underwhelmed by Arsene Wenger’ s big shots from North
London. In fact, for much of last night this was more like
the Arsenal of old . . . the side who have proved consistent
under-achievers on the continent for so long.
‘Yes, they finally secured their first win on Spanish soil but it
was hardly a victory that will have alarm bells ringing
across Europe. On the contrary, the leading clubs will be
licking their lips at the prospect of getting to grips with
a Gunners’ defence that looked worryingly vulnerable.
‘The Gunners had gone into the game determined to provide a
positive answer to football’s big question: Could they
finally turn unbeatable Premiership form into something
tangible in Europe?
‘Despite drawing two and losing six of their previous eight games
in Spain, things seemed to be going their way thanks to a
scrappy opener by Edu — one of two on the pitch — that gave
them the vital away goal.
‘That should have been the springboard to an easy passage into the
last eight. Instead, Arsenal grew increasingly casual and
allowed the Spaniards back into the game. Not once but
twice.
‘As for the back four’s ability to cut out crosses from either
flank? Well, this was their poorest performance for months.
Vigo have the worst home record in La Liga. They have
already lost seven times at the Balaidos this season and
been on the end of 5-0 and 5-2 thrashings by Deportivo and
Real Sociedad.
‘Yet for long spells they had the Premiership leaders on the rack.
Yes, Arsenal won thanks to an 80th-minute winner by Robert
Pires.
‘But they are still not quite out of the woods against a Vigo side
who proved by their 2-1 victory over holders AC Milan in the
San Siro that they are twice the side away from home.’