Review: Arsenal 2 - Olympiakos 0

I began writing this at half time, trying my darnedest to describe what I'd just witnessed in one word. I thought and I thought and I thought, and at last, I found the word - after looking it up of course. And this is it: anejaculation.

How do I put this nicely. Let's say it's the inability to finish the deed, in the midst of the regular act of human intimacy. If we'd played crap, and gone in at 0-0, I'd be frustrated, but it would not grate on my nerves at much. If we played crap and had gone in at 0-1, I'd have said we deserved it. But 0-0, while playing some of the best football I'd ever seen, especially in the first 25 minutes, was just unbelievably painful. See: anejaculation.

Couldn't really credit a super goalkeeping display from the geriatric Nikopolololikopolodis. Everything we hit either went straight at him or onto the crossbar (Cesc). It wasn't like the Greeks defended very well either. We could've been playing with 11 half-blind dudes with the other eye closed and we'd probably have hit the goalie straight in the face. All in all, with all the shots on goal, like 11 versus 1, corners, 1243 to 0, possession, 98% to 2%, I half expected Olympiacos to score the sucker goal. They didn't.

Second half then, and about 30-something odd minutes more of the same medical condition. I'd even already switched channels for a bit, to watch Pool losing to Fiorentina. It was turning to despair. Was this how the Champions League gods would get back at us for those outrageous bits of luck in games past? Then, at last. At last. A brilliant move with Cesc, Eduardo and finally, RVP with the goal. You know the feeling: the opposite of said medical condition. Oh shit, that felt good.

And if that felt good, talking orgasm here, the second goal was truly worthy. Silky passing between Cesc and the Arsh, yummy pass and the cheekiest of back flicks from Arsh. It'd taken long enough, like 85 minutes to get to 2-0, but I suppose it was worth it. Yes, Arsh was probably off-side, but I figure the linesman and ref probably didn't feel it right to deny such a beautiful move, and a second and vastly deserved goal.

One of the more painful experiences, but ultimately gratifying that I've been through recently. Gonna have to start doing some yoga and breathing exercises in front of the TV next time.

Match highlights available here, before we get to the player ratings then.



Mannone 7 - Erm, yes, think he was there. Had to make one good save from a corner, and next trying moment was figuring out how to undo his laces.

Clichy 7 - Tried his best, and could've done better with a few of his crosses

Vermaelen 7.5 - Another good display at the back, but c'mon, he should've had at least two goals to his name.

Billy 7.5 - Was as good as any of the others as an attacking force, and when called upon at the back, was there.

Eboue 8 - Really liked him today. Good at the back, ran really well at the defence, was all over the place as usual. Gave Sagna a bit of a rest, and good thing there.

Diaby 6.5 - Ain't as great as the others. Dawdled on the ball too long as he is prone to do.

Song 8.5 - My man of the match actually. Quietly, everywhere providing the spine to our defence, but tried his darnedest to help out our rather blunt final touch upfront.

Cesc 7.5 - Had a brilliant moment in the first bits of the game, with a volley onto the bar. But could've finished better on a few other occasions. But his involvement in both goals in the end, show his class.

Arsh 8 - Ran his little frame off, even in defence. Ironically not one of his better days, but his second goal was still a thing of beauty.

Rosicky 8 - Had a great 70-odd minutes out. Never looked like he had much time out. The source of many of our best moves, but again, could've finished better on one or two occasions.

RVP 7 - Not one of his best days as well, but thank god for that goal...

Phew phew phew phew phew.

Elsewhere, Pool would indeed lose 2-0 to Fiorentina to provide more good news for the night. Not that I am one to snigger, but I do like Rafa's comments: "Never have I seen this team struggle so badly as I did in the first half. It was a poor performance, they pressed us into making mistakes and we didn't do anything we spoke about."

Funny, but looks like Pool are sitting third in their Group now. I like the fact that we're sitting comfy, and let's aim to qualify by the end of our little run out with Alkmaar. I know I'm counting chickens, but based on this form, that's the least I could do.

On to Wednesday night football then. Man U - Wolfsburg should be interesting, as would Bayern - Juve I suppose. But nothing would give me more pleasure than to see Chelski slip up in Cyprus. That'd make the weekend's Chelski - Pool game all the more yummy.