Why I Think Arsenal Would Be Brilliant

Although things seem bleak now, Arsenal seems to do well away from home and I have 4 games to back me up on that.

5-1 win v Inter Milan (November 2003)

A result which shocked Arsenal as much as it did the rest of Europe’s footballing elite.

The Gunners had been thumped 3-0 in the Group D clash two months earlier, but Thierry Henry inspired his side to a famous victory.

Add to the mix that Arsenal would have been eliminated if they hadn’t won this tie makes their drubbing of the Italians all the more remarkable.

1-0 win v Real Madrid (February 2006)

The Gunners arrived at the Bernabeu with an extensive in jury list and weren’t given much hope against David Beckham, Ronaldo and the Galacticos.

The match’s defining moment came in the 47th minute. Thierry Henry picked up the ball just inside Madrid's half, skipped past two challenges and thumped past Iker Casillas on the angle. Joy.

The Gunners held on for a 0-0 draw in the second leg and progressed to the quarter-finals.

0-0 draw v Villarreal (April 2006)

In terms of a single moment which defined Arsenal’s run to the final in 2006, it was this. Jens Lehmann’s low save repelled Juan Riquelme’s penalty and sealed the Gunners’ passage to Paris.

The Spanish side’s penalty at El Madrigal came in the last minute, after Gael Clichy had bundled over Jose Mari. But the big German earned hero status, diving low to his left, he kept out Riquelme’s drive and the Gunners won the tie 1-0 on aggregate.

2-0 win v AC Milan (March 2008)

Arsenal fans must have believed that this was to be their year after watching their side become the first English team to beat Milan in the San Siro

The Gunners’ two late goals, including a stunning 30 yard opener from Cesc Fabregas saw off Paolo Maldini, Kaka and co to reach the quarter-finals.

And it was no less they deserved. Arsene Wenger’s side could have had six on the night and deservedly reach the last eight of the Champions League.

So against Barcelona? =)