Frustration for United and Arsenal as they remain on the brink of the last sixteen after being held by stubborn opposition. Here’s the notes on last night’s games from the league of Champions…
Predictably, with a trip to the Emirates at the weekend, Ferguson rang the changes at Parkhead. Although he started with both Tevez and Ronaldo, he opted to leave Rooney and Berbatov on the bench with Giggs in a central attacking role. Fletcher and Carrick held the central midfield, with Ronldo and Nani on either flank. There were further changes in defence though, with Rafael again given a start at right back with both Brown and Neville still carrying knocks. O’Shea replaced the rested Evra at left back and Foster came in between the posts for Van der Sar.
United fell behind to Celtic after just 13 minutes, courtesy of a sublime McDonald chip. Although they were creating chances throughout, Ferguson saw fit to intervene and introduce both Rooney and Berbatov in the second half. It still took United until 6 minutes from time to peg back the lead. Giggs headed home from close range after Ronaldo’s 25-yard effort could only be parried by the Celtic keeper.
In fantasy terms there’s little to read from this one. Ferguson’s rotation of troops was expected and if anything, the fact that the likes of Van der Sar sat this one out, will be a reassurance to his fantasy owners. The same could be said of Berbatov and Rooney who will both surely make returns on Saturday. Ronaldo started again though – but this should be of no concern, if anything it’s evidence that Ferguson just isn’t intent on resting his prize asset, whatever the circumstances.
United still need a point to navigate themselves into the final 16 but that shouldn’t be an issue. Even though the trip to Villarreal later this month could prove tricky, Ferguson is likely to continue his rotation policy in Europe over the final two matches. That should ensure minimal impact on his Premiership starting eleven, which is good news for us all.
At the Emirates, Wenger also made changes against Fenerbache although many of his were forced upon him. Walcott and Adebayor missed out with war wounds suffered at Stoke at the weekend – they joined Gallas and Eboue who were already on the sidelines. Almunia also joined the casualties – taken ill on the day. That meant that Fabianski got a rare start in goal and in front him, Djourou started alongside Silvestre, with Toure starting at right back. Ramsey, Nasri and Denilson came into the midfield around the ever present Fabregas. Bendtner started up front with Van Persie who was eligible for this one but is of course, banned for three domestic matches. Wenger opted to leave Sagna and Diaby in reserve, making them odds on to start against United at the weekend.
Arsenal were held then but, like United, they had their chances to book their passage to the last sixteen. Van Persie was in the thick of it throughout and missed numerous opportunities to seal a win. Like the United game then, there was little to glean from this encounter.
The introduction of Vela and Diaby perhaps offer clues as to Wenger’s thinking for the visit of United. Both of those could well find starting roles. Wenger will be concerned that his side were unable to break down Fenerbache with Van Persie up front, when they face United without him in a must-win situation on Saturday. Bendtner didn’t enjoy an effective game and he will step up considerably if he is to cause Vidic and Ferdinand any concern.
*Update* Silvestre suffered a suspected broken nose in last night’s game, making him a major doubt for the clash with United on Saturday. The player is set to undergo further scans today so we can expect official confirmation soon.