The 'Fall'out of Eduardo's dive

Eduardo dived. He knows that. Celtic know that. Wenger knows that. UEFA know that. Whether we like it or not it IS part of the game. Congratulations to UEFA for trying to make a statement, but I don't think Celtic fans will feel better about it. The goal was THE crucial goal of the tie. Him being banned will not make the board at Celtic park sleep any better thinking about the $20m that just slipped through their grasp.

Ask ANY manager in the world, last minute of World Cup final, Champions League final, league decider, any must win game, "would they condone their player doing what Eduardo did?"

Every single one would be out there putting the springboard in place so that Jonny Diver could catapult himself through the air and win his team the penalty.

Shit reality, but reality none the less.

Arsenal v Celtic- Luck of the...erm better team!

Arsenal cruised past Celtic with less fuss than most imagined. Celtic were outclassed in every department. Arsenal were bigger, stronger, quicker, cuter, better on the ball, better off the ball. Sure Arsenal were lucky over both legs at certain times, both goals in Glasgow, and the penalty tonight. But the long qouted cliche "you make your own luck" is sometimes very true.

How to sum this tie up? Arsenal brought on Arshavin, Celtic brought on Willo Flood. 'Nuff said.

The reality is that an Arsenal side in full flight (they didn't get beyond 3rd gear in any of the legs in this tie) will always bring more to the Champions League than a plucky, fighting Celtic. Arsenal dealt with the huff and I'll puff attitude and just did what they are good at, playing football.

Europa League it is for the Hoops, but even then, they will have to improve dramatically if they are to have an extended run in Europe, even at the 2nd tier. As for Arsenal, the real test for them will be this weekend against Man Utd, who I can assure you will NOT be bringing on Willo Flood.

PS- Thanks to Donati's volley I am now gutted that I never bet the correct score I predicted!

Arsenal v Celtic

Celtic have to score first. Mowbray has been saying that for a week now, but if Celtic come out all gung ho against one of the best counter attacking teams in the world then it will be tie over before you can say "Drunk Scottish men in London."

I think that will be the case, I think it will end up Arsenal 3 Celtic 1 on the night.

Celtic v Arsenal

Having just seen that Celtic will play Arsenal to see who will qualify for the 'Real' Champions League, I have to admit I am very intruiged. Celtic have had a decent record against English clubs when drawn together in Europe. Recent victories over Man Utd, and a few years ago Liverpool at Anfield will give them and their supporters a little bit of confidence.

Arsenal are the team I believe that Tony Mowbray is trying to emulate at Celtic Park. The attractive passing football is very much in the essence of 'the Celtic Way' and although early in his Celtic managerial career, there have been signs of a more flowing Celtic than in recent seasons. With more emphasis on short passing and better possesion of the ball, a couple of obscure French/African signings and you could say Mr. Mowbray is treading the path so brilliantly beaten by Mr. Wenger many moons ago.

The irony is that if Celtic are to progress then it will be their brawn rather than their brains that get them through. They will have to get physical with a far superior technical team, Fabregas and Van Persie are as good as they come in the modern game, and giving them room will certainly spell the end of Celtic's qualification chances.

As for Wenger, he is probably my favourite manager around. His footballing philosophy, and intelligence are to me, what the game is all about. People say his teams over pass. Bollocks!! Because his teams keep the ball better than anyone in England (Man Utd included) English media are just unaccustomed to ball retention of that calibre. Sure they may add an extra pass here or there, but they are footballers, artists trying to express themselves, if they go for the 'perfect' goal then so be it, I for one want to be there when they score it.

That being said, if Celtic were to triumph, I'm sure that some would be calling for Wenger's head. The implications of losing are perversly bigger for Arsenal than Celtic. A long shadow would be cast over Arsenal's season if they lose, whereas if Celtic to go through it would be the ultimate bonus.

This tie screams Arsenal on paper, but luckily for Celtic football is played on grass not paper.