You know what I mean, the things you look back on and think, why did I ever do that, what was I thinking, how could I have ever thought that would be a good idea? The very history of human events is littered with infamous moments of extreme folly, stupid, brainless moves that just defy explanation. This morning, Australians fell victim to perhaps the most inexplicable decision of all time.
Alarm set to allow for precisely one snooze, I practically leapt out of bed (by my standards), in eager anticipation of the football extravaganza about to unfold. Arsenal v Barcelona, a more mouthwatering prospect for lovers of the pass and move game you could not find. The dissenting voices that challenge Barcelona's status as the greatest team on the planet are these days few and far between, and Arsenal themselves are without question the most aesthetically pleasing team that Britain could send into this Champions League last 16 clash. What a game, tie of the round no doubt- on paper it would be exciting enough, but when brought to life with the memories of last year's epic tie that resulted in Arsene Wenger's memorable description of Leo Messi as a 'Playstation player'...you knew we were in for a treat.
And here comes the brain aneurism....
SBS decided to show AS Roma v Shakhtar Donetsk.
As Dr Evil might justifiably exclaim....Rrrrrrright.
Hastily taking charge of the situation, I was able to salvage the second half and so was able to enjoy the second 45 minutes of a match that certainly did not disappoint.
Arsenal's dramatic late turnaround, with 2 goals in 5 minutes to cancel out and then usurp David Villa's opener, led to massive celebrations on the pitch and in the stands. Rightly so - this Barcelona team do not get beaten very often, and for many of the Gunners this will have an element of revenge/catharsis from the Nou Camp mauling 12 months ago. In an odd way however, they might have been better off with a draw.
And here comes the brain aneurism....
SBS decided to show AS Roma v Shakhtar Donetsk.
As Dr Evil might justifiably exclaim....Rrrrrrright.
Hastily taking charge of the situation, I was able to salvage the second half and so was able to enjoy the second 45 minutes of a match that certainly did not disappoint.
Arsenal's dramatic late turnaround, with 2 goals in 5 minutes to cancel out and then usurp David Villa's opener, led to massive celebrations on the pitch and in the stands. Rightly so - this Barcelona team do not get beaten very often, and for many of the Gunners this will have an element of revenge/catharsis from the Nou Camp mauling 12 months ago. In an odd way however, they might have been better off with a draw.
Firstly to explain this viewpoint there is the Dragon Metaphor. If the dragon is asleep, tiptoe slowly past and don't wake him up. You might just get away with it. Try to avoid anything that wakes him up, and for the love of God don't kick him in the eye and reset his iPod. He will be angry with you - and then you've got an angry dragon to deal with. Years ago I remember watching Olympique Marseille kick off their Champions League campaign at the Bernabeu, against the Madrid of Zidane and co. Marseille started well enough, Madrid had the better of the play, but no breakthrough. L'OM grew in confidence, and then shortly before half time they scored to take the lead. Within 5 minutes, Zinedine Zidane had scored once and set up another. They woke up the dragon. Barca will be hurt by this defeat and, as well as the need to overturn the scoreline and progress, will have a point to prove.
Second, from a more pragmatic point of view, is the effect that Arshavin's winner has on the tactical set-up of the game. At 1-1, the away goal from Barcelona would take them through, forcing Arsenal to score or be eliminated. Whilst the open approach has been shown to be potential suicide against Barca (5-0 El Classico springs to mind), this morning Arsenal defeated Barcelona by sticking largely to their principles. Of course they enjoyed less possession than they are used to and of course they looked to exploit their pace on the wings, but they certainly did not deviate massively from their usual modus operandi. They would be more comfortable with a task of 'play your normal game', look to catch them with swift attacking football when you get the ball, don't stop doing what you normally do.
At 2-1, however, as long as the score stays the same, Arsenal are through. The temptation therefore to sit back and protect the lead must be immense. Jose Mourinho, pre 5-0, showed repeatedly that a stifling, negative and frustrating game can be effective against the Catalan Dragons. The year United eliminated Barca in the semi final they too adopted that approach and came away with the required result. The thing is, Arsenal have never looked convincing enough defensively to take that approach. Where is the Lucio in that line up who can commandingly marshal a defence and keep them composed? Where is the Vidic who will bruise and bully the attackers trying to pass? Johann Djourou has a chance to live up to the potential he has been displaying this season, but he will scarcely face a sterner test. Wenger will have a tough decision to make when setting out his strategy for this game. If they decide to sit back they could get a 0-0 and sneak through...they could, also, concede early and then be back to Square One. I'd argue that a sensible approach for Wenger to take would be that classic shout from players across the Sunday League pitches on taking a lead...'0-0 lads, 0-0'
Arsenal's win capped an incredible week for North London, following in the wake of Tottenham's tremendous 1-0 win in the San Siro against Serie A leaders AC Milan. Spurs fans must be having the time of their lives, this inaugural Champions League campaign just gets better and better for them. Without star players Bale and Modric (who played for the closing stages despite recent surgery) and facing up to a Milan side fresh off an emphatic 4-0 weekend win, this was no easy task for Harry Redknapp's men.
They played the game perfectly, an astute mix of defensive solidity and an attacking verve to exploit their pace and speed; the goal from Crouch in the 80th minute will have delighted the manager as it was no doubt precisely the type of goal they were plotting. Something about the San Siro really agrees with their wingers, Lennon showing devastating speed and skill to beat the defence and then composure to slide the ball across for Crouch to roll in.
As with Arsenal, progression to the quarter finals is by no means secure...but with the likely return of Bale and home advantage to enjoy, Tottenham have every right to be optimistic about their chances. Indeed all four sides remain in with a chance of progression, hopefully they will serve up another round of exciting attacking football. Nothing is certain, but at least they have given themselves a chance.
Well, that's not strictly true, one thing is for certain...after this mornings debacle, I won't be relying on SBS. To the pub!
As with Arsenal, progression to the quarter finals is by no means secure...but with the likely return of Bale and home advantage to enjoy, Tottenham have every right to be optimistic about their chances. Indeed all four sides remain in with a chance of progression, hopefully they will serve up another round of exciting attacking football. Nothing is certain, but at least they have given themselves a chance.
Well, that's not strictly true, one thing is for certain...after this mornings debacle, I won't be relying on SBS. To the pub!
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