-
Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Greetings and welcome to The Football Net. We love talking balls, do you?


You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. Therefore you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, take part in the banter, vote in polls and enjoy fun competitions such as fantasy football and the betting exchange. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.


Join us today on our football forums to talk balls with us!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
I'd feel guilty to lose top spot; -Arsene Wenger
Topic Started: Dec 9 2008, 12:42 PM (110 Views)
cesc11
Member Avatar
Taylor Gang
This article is from arsenal.com:

Quote:
 
By Richard Clarke

Arsène Wenger says he would feel “guilty” if Arsenal did not win Champions League Group G and ended up with a tough draw in the Knockout Round.

The Frenchman flies out to Porto on Tuesday afternoon safe in the knowledge that his side are through to the last 16 and require only a point to top the table.

In theory that means an easier draw in the Knockout Round as you are pitched against one of the runner-up teams and will have the second leg at home. In reality, however, it may mean little as many of Europe’s top sides are set to finish second in their groups.

“It is difficult to say [if it will be important] but would we not feel guilty if we had a massive draw in the last 16?” asked Wenger. “We would have not done something when we know it can punish us.

“We want to finish first because we want to be the best. But it does not seem that first or second will make a huge difference this year.”

With qualification assured and the team still rebuilding confidence in the Premier League, there is a possibility Wenger may shuffle his squad for this game. Certainly Cesc Fabregas was struggling with his knee after Saturday's win over Wigan and may not be taken.

As usual, Arsenal.com will have the travelling party at around lunchtime on Tuesday. It is likely to be a balancing act as Wenger safeguards progress in his two main targets this season.

“I want to combine both,” he said. “I want to protect the team for the 12.45pm kick-off at Middlesbrough but as well finish the job in the Champions League and not lose at Porto.”


I think Cesc does need to be rested so that is a good thing both for his performance levels and his knee. I think we'll see a pretty below strength side as we only need a point to qualify and Porto will realise this too.
WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS - CHAMPIONS OF ASIA 2014!!
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
flak
Member Avatar
It's nearly Christmas
Both teams are already through so it depends how much Porto want to go for top spot.
Posted Image Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
cesc11
Member Avatar
Taylor Gang
Do you think it is true that the difference between 1st and 2nd is a group is no issue, like some of the 2nd placed teams are going to be just as tough to beat as group toppers.
WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS - CHAMPIONS OF ASIA 2014!!
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
treble
Member Avatar
The Chosen Juan
cesc11
Dec 9 2008, 12:57 PM
Do you think it is true that the difference between 1st and 2nd is a group is no issue, like some of the 2nd placed teams are going to be just as tough to beat as group toppers.
No I don't, given the choice who the hell would want Barca, Juve or Inter for example...
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
flak
Member Avatar
It's nearly Christmas
Some years it is, some years it's not. If the groups stay as they are at the minute then there seems to be an advantage finishing top.
Posted Image Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
cesc11
Member Avatar
Taylor Gang
Liverpool can beat Inter, Arsenal can beat AC Milan at this stage, is it really going to have that big a bearing? If you beat the big teams early, you can beat them at any point.
WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS - CHAMPIONS OF ASIA 2014!!
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
treble
Member Avatar
The Chosen Juan
altho i agree that i fancy any of the english teams against any of the european clubs over 2 legs including barca, I just don't think it's wise to get them in last 16. I think you gain momentum in this comp and it's best to build that momentum and form imo. And given the choice why make it difficult for yourself?
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
cesc11
Member Avatar
Taylor Gang
True, I am just saying that even if you did finish 2nd in the group it isnt all that big an issue. Obviously, we are going to try and beat Porto and claim top spot all the same.
WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS - CHAMPIONS OF ASIA 2014!!
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
treble
Member Avatar
The Chosen Juan
I know Cesc but Wenger's point is right imo. IF it's within your hands to finish top of a group and you don't and then you get drawn against a difficult tie then you only have yourselves to blame. United made the same mistake 4/5 seasons ago, should have finished top but took a very weakened team away to their last match and lost. Got drawn AC Milan in last 16 and knocked out, whereas the team that came top in our group (can't remember who) got a much easier tie.
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
cesc11
Member Avatar
Taylor Gang
I suppose, maybe we will be playing a strengthier squad then I first thought, I remember during 06-07 when we travelled to play Porto in the last group game and it was the exact same situation but by the last 20 minutes neither team were even trying.
Edited by cesc11, Dec 9 2008, 01:18 PM.
WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS - CHAMPIONS OF ASIA 2014!!
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
treble
Member Avatar
The Chosen Juan
Yeah, same 5hit happened with us and Villareal a couple of weeks ago altho in fairness we tried harder then they did and they were at home :rolleyes: United better win 2mro!!
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
It'sREDinRussia
Member Avatar
Si
Top spot matters a hell of a lot - there's the added incentive of playing the first leg away.
Simmer...
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
« Previous Topic · Barclays Premier League · Next Topic »
Add Reply

-- -