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Camden New Journal - by TOM FOOT
Published: 21 February 2008

‘Now Milan have to attack us’

Gunners boss Wenger expecting more open second leg after 0-0 stalemate

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
LAST 16 FIRST LEG
ARSENAL 0 AC MILAN (Italy) 0

ARSENAL were held to a goalless draw in a pulsating European tie against AC Milan last night (Wednesday).
The Emirates witnessed a clash of footballing cultures with Arsenal’s attacking masterclass matched by Milan’s mature defence. The Gunners rattled the Rossineri but will rue a hatful of missed opportunities.
Emmanuel Adebayor looked certain to seal the win in the last minute but his header deflected agonisingly off the crossbar.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: “We did not take our opportunities but our impact will have a part to play in the second game.”
After a nervy start Arsenal settled into their stride. Adebayor’s early tussles with Alessandro Nesta were a privilege to watch. Most of the first half play came down the left wing as Bacary Sagna, Alexander Hleb, and Emmanuel Eboue passed in triangles around Paulo Maldini.
But shots were scarce until the second half when the game opened up. Eboue should have put the Gunners ahead but hit his side-footed shot wide.
Adebayor was on the warpath, repeatedly finding space in and around the defence, but too rarely was possession turned into clear-cut chances and Milan will came away taking comfort from having ridden the storm. To add injury to insult, Kolo Toure was substituted on seven minutes after the Ivorian had picked up a calf-strain expected keep him out for four weeks.
Wenger added: “I was not expecting it to end nil-nil. Milan must attack us in the second leg.”

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