Wenger’s Arsenal show some form at last while Rafa’s Liverpool continue to give cause for concern as they stutter to victory against Liege.
Here’s the notes on last night’s Champions League Qualifiers…
Arsenal 4 FC Twente 0
Arsenal coasted through to the group stages at the expense of McClaren’s FC Twente with Fabregas returning to the midfield to pull the strings and Walcott having the cheek to upstage him with a sparkling display, capped by a wonder goal.
Nasri opened the scoring, slotting home from a Walcott centre from the right wing for his second goal in Arsenal colours. Gallas made it 4-0 on aggregate with a six yard finish after Bendtner’s shot was pushed away. Walcott scored the goal of the night with a stunning Henry-like solo effort before Bendtner made it four on the night, converting from a Denilson back-heel.
The big news for us all was that Wenger was able to recall Fabregas for his first action of the season – the Spaniard recovering from a hamstring injury to take his place in midfield. Eboue dropped to the bench to make way and found Toure and Adeabayor alongside him as Wenger gave them rests and started with Bendtner and Djourou.
There were however reports that Adebayor had been dropped rather than rested for tonight’s game – so it will be interesting to see if he makes an immediate return to the side against Newcastle.
It would seem highly likely that both he and Toure will be restored to the starting lineup this weekend. Despite being subbed just after the hour mark, Fabregas is surely also a certain starter as the Gunners try to kick-start their Premiership campaign. With Gerrard out of the weekend’s action (more on that later), it will be interesting to see how many fantasy managers make an early move for the Arsenal playmaker.
Liverpool 1 Standard Liege 0
Once again Liverpool dangled precariously on the edge of European elimination but came through against Liege. Only an extra time goal from Dirk Kuyt saved Rafa’s side from the indignity of a penalty shoot-out to win their place in the group stages. In truth however, they were fortunate over the tie to progress and alarm bells will be ringing as Torres and Keane again struggled to get their fledgling strike partnership off the ground.
There was certainly no mucking about from Rafa with his lineup with Gerrard starting in midfield as Liverpool put out a full strength lineup. Skrtel once again got the nod over Agger for the centre back role alongside Carragher.
After the game Rafa revealed that Gerrard would go under the knife on Thursday for an operation on his groin. As I’ve mentioned here, it is hoped that Gerrard will be out for just 10-15 days.