Last night, Cristiano Ronaldo’s stunning long-range goal in his homeland was enough to book Manchester United’s ticket into the semi finals of the Champions league and ensure an all-English semi-final with Arsenal. Not only have Manchester United made history by becoming the first team to win in the Champions league at Porto, but they are sitting pretty at the top of the Premiership and are in better shape than ever to make a successful defence of the Champions league cup.
Following some disappointing games in the league against Liverpool and Fulham, Manchester United finally appear to be regaining their form and Ferguson will be glad too, with proof now their 2-2 draw with Porto in the first leg was all down to tiredness. The champions now face Arsenal at Old Trafford in the first leg of the semis.
Arsene Wenger, who broke out into a little jig when Arsenal fired in their second goal against Villareal cannot wait, saying “It is a test but I think it is a challenge you relish and we are excited about that. The teams always produce very exciting games so it is a promising semi-final. We are up for the challenge”
It was the three goals from Emmanuel Adebayor, Theo Walcott and Robin Van Persie last night which brought Arsenal one step closer to the prize that Arsene Wenger covets above all other, but has consistently eluded him throughout his career. But with the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea on Saturday, Arsenal may be about to end their 4 year long trophy drought. Arsenal’s young team showed maturity, and from the start played with confidence and intent, and Walcott’s goal was a strike that most players only dream of scoring.
