Roma v Arsenal: The World’s Game

By: chris | February 23rd, 2009

Arsenal v Roma: First Leg.

Just one year ago, the world would be stampeding women, children and baby seals in a mad dash towards the Emirates to catch a glimpse of the purist’s game. Unadultered football held to such lofty technical standards but a handful of teams in the world could aspire to such aesthetic heights, much less summit the mountain. Two sides who played for the soul of the game and the eye of the onlooker as equally as they did for the result.

This is, in essence, everything we – fans of the beautiful game – had been hoping for.

Except the complete opposite.

Now all is different. While still an enticing fixture, the only people likely to be stampeding the gates of the Emirates are personal injury lawyers and out of work physicians. Through devastating injuries, each side has been reduced to a shadow of its former high-flying self and each with varied results. Arsenal seemingly can’t buy a goal these days, despite their gross abundance of technical talents and those bumper Emirates receipts, reflecting negatively in their results, while Roma has transformed itself from a traveling Cirque du Soleil application to a stubborn old man who won’t allow anyone into his candy dish (except for his favorite niece, Atalanta), hurtling up the table at a snail’s pace in his motorized scooter.

So where does this leave the game? Arsene Wenger wants it played openly. Of course he does. Because by “open game” what he means is a game where Roma could and inevitably will show the cracks one won’t typically find with a tactically compact and organized Italian side. In other words: he wants to avoid the new Roma.

Luciano won’t play that game.

That’s not to say, however, that Spalletti will go all damage control and stack ten and a half in the Roman box as in the last jaunt to London. The away goal, my second favorite goal just behind the dot com, is a treasure more desirable than the Holy Grail and the lost city of Atlantis combined. In monetary terms, it’s worth €∞. At least. It’s the greatest thing since the sliced banana and cream cheese sandwich. It’s the equivalent to half of a half of a lock off the deified dome of one Francesco Totti – and that’s saying something. It is, in a word, priceless.

Oh yes, they will attack. But it won’t be the Arsenal v Roma fixture for which we’d all been waiting. The ball will spend much of its day on the floor; grown men will cry at the sight of such brilliantly intelligent off the ball movement; nearly all involved will contribute a move normally reserved for video games; yet it won’t be a cricket score.

Both injury ravaged squads have far more to win by playing a relatively conservative game. Roma to nullify Arsenal’s Emirates advantage and return to the home fortress; Arsenal in the hopes of returning bodies and formulating a decent run of form before the second leg.

Maybe the one we’ve waiting for will have to wait just a little bit longer.

Injuries? We’ll discuss those in the morning when the liveblog* goes up. For now, let’s just say both squads are on equal planes.

* – I’m going to do my damndest to run a LB but am currently running without an operating system at the moment and I’m looking one computer shy. Hopefully will figure out something, though.

Squad

Roma:

AQUILANI
ARTUR
BAPTISTA
BERTAGNOLI
BRIGHI
CICINHO
DE ROSSI
DIAMOUTENE
FILIPE
JUAN
LORIA
MARANGON (DONI)
PIZARRO
MEXES
MONTELLA
MOTTA
PERROTTA
RIISE
TADDEI
TONETTO
TOTTI
VUCINIC

Indisponibili: Cassetti, Menez

Projected XI

Doni
Motta, Mexes, Loria, Riise
Perrotta, DDR, Brighi
Pizarro
Baptista, Totti

Close to a wild guess, we’ll know more in the morning.

Key Matchups

Arsene Wenger v Luciano Spalletti: Two of the greatest tactical minds in the game matching wits. Worth the price of admission in itself.

RB & Help Defender v Samir Nasri: If you’ve been here for more than a short spell…you’ll know I’m a fan – and for good reason. With Cesc out, Nasri is Arsenal’s main avenue of creativity. Wenger likes visionary types with the ability to play the wing (see: Hleb, Rosicky) and Nasri fits the bill, so he usually starts out left, which is where you’ll often find the ball to start Arsenal’s attacking move before cutting inside. Stop the cut – either Nasri himself or the recipient of his pass – and that’s half the battle.

Roma v “The Blackout”: I love the way Daniele De Rossi so aptly described Roma’s penchant for epic brain farts resulting in a flood of conceded goals. It’s precisely that, a “blackout”, and if they’re to have any prayer of a result, they’ll need to put in a full 90.

Roma v Simone Loria: Holy good Jesus…

Arsenal v Francesco Totti: Two straight games of admitted mediocrity. The man can’t be stopped for long, full fitness or no.

Ye have been warned.

Key Man

I think you know what’s coming. The game will be won in the midfield through superior class, and there’s only one man alive who can dominate in the manner of…..

Simone Brighi.

(Or Matteo Perrotta.)

Yes, that’s technically cheating, but the two-headed monster of world class workrate and grit, defensive solidarity, bombing attacking runs and surprising technique is one of Roma’s greatest strengths and that which Arsenal lacks so dearly.

They are, in essence, the underpantaloons of Roma. While Arsenal will roll out onto the pitch featuring a fabulously bejeweled midfield, no one’s going to be paying attention to their diamonds while they’re standing in their birthday suits. Too many glitzy gems, not enough “essentials”. Matteo and Simone are those essentials, providing the base layers for other players to exceed and shine – now and again sneaking their way into the limelight as well. They’re the perfect team players who stifle creativity, rush the players who need time and disrupt a fluid attacking movement before launching into the attack.

This one’s about “team”, and team players get no better than Simone Brighi.

Predictions

Really beginning to loathe the feeling of extreme confidence that struck before both Napoli and Genoa. It’s here again.

Third time and I’ll stop worrying so much.

Game: 2-1 Roma
Goals: Baptista (26), Nasri (50), Totti (62)
MOTM: Brighi

When: 2045 CET, 1445 EST.
Where: Emirates, London.
Forecast: 11°C.

Streaming: MyP2P.

(I think there may be a Veetle – here – but we shall see.)

Andrea Tallarita’s Football Italiano preview.

Banner graciously made by RomaShield27 of Serie A Forums.

FORZA ROMA

Some Related Roma Posts:

Category: Team News

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h

ha! We live in NYC. Didn't mean to leave that out. Everyone says we should hit up Nevada Smith's, but it's definitely Brit-dominated there. Grazie.
chris

Rome, h?
h

Where should my boyfriend and I watch the game on Wednesday? We're both Roma fans and most of the places to watch are Brit-team lovers. thanks!
Brento

I can't take it. I'm supposed to leave work at 2. I'm getting out of here....
David

I am so leaving class early.
CMP (ASR) (Denmark)

Haha Brento! Very true... However Im a fan of both ;-)
Gollum

So psyched! A great day to be a football fan, that's for sure.
Brento

26 min to get the.... out of this.... cube I'm stuck in...
Vin

I told you that the Totti injury was a Spal-tactic!

I still believe it.
ale

Brento has his shit sorted... its late here in SA but Im with you on that one... fuck im psyched!
Brento

CMP: IMO, you can't even compare the two. Trees are so much better in every single way, unless you want to be more uninhibited. Anyway, I don't want to change the subject too much, but a spliff, a cup of tea, and a football match is tough to beat...
evaldo

liveblog up
Stefano

LOL CMP, when I was watching the Roma vs Atalanta I could smell the weed.
evaldo

use the veetle link if you don't have espn360. veetle is usually pretty hq
rayman

yeah user..im praying that totti performs against the english..
hate those bastards at sky bashing totti..especially that dickhead greame souness...doesn't know what hes talking about..
Stefano

One thing for sure its awesome to watch football games at night in Europe.
CMP (ASR) (Denmark)

THEN START DRINKING IAN! Screw your class... go get your game on lol.
CMP (ASR) (Denmark)

Alcohol isnt the only fun thing to mix with La Magica... Weed goes along way too! :-)
Ian

Thanks, asem and evaldo! I just bought this jersey in Rome this summer and have only worn it a few times, so I haven't had to wash it yet.

This property law class is killing me. I can't take the tension. I want to be drinking.
Brento

Alcohol? Pff! You guys have never watched soccer after burnin' . Especially Roma. It's not too early in the day for that :-)
CMP (ASR) (Denmark)

Haha DB. Next time i'm in NYC i'll catch up with you tristate boys!
DB

are you kidding? you have never been to nevada smiths in NYC where people are throwing back pints at 9am on the weekends...i cant tell you how many times I have walked out of that bar at noon and had about 6 pints in me
CMP (ASR) (Denmark)

I feel sorry for those of you living in N.America. Here in Europe part og getting the game face on is filling up on alcohol lol! Its too early to get properly wasted in the states!

Anyway, I'll be doing my part tonight! Good game all - FORZA ROMA!
DB

realistic wish for today's match...i think its going to be difficult to win this match...see arsenal's home CL record, Roma's record in England, Loria starting, Totti not in great form, No Vucigol (who has been huge in CL for us)...so with that said...ill be very pleased with a tie plus an away goal - 1-1 (or 2-2 even better)....if we lose...let's hope its 2-1 with that away goal

if we do win...MOTM prediction...La Bestia

now if we win, ill be over the moon
CMP (ASR) (Denmark)

... Nervous...
Brento

ASEM: I have verizon DSL. I will have to check it out when I get home. Thanks for the instructions. Justin.tv actually has links to those others you mentioned.

Now I am wondering if I should rush to best buy and get a mini dvi to dvi cable so I can hook my macbook up to my big huge TV... Hmm... If I leave work at 1:30 I might be pushing it. Does anyone know if that is difficult to set up?
asem

go to ESPN360.com
If you have it, you'll know.
There'll be a tab that says "WATCH NOW"
Click that, DL any necessary files to run it, then click WATCH NOW again when installation is complete and the 360 Window will come up.

If you have at&t internet / dsl or are on a college campus you will def have it.

justin.tv isn't that great, man.
go to atdhe.net or rojadirecta.com if 360 doesn't work for you.
user

big game for Motta as Chris pointed out. Nasri is dangerous and playing against an inexperienced rb. From what ive seen from Motta i have to believe he will hold his own, but its gonna be a battle non the less. I would like to say i would feel better with Pannuci back there, but screw him.

Big game for Baptista and please Totti have a good game so we can shove it in the English faces

Forza Roma
Brento

ASEM: What is 360? I plan to go to www.justin.tv

Is 360 good? Better?
Anna

been rockin' the black since last night. sitting in the school library, skipping lunch to read you guys blabber to get me through the day. can't waitttt!!
Andrew

Sounds good to me, the fb request is from me
asem

You have 360 at home, Brento?
There will def be good feeds b/c Setanta is showing it and so is ESPN so plenty of feeds to splice
Tim

aquilani black it is!
user

haha "i dont want to cry in public if we lose"

TOTTI GOALLL
Brento

You guys are making me more pumped then I was, if possible. I am working a split shift today just to watch the Roma game :-) Though, if it's not a good result, I'm not sure I will be able to work the second part of my shift... I leave this place in 1hr 15min to race home. Will there be a good feed?
asem

Andrew, no way...
I'm goin too.
We should meet up.
asem

I'm watching on 3Splixty
No other choice really...
I don't want to cry in public if we lose
Andrew

yah, long sleeve with scudetto.....daje roma, especially bc i am going to second leg!
evaldo

oh yeah, woop woop! got some errands to run before the game. talk to you gents later
evaldo

if you wash it, flip it inside out. the a on aqui-injuri is starting to come off on mine. don't know what to do.

asem you look terrifying in that pic.

now here is the question. watch it at home or go to a bar? you know, recession and all...
ale

No way Andrew... me too... with the scudetto on it... mine is long sleeved.. 2002 champions league kit???
asem

Dark Blue is close enough to Black, Andrew!
BLACK-OUT, ROMANISTAS!

Ian, turn it inside out before washing - numbers will stay more intact that way
Rahul

Woop Woop! :D
Andrew

I am wearing Totti jersey w/Assitalia sponsor...dark dark blue with orange detail
ale

Arse anal - Roma.... Its on! Like donkey-kong!!!!! Lets do it boys.
user

im starting to get the nervous pregame feeling. nothing a few beers wont subdue. vodka/crack if roma play like they did against Atalanta
Rahul

2:47 ... and counting down.
user

Im runnin out early in my class.

Totti GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL, TOTTI GOALLLLLL

FORZA ROMA
Uncle Fester

Asem, it's a long story, combined of being busy, personal problems, health problems and all the boring stuff you can see in corny Latin American soap operas.

Ian, I suppose you should wash it normally, unless your sweat consists of acid (check if there are any holes in the jersey)
Ian

I've got to go to school, but I'm skipping my Constitutional Law class to watch the game in the library. I'm terrified right now, and sweating through my Roma jersey. Anyone have any laundry tips for these things? :)
asem

Fester where you been
Chase

Three hours to go!!! I can't freaking wait!
Uncle Fester

Hello. I hope our lovely Roman goddess Fortuna will be on our side today. Forza Roma!
asem

Evaldo that's hilarious...
If we win I'm wearin the White Aquinjuri tomorrow
If not I'm not going to classes / out in public b/c I'll be too depressed to get out of bed.
asem

LET'S GO
CHECK OUT THE FB PIC
ilcapitano

I got my red '06 De Rossi on, scarf with me too.
FORZA ROMA!
evaldo

i got aqui-injuri black
avala

Il capitano giallorosso quasi sicuramebnte in campo .....
Kurdt

Up to my friend's house for the game, I'm wearing Roma's jersey tonight. Forza Roma!
asem

EVERYONE
TODAY IS BLACK-OUT DAY
WEAR THE BLACK JERSEYS
LET'S GO
LET'S ROLL
WE THE BEST
WE GO HARD
WE TAKIN OVER
WE GLOBAL NOW

Sorry for the DJ Khaled moment.
Daniele

Represent booomshaaalakkkaaa!!!
Daniele

Oh bloody hell. Ok. We made it popular.

Yes we better be wearing Black.
asem

Got the DDR Black on
Represent
evaldo

im going to wear mine asem! capocorso where you live?
asem

BLACK JERSEYS ... PLEASE???
Kurdt

I hope Loria stays away from the ball as far as possible. As all of us know, sometimes we play even better with a man down. Nice, still 3 hours and 45 mins to go... perhaps a miracle in this moment for Juan's leg.
asem

from Wiki:

"Italian football fans picked the song up when AS Roma played in and against Club Brugge for the UEFA Cup [18]. They often chant the song's signature guitar riff ever since, most notably during Italy's victory in the FIFA World Cup 2006. About 10 million Italians were supposedly singing the song "Across the Nation" the night following the final."
asem

The whole Seven Nation Army thing started because Totti really liked the song or something right?
Jonas (from Flemish area in Be

and may I be the first to say this:
FORZA LORIA!
face it,he'll play so we might as well give our best support to him...and if he plays like shit again this year I'll personally kick him back from Trigoria to Siena tomorrow
Jonas (from Flemish area in Be

alessio and kurdt,that would be club brugge
cauz their fans also call them the 'black and blue army' cauz of their stripes
CapoCorso

I'll be pulling up a stool at the local Fado's...probably be the only Roma supporter there. Thats the way I like it
agiamba

L’est we forget Seven Nation Army was OUR song first.

I think Roma fans stole it from some team from Belgium. Hearts also has a claim to it.

Re: ManUtd...I agree it´s bullshit, but they are owned by an American family, their sponsor is the US Government, the team plays in a league that speaks English, and they won the double last year. Find me me another team that comes close.
Jeff

There are two words I have to say about the defensive situation.....FUCK PANUCCI
If that fucking spoiled brat hadn't pulled this me me me egotistical bullshit in Napoli he'd be slotting in next to Mexes and every Romanista from Trastevere to Timbukto wouldn't be shitting themselves about Loria. There's no I in team. OK got that off my chest..
FORZA ROMA
Kurdt

Actually the first club to sing it is some Bruges club but yes we popularize it.
Daniele

Si Bren.

I was worried seeing as I am at work, and can't watch it. But just found out there will be a meeting form 3-5 where I will be free!!

Hopefully we can all find a stream!
Daniele

L'est we forget Seven Nation Army was OUR song first.

Then Italia, then everyone man whored it out.
Bren

I hope we can catch a good Setanta stream or something in english at the very least
Daniele

Hell yeah Mike!

PO PO PO PO PO POOOOO POOOOOO!!!!
Mike

so i've listened to Seven Nation Army to and from my class today when driving. Gotten through it about 8 times now. Man am I getting amped
Daniele

Chase what did you really expect? Tommy Smythe needs to splooge all over Crynaldo, and ESPN will only show the AIG bred moneyhunters.

DAJE BAPTI E DAJE ROMA.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/...
Chase

I thought Roma was going to be on ESPN 2. I am so sick of ManU being on TV every time...and I am sick of every body in the dorm walking by and rooting for Man U b/c its the only team theyve ever heard of and they claim..."no they've always been my team."
rayman

cant bloody wait!!!
Daniele

Unreal how Juan could get injured against Siena.

And now Loria?

He better have the game of his life, and play fucking SMART.

I am excited to see Motta in CL, but is Cici not healthy either?

Vuci out as well?

Jesus..

Aqui better see the field at some point.
Jonas (from Flemish area in Be

asem,those last lines...that sounded like a bad porn movie lol :D

I have faith in this squad,Arsenal are no step overs but I hardly see Eboue,Denilson,Diaby...take control of midfield if we have DDR,Brighi and Taddei.
I think the most important is defence but let's hope Mexes becomes even more leader in defence and let Loria take care of the corners and physical tasks.
Andrew

Ok guys the coin is tossed, and it looks like Loria will be starting. The best thing we can do now is to SUPPORT him!!! He will be nervous, probably more than us soooo he needs our support
asem

ROMA ROMA MIA
I went to sleep scared and woke up 5 hrs later confident!
Let's do this shit, guys.
Let's GO HARD
Bashar

Ale.. Quit hanging around the Lazio offside.. Haha
Bren

Well at least the three in front of Loria are good to great defensive midfielders.

I cant believe a game as enticing as this isnt live on espn!

anyway, Im hoping for a cheap goal early and then back it down and defend to the death
jed

lets all try and be optimistic about loria... good luck loria, please make the offside eat our own words about you and play well. Good Luck Roma. Thanks alessio, you to
Sneakers O'Toole

I had a dream Roma were winning 1-0 at one point in the game
klaus

Also seriously nervous. With Roma it can end 3-0 and 0-3. Typical, and the latest performances aren't picking up my spirit. Damn, soooooo nervous.
Jonas (from Flemish area in Be

Well I would give hundreds of millions just to see Loria score from a corner in the 90'min 0-1 and then look at your comments and go totally apeshit :P
Rahul

Less than 9 hours to go, I can neither work nor relax. This is the game I have always been waiting for. Roma, make me proud, for I shall be hemmed in between countless Arsenal supporters tonight.
agiamba

Not a fan of Rioma by any means as you all know, but I´ll be pulling for your boys tonight, they can definitely pull this off. Good luck.
Kasia

Sadly, it probably won't be as enjoyable as I hoped...
I like both teams, but will root for Roma - Italian teams above English!
With Arsenal current form I predict Roma win... Unless the whole team has a massive brainfart.
MoMONEY

Yea forget sleep... Unfortunatelly I have schoolwork to get done before hand and I cannot focus at all...
asem

I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight.
MoMONEY

Just one year ago, the world would be stampeding women, children and baby seals in a mad dash towards the Emirates to catch a glimpse of the purist’s game.

ain't that the truth...
Kurdt

It's not about tonight but I just notice our Offside Logo which on the left-up side. chris, can you do something about the red-black background color? It is so... Milan. And hell the way I checked Milan offside and dang... our red is over there. Is it a deal or something between us and Milan?
Dhaw

I am nervous as hell :(
A 0-0 draw will be celebrated by me.