan, though the worry is with not wearing out the likes of Fabregas before more Champions League action midweek. Our bench is going to be pretty thin, but I’m satisfied with our quality.

TEAM NEWS: Philippe Senderos (D LC, broken leg – thigh) is out; David Bentley (AM RLC, shin splints) is out for another 2weeks.
Mathieu Flamini (D R, DM), Billy Jones (D RLC, DM), Gaël Clichy (D/WB/M L), Emmanuel Eboué (D/WB R), Robin van Persie (AM LC, F C), and Joseph Yobo (D C, DM) are all one booking away from suspension.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
VINCENZO IAQUINTA (ST): He’s playing ever so well, coming off the bench to help set up our second and mop up defensively against Porto. All that’s missing is the goals, and they will come soon enough. FRANCESC FABREGAS (M RC) is our beating heart and will be dictating play, with ROBIN VAN PERSIE (AM LC, F C) serving as Iaquinta’s foil up front. JENS LEHMANN (GK) is pressing his case for a contract extension and could be critical, as could MATHIEU FLAMINI (D R, DM) in giving us a toehold in midfield.

ARSENAL LINEUP (4-4-2):
Jens Lehmann (GK)
Billy Jones (D RLC, DM), Touré (D RC), Campbell (D C), Cole (D RL, WB L)
Ljungberg (AM RL), Fabregas (M RC), Flamini (D R, DM), Clichy (D/WB/M L)
Iaquinta (ST), van Persie (AM LC, F C)

BENCH: Manuel Almunia (GK), Aliaksandr Hleb (AM C), Nicklas Bendtner (ST), Joseph Yobo (D C, DM), Valeri Bojinov (AM R, ST)

Gonzalo (SW, D C) just misses out, after his great performance for Argentina but the transcontinental trip makes me wary to risk him. Hleb will likely be replacing Fabregas as both are a wee bit short, and I expect two of Bendtner, Bojinov and/or Yobo to make a showing at some stage in proceedings.

NEWCASTLE FORM: DWLWW (ALL CONTESTS: WLWWW)

ARSENAL FORM: WLWWL (ALL CONTESTS: WWLWW)

LAST MEETING:
ARSL 2 N’CASTLE 0 (Oct 10, ’06)

LAST CORRESPONDING FIXTURE:
N’CASTLE 1 ARSL 1 (Apr 17, ’06)

On 12mins, Bojinov saw his snapshot from just outside the area just clear the crossbar. Three minutes later, he turned provider when, having drifted out wide, he sent in a deflected cross that home ‘keeper Hélton made a hash of collecting and Henry, fending off Índio, was on hand to bundle home the ball. Not the prettiest goal our talisman has scored on the continent, but important nonetheless, especially as it was an away one.

A neat passing move saw Porto cleave through our midfield but Anderson’s shot from outside the area was comfortably collected by Lehmann. They came back with a free kick, which Eboué did well to intercept before springing Bojinov with a well-weighted pass, who dribbled into the box to force Hélton into a save. Macquet was on-hand to clear the rebound before any Arsenal attackers could arrive on the scene.

Neto Poitiguar sent a header wide on the half-hour as the home side struggled to impose themselves. But inside the final 10mins they fashioned their best chance as Raúl Bravo intercepted a poor Eboué throw-in to set up Anderson, who neatly passed to playmaker Diego in the box. The Brazilian didn’t have a second to settle as Yobo immediately dispossessed him with a monster tackle; however Anderson picked up the rebound and found Benni McCarthy on the penalty spot, back to goal, and the South African international spun and somehow contrived to scoop his effort hopelessly over the bar – it was a major warning and let-off for us.

In the last minute of regulation time in the half, Henry picked up a Cole pass and drifted out wide before floating a far-post cross for Bojinov, but Hélton produced a magnificent point-blank save from the Bulgarian’s header. But in the first minute of added time, Porto came back with another great chance, as McCarthy beat Yobo to a cross into the box to force Lehamann into an equally stunning save; the offside flag was up either way.

The second half began with even more drama as, within a minute of the restart, Índio’s poor clearance from an attempted Gilberto pass to Henry fell kindly for Bojinov to steamroll past the defense and test Hélton with a venomous shot. The shot-stopper earned his keep by parrying, but Henry won the race to the rebound and, admittedly under pressure from just inside the area, contrived to dispatch his shot at the empty net against the near post. The ball rebounded across the goalmouth for Bojinov to reclaim, back to goal, and spin to shoot past the still advanced Hélton – but Índio, the man who started the whole debacle, was on-hand to clear off the line! In all reality, it should have been 2-0 to the Arsenal!

It proved a major turning point as 3 short minutes later Porto launched a lightning break down our left, with Benni McCarthy and Neto Potiguar linking up fabulously for the latter to slip the former’s cut-back in to Diego, who unleashed a neat curler into Lehmann’s top corner to level the game.

We were clearly rattled as, from a free kick that Gilberto conceded and got booked for, Índio dribbled out wide before lofting a cross into the box for Benni McCarthy to collect and volley home first time – but once again the flag was raised and the goal disallowed for offside.

That seemed to wake us up, as I hauled off Fabregas – who had been doing well, mind you – for Iaquinta, bringing Bojinov back into midfield to inject further pace on the right to compliment Ryan Smith’s on the left. The move paid almost immediate dividends: Touré headed clear a pass to Hleb, who swiveled to find Bojinov, getting his head onto the pass just ahead of his marker to send through Iaquinta on goal. Hélton rushed out to close him down and, in a moment of astute awareness and immense unselfishness, Iaquinta fed the ball out left for Henry, leaving Hélton stranded and helpless. The Frenchman didn’t take a simple punt on goal, possibly rattled by his earlier miss, as he opted to instead round the rapidly retreating Índio before slotting home from close range to double Porto’s woes and his tally.

Off the restart, Touré cleared a long ball to Eboué, who launched a long pass of his own for Iaquinta to flick into the path of Hleb, and he in turn flicked a pinpoint pass over the defense onto Henry on the edge of the area, but his typical calm seemed to abandon him as he sent a shot wide and into orbit.

With 20mins to go, we fashioned another fine move as Bojinov, Iaquinta and Hleb combined to find Ryan Smith on the left, who drifted to the edge of the area before curling a pass past the defense and into Henry, who looked destined to score before his shot deflected off China, who was paying close attention to him, taking the sting off it for a grateful Hélton to catch.

Índio’s free kick from the left channel 5mins later found Benni McCarthy on the spot, as he somehow evaded the attentions of both Yobo and Hleb to fire on goal, but Lehmann blocked wonderfully and Cole cleared desperately to concede the corner.

The home side launched a dangerous counter in the last minute of regulation time as they cleared from a free kick, and Benni McCarthy stole down the left to whip in a cross to the far post, where an unmarked Anderson collected and shot, but Lehmann produced a magnificent save to deny him point-blank.

A mad dash in our area, set off by some slick Porto passing, ended anticlimactically as Anderson shot wide when well-placed. There was to be no last-minute saving goal, and Porto face a daunting trip to Ashburton Grove as firm underdogs to overturn this reverse.

POR 1 (Diego 50’)
ARS 2 (Henry 16’, 68’)

ARSENAL TEAM RATINGS: Jens Lehmann: 8 – Emmanuel Eboué: 7, Kolo Abib Touré: 8, Joseph Yobo: 8, Ashley Cole: 7 – Francesc Fabregas: 8 (Vincenzo Iaquinta [65’]: 8), Aliaksandr Hleb: 8 (Mathieu Flamini [78’]: 6), Gilberto Silva: 8, Ryan Smith: 7 – Valeri Bojinov: 8 (Fredrik Ljungberg [72’]: 6), Thierry Henry: 9

MoM: Thierry Henry (ST, Arsenal)
Yellow Cards: Benni McCarthy, China (POR); Gilberto Silva, Ryan Smith, Joseph Yobo (ARS)

TEAM NEWS: André Bahia (SW, D C, strained knee ligaments) is out for up to a month; Sandro (D/WB/M L, torn calf muscle) will be out of commission for 2mths.
Thomas Gravesen (DM) is on loan from Real Madrid and cup-tied for Porto.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
DIEGO (AM C): You can’t really look further than the Brazilian midfield maestro, who has youth and an abundance of skill and maturity on his side. Already attracting strong interest from Barcelona, Juventus and, to a lesser extent, Arsenal, he is a key cog in the engine room for the home side. BENNY MCCARTHY (ST) is the club’s leading scorer this season, with 12goals from only 19 games; if he gets a run-out, his continental rivals Touré and Yobo will have their hands full keeping him under wraps. MARTIN STRANZL (D C) is the key cog in their defensive lineup, and will need to be at his sharpest to fend off the dreaded away goal.

ARSENAL: Chelsea put the kibosh on our hopes to coast to domestic success, meaning that we’re now fighting tooth-and-nail on three fronts. We visit Newcastle 3days after this, which is a major, major test, and coming on the heels of a European bout – and that coming on the heels of internationals – man-management will be key. We’re not entirely unfamiliar with Porto, having faced them twice in the group stages last season with mixed results. We were thoroughly 2nd-best at the Estádio do Dragão despite great efforts from Jens Lehmann and Ryan Smith, falling behind 2-0 before a Bergkamp goal gave the loss some more respectability. In the return, we twice let 2-goal leads be halved before holding on for a roller coaster 4-3 win. If anything, we’ve improved mightily since then, but so has Porto, and this is going to be a brutal test of our skills. There are no favorites going into this – it’ll depend on who wants it more.

TEAM NEWS: We’re boasting a pretty healthy roster for a change, save for Philippe Senderos (D LC, broken leg – thigh), out for 2mths, and David Bentley (AM RLC – shin splits), who is out for another 2-3wks. Gonzalo (SW, D C) has been allowed to travel for international duty with Argentina.
Valeri Bojinov (AM R, ST) is one booking away from suspension.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
VALERI BOJINOV (AM R, ST): The burgeoning striker has developed a habit of shining in cup tourneys, having netted an incredible 9 times in 7 European games this season. With Iaquinta out of form, a lot of the scoring burden will rest on his shoulders, although he will be partnered with THIERRY HENRY (ST), perhaps the best strike partner an up-and-coming hitman could ask for. KOLO TOURÉ (D RC) and JOSEPH YOBO (D C, DM), whose successful partnership has been a very bright light in a rather sterling season thus far, will have to stand up as tall as ever tonight.

ARSENAL LINEUP (4-4-2):
Eboué (D/WB R), Touré (D RC), Yobo (D C, DM), Cole (D RL, WB L)
Fabregas (M RC), Hleb (AM C), Gilberto (DM), Ryan Smith (AM LC, ST)
Bojinov (AM R, ST), Henry (ST)

BENCH: Manuel Almunia (GK), Fredrik Ljungberg (AM RL), Mathieu Flamini (D R, DM), Sol Campbell (D C), Vicenzo Iaquinta (ST), Nicklas Bendtner (ST), Gaël Clichy (D/WB/M L)

It’s a major, major gamble starting Ryan Smith on the left, but the lad’s got to grow sometime. Besides, the last time we visited Porto he started, and excelled, although we lost. Either Hleb or Fabregas or both will have to make way as we keep an eye on Newcastle on the weekend.

PORTO FORM (ALL CONTESTS): WDWWW
ARSENAL FORM (ALL CONTESTS): WWWLW

PORTO CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RUN:
4-1 Olympique Lyonnais (H) – 1st Knockout Round, Leg 1
2-1 Olympique Lyonnais (A) – 1st Knockout Round, Leg 2

ARSENAL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RUN:
3-2 Shakhtar Donetsk (A) – 1st Knockout Round, Leg 1
3-0 Shakhtar Donetsk (H) – 1st Knockout Round, Leg 2

PAST MEETINGS:
POR 2 ARS 1 – Champions League Group B (Sept 13, ’05)
ARS 4 POR 3 – Champions League Group B (Nov 23, ’05)

CHELSEA FC (6-4) v MANCHESTER UNITED (13-8): The pick of the bunch, as this massive English rivals meet in a tie brimming with familiarity, significance and importance. The Red Devils have failed to beat the Blues in 5 tries over the last 2 seasons, registering 3 draws (2 goalless) and losing twice, including a 1-3 reverse in this season’s FA Cup. Chelsea will be missing the services of new signing, cup-tied Gareth Bale (D L, M LC) and suspended Shaun Wright-Phillips (AM R), but most significantly Arjen Robben (AM RL), injured on international duty and out for 2weeks with a twisted knee. Man Utd will also be unable to call on their winged wonder Cristiano Ronaldo (AM RL) as he’s suspended.

FC PORTO (7-4) v ARSENAL FC (5-4): These two traded wins in last season’s edition of the tournament, but there was a lot less at stake as they were just group stage matches. Porto shocked Arsenal 2-1 in Portugal, and gave them a scare in the return leg by twice halving a 2-goal lead before losing 4-3. Both sides have significantly improved since then, and this one could be a battle for the ages between ruthless attacking philosophies.

FC BARCELONA (5-4) v INTERNAZIONALE MILAN (7-4): Once again Barca find themselves in the pick of the round, against another Italian team locked in one of the tightest Serie A battles in recent memory. They haven’t met one another recently, and after a nail-biting finish over Juventus, the Blaugrana most be wondering who they’ve vexed to get another mammoth Italian draw. Inter has improved drastically this season, and while they lack the tactical guile and depth of Juve – who they’re matching blow-for-blow in the league – they’re probably an even more offensive side, a fact that should scare a defensively iffy Barca that was ripped to shreds at home by the Bianconeri. If you had to pick one to watch live, this would be it.

REAL BETIS (7-4) v REAL MADRID (5-4): Another domestic tie, as Betis try to force their way into the semis for the first time against seasoned pros – and perennial champs – Real Madrid. Oddly enough, Betis has had the upper hand in recent meetings, beating them twice in 3 attempts (drawing once) including a shocking but very well deserved 2-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeau in December. Los Blancos will no doubt be looking for vengeance, but after ousting European juggernauts Liverpool in the last round, Betis will have no shortage of confidence in adding another mammoth scalp to their collection.
]]> http://savageternalwsm06.wordpress.com/2009/04/04/uefa-champions-league-quarter-final-1st-leg-previews/feed/ 0 savageternal http://savageternalwsm06.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/queens-park-rangers-0-arsenal-3-fa-cup-6th-round/ http://savageternalwsm06.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/queens-park-rangers-0-arsenal-3-fa-cup-6th-round/#comments Fri, 20 Mar 2009 22:03:16 +0000 savageternal http://savageternalwsm06.wordpress.com/?p=270 ]]> Despite a goalless 1st half, we were never in threat of an upset, and once we kicked things up a gear we very easily and stylishly dispatched our more humble London hosts to advance to the semi-finals of the FA Cup once more.

Bojinov and Iaquinta linked up well, as they are oft to, for the latter to proceed on a marauding run into the box, where he was well dispossessed by a great last-ditch tackle from Evatt. Coming back again, this time it was our left flank that combined well as Bergkamp collected a Clichy pass before brilliantly delaying the return to find the full-back-cum-winger in the box. Clichy controlled well and found Iaquinta at the far post for the simplest of tap-ins, but the ‘keeper Royce somehow managed to block his point-blank shot for Hislop to clear for a corner with enthusiasm. The giant Italian wasn’t going to get an easier chance than that, and it sort of summed up his luck of recent.

Clichy received the resulting corner in the box, but his shot was cleared off the line. Mere minutes later, just past the quarter-hour mark, another Gonzalo corner landed for Clichy, who forced an excellent save from Royce at his near post.

A poor clearance from Royce allowed Bojinov to step in and strip intended recipient Doherty of the ball, playing it up into the path of Iaquinta, but Royce did magnificently well to stop his shot at the post. Regardless, the move was called back for a debatable offside on Iaquinta.

With 10mins left in the half, the home side still hadn’t fashioned a half-decent side, and it was us again as Ryan Smith, playing in the center, unleashed a fabulous throughball for Iaquinta to latch onto, but despite a great run, the Italian’s shot was once again parried to safety by Royce.

Sebastian Larsson inexplicably escaped a booking after bringing down a QPR player on the edge of the area, and Almunia rose alertly to parry away the resulting free kick into the box and clear the danger.

Immediately we were back at them, and a great combination between Larsson and Flamini allowed the latter to play Bergkamp into the box, and though the Dutch veteran’s shot was great, Royce’s save was – apparently – greater, tipping the ball away for Shimmin to hoof clear.

For the 2nd half, I dropped Bergkamp into the hole and pushed Ryan Smith up alongside Iaquinta. QPR got their first real shot at goal, when Gallen and Moore played a one-two for the latter to fire wide from outside the area.

But the half was less than 5mins old when we finally got the break our pressure deserved. Off an attacking free kick from QPR, Gonzalo cleared well for Smith to pick up and start a lightning break. He passed wide to Clichy, who cut inside and played a good ball to Bojinov, who expertly drifted past and around Doherty before beating Royce at his near post from an acute angle.

Iaquinta picked up a deep throw-in and swiveled to play a fabulous ball down the line for Smith, who galloped on goal but was too unselfish by trying to play in Clichy instead, who was too deep and wide and could only send his headed effort into the side netting.

Ljungberg replaced Iaquinta, allowing Bojinov to slot in as an out-and-out striker, and it immediately paid big dividends. The substitute delivered a corner for Smith, who played in Bojinov at the far past. The Bulgarian’s point-blank effort was repelled by Royce, but the rebound was straight back to Bojinov, who buried ruthlessly with power.

Bendtner came on for the excellent Bojinov, but it was QPR that had the next few chances, with Gallen heading wide and Moore sending a shot just over the bar.

But the killer blow was quick to arrive, as in the 80th minute Billy Jones supplied a wonderful long pass for Ryan Smith to collect and dispatch past a helpless Royce – all in one move, mind you – displaying the poise and aplomb of a veteran.

If there was indeed any tragedy for us, it’s that poor Iaquinta failed to net, despite a running, battling performance and a number of solid chances to break his duck, stretching to 7games since returning from injury, and 8 if you count before the injury. But it’ll happen soon enough. But a major positive from the game would be Ryan Smith’s exquisite performance that fully earned him his Man-of-the-Match award, despite excellent Bojinov’s brace.

Q.P.R. 0
ARSL 3 (Bojinov 50’, 72’, Ryan Smith 80’)

ARSENAL TEAM RATINGS: Manuel Almunia: 8 – Billy Jones: 8, Gonzalo: 8, Sol Campbell: 8, Sebastian Larsson: 7 – Valeri Bojinov: 9 (Nicklas Bendtner [73’]: 6), Mathieu Flamini: 8, Ryan Smith: 9, Gaël Clichy: 8 – Vincenzo Iaquinta: 7 (Fredrik Ljungberg [66’]: 7), Dennis Bergkamp: 7 (Johannes Djourou [81’]: 7)

MoM: Ryan Smith (AM LC, ST – Arsenal)

Q.P.R.: This is a real London derby as the Championship outfit welcome Arsenal, a full 47 places above them in the English footballing hierarchy. Q.P.R. have been solid this season in the Championship but lie in 10th place, well outside the promotion spots, so a chance at FA Cup glory will be all the more inviting for them (plus London derbies, regardless of your rank in the pecking order, are still passionately competitive affairs).

TEAM NEWS: No less than 4 players are sidelined through injury. Powerful Nigerian defender Danny Shittu (D C, broken ankle) is out for another 1-2 months; Gareth Ainsworth (AM R, twisted knee) is out for between 1 and 3 weeks; Peter Thompson (ST, fractured wrist) is out for 1-2mths; Scott Donnelly (AM RC, strained wrist) is out anywhere between 5days and 2weeks.
James Wesolowski (M LC), Martin Cranie (D RLC) and Richard Lee (GK) are on loan from Leicester City, Birmingham and Portsmouth respectively, and are all ineligible for FA Cup action.
Dominic Shimmin (D C), Ian Evatt (D C), Lee Cook (AM L), and Khalilou Fadiga (AM LC) are one booking away from suspension.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
MARTIN ROWLANDS (AM RC): Given the fact that he’s scored 3 and created 5 from midfield in all competitions this term, his impact will be necessary with the sidelining of so many critical players. Second leading scorer Peter Thompson (12goals) is out long-term, as is key defensive bedrock Danny Shittu, easily one of Q.P.R.’s 1 or 2 best players this term. MARCUS BIGNOT (D R) has posted this best numbers this campaign, and will be looking to continue his impressive season. KEVIN GALLEN (AM RC, F C) has netted 13 times thus far, and will be the bookies’ favorite if Q.P.R. are to get any joy today.

ARSENAL: There’s no denying that we’re stung by our loss to Chelsea, but only because we know we’re at least as good as they are if not better, and this home jinx we’ve nurtured all season is bothersome. That said, we’re on the road, but still in town, against a lower division side ravaged by injuries – all of which could be very bad things if we go in complacently. I’m resting a number of big names with internationals coming up and a Champions League visit to FC Porto immediately after that. Still, I’m boasting a side full of players I believe in, and some that just need to be given a bit of a chance to strut their stuff.

TEAM NEWS: Emmanuel Eboué (D/WB R, bruised head) is out for 4days after picking up the injury against Chelsea; long-term casualties Philippe Senderos (D LC, broken leg – thigh) and David Bentley (AM RLC, shin splints) are out for 2mths and 1mth respectively.
Arturo Lupoli (ST) is cup-tied; Billy Jones (D RLC, DM), Gaël Clichy (D/WB/M L), Robin van Persie (AM LC, F C), and Josephy Yobo (D C, DM) are all a booking away from suspension.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
VINCENZO IAQUINTA (ST): He’s had a bit of a torrid time in front of goal since returning from injury, but it hasn’t been for lack of effort or skill (his creations for Henry against Leeds, as well as his close calls in a number of other games, are testament to this). It’s more bad luck than anything, and only a matter of time before he breaks out of this to regain his confidence and start banging them away the way he was pre-injury. And woe unto the opposition when that happens. RYAN SMITH (AM LC, ST) and MATHIEU FLAMINI’s (D R, DM) combination in the center of the park will be an intriguing one, and I look forward to its results.

ARSENAL TEAM LINEUP (4-4-2):
Manuel Almunia (GK)
Jones (D RLC, DM), Gonzalo (SW, D C), Campbell (D C), Larsson (D/WB L, DM, M L)
Bojinov (AM R, ST), Smith (AM LC, ST), Flamini (D R, DM), Clichy (D/WB/M L)
Iaquinta (ST), Bergkamp (AM/F C)

BENCH: Vitto Mannone (GK), Fredrik Ljungberg (AM RL), Nicklas Bendtner (ST), Kolo Abib Touré (D RC), Johannes Djourou (D C, DM)

Bojinov was a late decision to start in place of Ljungberg, as he’s one of the few that won’t be participating in internationals and thus will have much more time to rest.

Q.P.R. FORM (ALL CONTESTS): DLWWW
ARSENAL FORM (ALL CONTESTS): WWWWL

Q.P.R.’s FA CUP RUN:
2-0 Brighton (H) – 3rd Round
2-0 Hull (H) – 4th Round
2-2 Swansea (A) – 5th Round
1-1 (5-4 pens) Swansea (H) – 5th Round Replay

ARSENAL’S FA CUP RUN:
3-2 Boston United (A) – 3rd Round
1-0 Birmingham (H) – 4th Round
3-3 Liverpool (H) – 5th Round
3-1 (a.e.t.) Liverpool (A) – 5th Round Replay

We started off well enough, Fabregas fashioning our first chance inside a quarter-hour when his pinpoint cross from deep on the right found Henry, who broke from the uncharacteristically unresponsive Chelsea backline to fire at goal. However Petr Cech isn’t considered one of the world’s best for nothing, and he spread his body well to block Henry’s point-blank shot, allowing Gallas to clear the danger. But Chelsea fired their own warning shot immediately when Wright-Phillips’s cross was met by Drogba under pressure, who managed to steer his first-time effort shy of the far post. Essien then skied a shot well over.

On 25mins, it was Fabregas and Henry again as the youngster’s cross found his captain in the box. Henry spun brilliantly to evade Gallas and shot one-time, but Cech was again up to it and parried the shot for Essien to pick up and clear.

But it all went awry just 2mins later, when a quick counter caught our defense out of position. Robben picked up a pass from Touré and ghosted past the horribly out-of-position Eboué to start the move. Drogba picked up the ball and headed for the corner flag under the close attention of Yobo, moving in to cover for Eboué. However Drogba passed back to Wayne Bridge, who lofted a cross into the box for Essien to rise to uncontested and nod past the helpless Lehmann. Ashley Cole and Eboué had drifted into the box to defend, but both were vertically challenged ball-watchers as Chelsea seized their priceless lead.

We tried to remain calm and positive, but were unable to make any more offensive inroads and Chelsea looked the more likely to score on the counter. Drogba and Robben linked well on the right, with the big Ivorian striker drawing no less than 3 players out of position before allowing Robben a dangerous cross into the box with Lampard’s name on it. Yobo’s attention was enough to throw him off slightly for Lehmann to deflect the ball away, and Ashley Cole cleared for a corner.

Robben sent in the corner and following a minor melee in the box Eboué redeemed himself by hoofing heavily just off the line.

Fabregas blasted over from a corner, and a one-two between Lampard and Essien allowed the former to unleash a shot that Lehmann parried, before Drogba later sent a shot harmlessly wide to end the half.

I unshackled my players for the 2nd half, and straight from the kickoff Henry fed a cross for Fabregas, but the youngster’s header was well parried by Cech for his defense to clear.

Just before the hour, Makélélé pinged a great cross into the box for Robben to head above Eboué, sending it into Drogba’s path but his shot was charged down and blocked superbly by Lehmann. Essien picked up the rebound and shot, but Lehmann picked himself up to tip fabulously over the bar. Hleb and Fabregas got in one another’s way to botch a clearance, and the hyperactive Essien took advantage to have another pop on goal, which Lehmann once again parried well.

Bojinov came on for the anonymous Hleb as Fabregas moved into the center, but the action sprung out from the left flank. Cole and van Persie linked up well to feed Henry, who floated another cross into the area for Fabregas to rise and head, but his effort was caught by Cech.

But Chelsea got stuck in, preventing us any room through the center as they killed the game but resuscitated their title bid with the sort of clinical, ruthless efficiency that has become the hallmark of Mourinho’s boys in blue.

ARSL 0
CHLS 1 (Michael Essien 27′)

ARSENAL TEAM RATINGS: Jens Lehmann: 7 – Emmanuel Eboué: 6 (Gaël Clichy [74']: 6), Kolo Touré: 6, Joseph Yobo: 6, Ashley Cole: 7 – Francesc Fabregas: 6, Aliaksandr Hleb: 6 (Valeri Bojinov [63']: 6), Gilberto: 6, Robin van Persie: 7 – Vincenzo Iaquinta: 6 (Fredrik Ljungberg [81']: 6), Thierry Henry: 6

MoM: Arjen Robben (AM RL – Chelsea)

EPL Standings are as follows: