The Champions League (Round of 16, first leg) showdown between Arsenal and AC Milan ended a scoreless draw today.
From where I was seated man of the match surely goes to Zelijko Kalac who as recent as yesterday, wasn’t expected in the visitor lineup. The Milan keeper was called on repeatedly throughout the game as the Rossoneri chose to match Arsenal stride for stride in their up-tempo performance. Arsenal always eager to come forward, maintained constant pressure on their opponent’s back four. To their credit the Rossoneri were able to soak up much of the Arsenal attack but without Kalac surely it would have been a different ball game.
Final seconds would see Arsenal’s Adebayor plant a header against the crossbar at close range, after a teasing cross form the foot of Walcott. This was a rare opportunity considering all previous chances could not evade the long reach of Kalac. The teams will go to the San Siro in 13 days time all-square after that agonizing final miss from Adebayor.
