the 370Z.com OFFICIAL football (soccer) thread

[igotcabada]

worst red card i've ever seen, what a complete joke. barcelona was definitely the better team, but arsenal earned the right to play them straight up. Despite the lopsided possession & shots, with 30 mins left and 11 players on the pitch, arsenal were through 3-2

[Jon@AAMComp]

I agree that red card was highly controversial. Players caught offside are told to play to the whistle, line up and take a shot just in case the flag stays down. Van Persie wasn't doing anything malicious, he simply thought he was still on and took a shot. This sort of thing happens all the time. He shouldn't have even been booked for his 'challenge' on Alves in the first place. And to pour more salt in the wounds, UEFA has actually taken action against Nasri and Wenger for the complaints towards the officials:

Arsenal’s Arsène Wenger and Samir Nasri charged by Uefa over comments towards referee Massimo Busacca - Telegraph

And apparently, Gauirdiola is unimpressed with Arsenal's complaints:

Pep Guardiola mocks Arsene Wenger's referee complaints as 10-man Arsenal crash out in Barcelona - Telegraph

I wanted a better game, and I think it would have been had the official not decided to send Van Persie off. Tough break for Arsenal though, you guys drew the best club team in the world TWICE in a row during the last 16. Chin up lads, you're still within 3 points of United, maybe still a chance to keep the Premier League trophy in London.

[igotcabada]

Originally Posted by Jon@AAMComp

I agree that red card was highly controversial. Players caught offside are told to play to the whistle, line up and take a shot just in case the flag stays down. Van Persie wasn't doing anything malicious, he simply thought he was still on and took a shot. This sort of thing happens all the time. He shouldn't have even been booked for his 'challenge' on Alves in the first place.

I have a strong distaste for Alves, I commend RVP for not decking him and getting sent off immedately in the first half. I just hope after being close to hardware in the 4 competitions we don't come up empty in all 4. ManU will surely be struggling now with Nani out for a month..

What are you feelings about the Torres signing for the blues??

[Jon@AAMComp]

Originally Posted by igotcabada

I have a strong distaste for Alves, I commend RVP for not decking him and getting sent off immedately in the first half. I just hope after being close to hardware in the 4 competitions we don't come up empty in all 4. ManU will surely be struggling now with Nani out for a month..

What are you feelings about the Torres signing for the blues??

A little over priced. I don't want to diminish the quality of a striker like Torres, but £50 million for one player is a bit high, even by our standards. But he still has the quality, and the potential to be another great Blues striker, like Drogba. We paid Marseille just £24 million for Drogz back in 04 when he was around Torres' age, and what a signing that turned out to be. Skeptics are quickly writing off Torres given recent performances, but it will take time for him to assimilate to life at Chelsea. I hope he can stay fit and do great things next season. Who knows, maybe he'll help us to another league title next season; maybe even finally bag a Champions League title. If that happens, everyone will forget about the price we paid for him. I just don't want another Robinho(see Manchester City fail).

On the other hand, David Luiz (see avy) looks to be a great signing, as he's has jumped right into our backline and performed very well. We had been struggling defensively with all the injuries, but with Luiz at centre half pairing with John Terry, we should be much better.

[gladeslvrcoq]

I like how the "Cow and Phelan Arsenal Blog" has slowed down recently.