Highbury’s Last Great Night?
24 comments March 7th, 2006
Highbury is bracing itself for one more star-studded spectacle tomorrow night, as Arsenal aim to finish off the wounded Real Madrid.
But if there’s one thing we know about wounded animals, it’s that they’re liable to retaliate, viciously. And when you rile men like Ronaldo, Beckham, Raul, and Zidane, you find yourself right in the firing line of some of the biggest talents in world football.
Speculation suggests that Ronaldo could be dropped. Personally, I think he’ll return to the side. No-one has forgotten the way in which he destroyed Manchester United on these shores a couple of years back. He’s single-handedly capable of winning Madrid this tie, probably without breaking into a run.
Arsenal’s side will be much the same as the one that triumphed 1-0 in Madrid. We need to play our own game, keep it tight, and not concede. But against Madrid, that’s incredibly touch. A couple of away goals for them, and we’re in big trouble. A frightening thought.
The fact that we even have a chance of beating them with a central midfielder at left-back and a clutch of teenagers throughout the side is testament to the way in which the younger players have performed this season. It is fitting that Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell have failed to make the squad. Tomorrow night is about the youngsters who’ve mucked in all season long. This is their chance for greatness.
I’m sure they won’t disappoint.
