Celtic lost this first leg qualifier in somewhat bizarre circumstances. Before mentioning Arsenal's goals it should be said that they were the better team and closed Celtic down at every opportunity. However, with the match heading to a 0-0 half-time score, Fabregas was fouled by Gary Caldwell some 25 yards from goal. The ball was rolled to Fabregas who struck a neat shot. Artur Boruc had the shot covered but William Gallas, who was running across the line of the goal in order to unsight Boruc, deflected the ball off his back. In actual fact, Gallas was attempting to avoid the ball but it spun off him in to the far corner of the net. The goal on 43 minutes was a harsh blow for Celtic who had competed well up to that point.
Rather surprisingly, Celtic seemed to allow the goal to affect them just as much in the early part of the second half. Donati and NGuemo were off the pace and the latter twice lost possession sloppily. On both occasions Arsenal created chances, first for van Persie and secondly for Bendtner but neither was converted.
The surprise before the match was manager Tony Mowbray's decision to replace forwards McDonald and Fortune with Samaras and Brown. Celtic shaped up in a 4-5-1 formation that was designed to match Arsenal in midfield. For much of the first half, it worked well with van Persie and Arshavin not seeing too much of the ball. In the second half Mowbray removed Samaras and Donati in favour of McDonald and Fortune. Fortune created one chance crossing from the right but his cross was cleared for a corner by Gallas. NGuemo was booked for yet another foul on Fabregas and he will miss next week's return match. With that in mind, Mowbray replaced NGuemo with Paddy McCourt on 65 minutes. Arsene Wenger made a change of his own and brought Abou Diaby on in the 70th minute. His first contribution was to make a darting run into the heart of the Celtic defence and he passed to the left for Clichy. Clichy crossed the ball across the six yard box whereupon Gary Caldwell turned the ball past Boruc in goal.
For Celtic fans, the Arsenal goals were reminiscent of the defeat in Aalborg last year when Caca's shot on 73 minutes was deflected over Boruc and Aalborg's second goal was yet another own goal by Gary Caldwell. After that match Aalborg players were saying how they had enjoyed several years' luck all in one night. On this occasion, however, Arsenal did not need the luck. They were slicker in the passing than Celtic and better at keeping possession. Nonetheless, if only Celtic had enjoyed their slice of luck, they may have been awarded a penalty early in the second half when the ball struck Bendtner's arm from a Maloney free kick.
Rather surprisingly, Celtic seemed to allow the goal to affect them just as much in the early part of the second half. Donati and NGuemo were off the pace and the latter twice lost possession sloppily. On both occasions Arsenal created chances, first for van Persie and secondly for Bendtner but neither was converted.
The surprise before the match was manager Tony Mowbray's decision to replace forwards McDonald and Fortune with Samaras and Brown. Celtic shaped up in a 4-5-1 formation that was designed to match Arsenal in midfield. For much of the first half, it worked well with van Persie and Arshavin not seeing too much of the ball. In the second half Mowbray removed Samaras and Donati in favour of McDonald and Fortune. Fortune created one chance crossing from the right but his cross was cleared for a corner by Gallas. NGuemo was booked for yet another foul on Fabregas and he will miss next week's return match. With that in mind, Mowbray replaced NGuemo with Paddy McCourt on 65 minutes. Arsene Wenger made a change of his own and brought Abou Diaby on in the 70th minute. His first contribution was to make a darting run into the heart of the Celtic defence and he passed to the left for Clichy. Clichy crossed the ball across the six yard box whereupon Gary Caldwell turned the ball past Boruc in goal.
For Celtic fans, the Arsenal goals were reminiscent of the defeat in Aalborg last year when Caca's shot on 73 minutes was deflected over Boruc and Aalborg's second goal was yet another own goal by Gary Caldwell. After that match Aalborg players were saying how they had enjoyed several years' luck all in one night. On this occasion, however, Arsenal did not need the luck. They were slicker in the passing than Celtic and better at keeping possession. Nonetheless, if only Celtic had enjoyed their slice of luck, they may have been awarded a penalty early in the second half when the ball struck Bendtner's arm from a Maloney free kick.
Yellow cards: Fox, NGuemo, Loovens
Fair comment to what was a good match! I agree Arsenal had the edge. However, in the first half Celtic certainly showed them how physical the game can be up here and were not phased but the big name stars from London! Mowbray now has a dilemna for the second leg - How does he go for it without getting caught with the pace of the arsenal break! The second leg will be even more entertaining. Celtic will not give up this tie lying down! G
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