This week sees the resumption of the Champions League so here is a chance to look ahead to the four second round ties that take place this week. First up is Milan vs Arsenal.
Arguably the tie of the round, this pits the Italian champions against the team who knocked them out at the same stage of the Champions League in 2008. Both teams are much changed from that game, although a few survivors do remain namely Allesandro Nesta, Alexander Pato, Theo Walcott and Robin Van Persie who was an unused sub that night.
The bookmakers make Milan slight favorites and on paper this is certainly well founded. Arsenal currently lie 6th in the premier league whilst Milan are only a point behind Serie A leaders Juventus. However there is a growing body of opinion that Milan are little more than the most efficient flat track bullies in Europe. Having consistently struggled against the top sides domestically, indeed Massimiliano Allegri’s side have collected just 5 points from 6 games against the top seven sides in serie A this season, not to mention this weeks 2-1 loss at home to Juve in the Coppa Italia. There is no definitive reason for Milan’s struggles against the top sides whilst they continue to steam roller the weaker teams. One factor may well be that their team is based upon a powerful midfield symbolised by Kevin Prince Boateng and individual brilliance up front obviously characterised by the enigmatic Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and that whilst this is sufficient to defeat the weaker teams that they encounter a lack of craft and a coherent tactical plan is somehow absent.
Equally a team that is focused on Ibrahimovic is naturally going to struggle when the Swede fails to perform, as shown in the recent games against Napoli and Juventus. In both games Ibrahimovic and consequently Milan failed to score.
The bookmakers make Milan slight favorites and on paper this is certainly well founded. Arsenal currently lie 6th in the premier league whilst Milan are only a point behind Serie A leaders Juventus. However there is a growing body of opinion that Milan are little more than the most efficient flat track bullies in Europe. Having consistently struggled against the top sides domestically, indeed Massimiliano Allegri’s side have collected just 5 points from 6 games against the top seven sides in serie A this season, not to mention this weeks 2-1 loss at home to Juve in the Coppa Italia. There is no definitive reason for Milan’s struggles against the top sides whilst they continue to steam roller the weaker teams. One factor may well be that their team is based upon a powerful midfield symbolised by Kevin Prince Boateng and individual brilliance up front obviously characterised by the enigmatic Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and that whilst this is sufficient to defeat the weaker teams that they encounter a lack of craft and a coherent tactical plan is somehow absent.
Equally a team that is focused on Ibrahimovic is naturally going to struggle when the Swede fails to perform, as shown in the recent games against Napoli and Juventus. In both games Ibrahimovic and consequently Milan failed to score.
Discussing an over reliance on a centre forward leads us nicely to Arsenal who enter the second round of the champions league in the unenviable position as being the team most applicable to that most unpleasant of terms ‘a one man team’. As stated earlier, Milan are rightly favorites to progress but there are points of encouragement for Arsenal as well as obvious concerns. Arsenal’s record in champions league ties against Italian opposition is good. The gunners have overcome Inter, Juventus, Milan and Roma under Wenger and Arsenal’s best run in the European cup came in a season in which Arsenal only secured fourth place on the last day of the season. The direct style of Arsenal’s play, particularly out wide, could cause Milan problems as there 4-3-3/4-3-1-2 formation can often leave their full backs exposed and therefore Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain (it seems unlikely that Gervinho will even be taken to Milan given the Ivory Coasts participation in the African Cup of Nations final this coming Sunday) could enjoy success.
Having said this one does fear for Arsenal, particularly if they concede an early goal in what will be a rocking Giuseppe Meazza. However if they can restrict Milan and are able to concede possession in non-threatening areas, much like Inter did in the derby a few weeks back then they have a chance of progressing with the return leg to come at the Emirates.
One final point, the poor state of the San Siro pitch is a factor that needs to be noted as Milan’s ability to negate this and go long to Ibrahimovic may cause Arsenal problems especially since Arsenal do not possess the same alternative.
Prediction: 1st leg Milan 2-0
Key Battle: Van Persie vs Thiago Silva- One of the outstanding strikers in Europe against arguably the best centre half on the continent. If the magnificent Brazilian can neutralise the Dutchmen half of Milan’s job is done already.
One to watch: English football fans who have not kept track of Allegri’s Milan may be surprised to learn that Kevin Prince Boateng is now an integral part of the Rossoneri and when he is not fit (often due to his highly active sex life if his girlfriend is to be believed) Milan are not the same side. Boateng brings a drive and energy to Milan that is otherwise lacking. Not only this but he has proved himself to be an exceptionally gifted footballer capable of some truly majestic moments. His goal against Barcelona and his 18-minute hat trick against Lecce being just two examples of his mercurial talent.
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