When a match is so one-sided it is difficult to assess the true value of both teams. Which one do you think is closest to the truth?
With justification, when it comes to the Champions League in recent years, Serie A has been considered a poor relation to both La Liga and the Premier League.
But with Italians Napoli knocking Manchester City out of the Champions League last Autumn, and Inter Milan’s success under Jose Mourinho almost two years ago now, that view of Serie A is fast becoming outdated.
The reason for it is that AC Milan, arguably Italy’s most famous club, are considered the benchmark and representative of the league.
In recent years they had been knocked out by Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham, a far cry from their Champions League winning sides of 2003 and 2007.
For those that don’t keep up to date with Italian football, Milan won Serie A for the first time in more than half a decade last year, patching together a team mixed with youth, big name stars, and the experience of Gattuso, Seedorf and Abbiati.
This season when they went to the Nou Camp and drew 2-2 with Barcelona in the group stages, and while the Spaniards won 3-2 in the San Siro, their improvement was clear.
Which brings us onto last night’s game. Most expected Arsenal to be far more competitive, and fancied their chances of bagging an away goal or two.
But the limp Gunners performance was reminiscent of the Nou Camp last year, failing to threaten until 4-0 down, and a complete lack of leadership on the field.
Thomas Vermaelen, a supposed leader at the back, was hesitant and found wanting, while the experience of Per Mertesacker was missed.
Johan Djourou came on and conceded a penalty which seemed harsh, but Arsenal fans are already split over his contract extension and this will not have helped.
Ibrahimovic had one of his best games against an English side, he has 3 goals in 14, while Robinho scoring twice brought back memories of another dismal Arsenal defeat to Manchester City years ago.
Surely it is time for Arsenal to give up on Tomas Rosicky, who turned in another limp display, going missing as he so often has done over the past five years.
It was another frustrating night for Van Persie, who only sparked into life when Henry came on, starved of service, many barely noticed Theo Walcott was even on the pitch.
The question remains, with Arsenal pretty much eliminated already, are Milan potential Champions League winners? Or did Arsenal just make them look that good?
images: © crystian cruz, © crystian cruz
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