The Pretty Football Liveblog

By: chris | February 24th, 2009

Arsenal 1 – Roma 0

That was “Atalanta Roma”, but they were much more fortunate this time around. A 1-0 loss (and a peno at that), after being that dire in the back, is nothing short of a good result going into the second leg.

GAME

David…..cleared out by Arsenal….Roma throw….one last chance…..game.

92′ Mirko called offside when he’s not…Motta fouled in a dangerous spot on the wing, 20 yards from the goal line.

90′ Arsenal dominating possession right now. Totti with some cheeky moves – best he’s played all day, maybe – Pizarro on it…Francesco agan….slowly around the back. Four minutes +.

87′ 1-0 isn’t the worst result in the world – just think of the last home/away with a London team – but a 1-1 in the dying seconds would be an early Christmas at least.

Pizarro piledrives a ball out for a goal kick. Not needed.,

84′ Philou blocks a shot as it’s coming in from Nasri. Nasri again o n the right, cross headed towards pseudo-safety before they eventually work it around to Samir again and his shot is deflected wide.

Mirko on for Baptista, who was just absolutely awful.

82′ Song clips David from behind, foul called.

Eboue off for Ramsey.

80′ Riise coming forward…Taddei pulls it back to Motta…Diamoutene looking a great deal more solid in the back than Loria, but then again he hasn’t really been tested. Not that Loria needed to be tested to look shaky.

Here comes Mirko…..in his underpants, no less.

78′ Motta hurt, cramp. This is nice.

76′ Brilliant ball from DDR to JAR but he’s no Mirko and can’t control it. Speaking of….a Mirko sighting anytime soon?

75′ David tries is long to Julio but far too strong. Totti send it from wide…..David doing wonders here.

73′ Marco Motta is having a helluva game here. Truly the future of the Azzurri defensive flanks.

72′ Pizarro over the ball…headed out easily….

Van Persie and Francesco in a tugging fight.

71′ Piza fouled by Denilson about 30 yards from goal.

Loria off in what can only be his final Roma appearance. Diamoutene on.

69′ The passing is just diabolical today. You’d think they could pick out the difference between red and black, but apparently not.

67′ Ahhhh…Riise just misses a rocket. So damn close. So unthinkabley close.

Unbelievable. Just unbelievable. Loria misses a header 30 yards from goal with no one around gifting Eboue a 1v1 with Doni and he misses the sitter after Doni pressures.

Simone Loria can never play for Roma ever, ever again.

Carlos Vela is getting ready. I’m getting ready to jump out the window the first time he goes 1v1 with Loria.

Both DDR and Denilson are down. And both back up.

62′ Song on for Diaby, who’s looking knocked again. Song doesn’t quite have the dribbling capabilities of Diaby, so that;s something.

60′ Baptista with a foul on Diaby, and if not for lack of bodies on the bench, Julio would need to come off. Poor game.

58′ Roma mini break slows down….Baptista with another awful, awful touch. Feet of stone.

57′ Simone hasn’tdone a great deal at treq so they’re only gaining attacking potential here. I don’t doubt a Vuci for either Julio or Totti sub is far behind, depending on his fitness.

Here comes Pizarro. Thank god. For Brighi, who isn’t having his most brilliant day and is sitting on a yellow.

55′ Doni saves the day on a Diaby turn. I can’t watch these blackouts. It’s enough to make a grown man cry. Get through it and all is well, but until then….

Everyone in the back not named Motta is having a shocker. Riise donates possession this time.

54′ Bendtner skies a sitter five feet from Doni. Unbelievable. They dodged multiple bullets there.

Roma blackout….

53′ Have to say this Arsenal crowd is a joke. You could hear a feather drop, and the only time they were even remotely loud was after their goal, a penalty. Really poor showing.

51′ Shockingly, Arsenal are slowing the tempo, though trying to reclaim that dynamic burst from the first half.

49′ The boys are already looking a slight bit inventive and though DDR’s impending suspension looms large, 1-1 is a massive result.

48′ Baptista’s touch is just AWFUL….Arsenal with numbers but they’re stopped by makeshift LB Rodrigo. (Riise was still attacking.)

47′ Motta with a smart look to Baptista in the box as Almunia loses his marbles Jens-style for a moment and miscalculates the flight.

46′ Toure and Gallas entered the pitch from the locker room after the whistle had blown. Brilliant.

SECOND HALF

Did this fucking dumbass just call Spalletti one of the most OVERrated coaches in Europe? How does one get away with such insane stupidity and still hold a TV job? (Britain – right.)

The verdict: They’re playing as expected, but the dynamic young attack makes them look a bit helter skelter at times. The only real chances Arsenal have been afforded were the penalty and the blackout moment immediately after. It may not be pretty – and the centerbacks are just dire – but they’re still composed and tactically organized. It’s not as bad as one would think. Not nearly so.

However, DDR out for the second leg? Just….ugh.

Mirko and/or David will have to play some part in this second half. David to slow the tempo, Mirko to have someone, anyone test that Arsenal back line with a bit of pace. They’re able to run numbers back on every attack and that’s not helping with a hobbled Totti, a Perrotta playing further back than hoped and a Julio Baptista who’s an 89:55 player.

And really, can Marco Motta get a call, please? (Plus a new, permanent contract?)

HALFTIME

46′ Think the lads are playing for the whistle. And there it is.

44′ Loria damn near gifts Nasri a 1v1….Totti on it. Motta was hammered for the second time and no call. Playing to the home crowd a bit much here?

Baptista kicked Gallas in the face. Atta boy.

43′ Best Roman ball work of the day comes in their own third…Motta;s cross..Perrotta heads it down…Totti plays it out….DDR…Mexes…puts it out for a goal kick. He’s just not having a day – on one when he’s so desperately needed.

Daniele De Rossi is yellowed. Motherfucker. He’s suspended for Rome. Disastrous half, really.

40′ The lads are slipping all over the pitch. Really can’t say what’s going on here but Arsenal aren’t stopping Roman attacks, little blades of grass are. Wrong footwear?

39′ These Setanta commentators are utter garbage, by the by. Then again they’re British, so I suppose that goes without saying.

37′ Marco Motta saves another goal. I can’t watch. Blackout time.

Van Persie…RVP puts the ball in front of the fucking spot. Cheater. Goal.

35′ Penalty on Mexes. What the fuck? Is Philou going off…..no.

Taddei ball to Francesco waiting 20 yards out…and he skies it.

33′ Taddei, of all people, caught offside. What is this, 2006?

32′ Loria slips and whiffs on a ball in the box. Normally this is where I’d spill my tears, but I’ve actually noticed a few players slipping on the Emirates pitch.

30′ Nasri’s looking very live today. Fortunately the back line is getting enough help that the avenues are closing quickly.

29′ Little work in the Arsenal third amounts to nothing…Totti on it…Baptista’s shot skids about twenty yards wide of the goal. Blah.

28′ Nasri skips by DDR. Don’t hear that often.

27′ Class challenge by Philou. Nice flick on by Riise to Brighi, whose pass under pressure is a bit too blind and costs possession.

DDR is sitting on a yellow for the return leg. Good lord….

Brighi yellow.

24′ Then Alex plays it fast and loose on the floor in the box with not one but two Gunners in with him. Wondrous.

Doni Supermans to grab a cross with Arsenal pressing in the final third.

22′ Noticing Arsenal playing the ball around the back quite a bit when Totti is around. Wonder if that’s a tatical move designed to tire Francesco quickly as he runs around to pressure…

21′ They’re missing Mirko. A lot.

Some nice work between Motta – who’s looking good – and Totti results in Baptista unable to control possession.

20′ You’ll notice the tempo slowing a bit and Roma gaining more possession, albeit slowly, now. 15 minutes is their “first round”.

18′ Seriously, that was an Aquilani special. Totti fouled yet again (that four?).

Cheeky free kick over the top but Simone “I have the technique of a sofa” Loria flicks it over the bar. Nice idea, though.

17′ Doni makes a timely save when Van Persie’s touch from over the top is a bit too strong. Motta on the run….Motta with a fucking howitzer. Where did that come from? Almunia got a touch for the corner…..harmlessly played into Almunia.

15′ Gallas is hurt and limping off with his head in his hands. You’ve got to expect at least 2 injury subs apiece today during The Battle of the Walking Wounded.

14′ Free kick from distance for Arsenal…Loria with the save of the day. (No, that’s correct.)

13′ Mexes yellow. Fuckin’ A.

12′ Arsenal work possession around to the back but Roma are unable to win and sustain possession. 15 mins, that’s their cutoff, typically. That’s when they either shit the bed if they’re playing well or turn on the magic if they’re playing less than wonderfully.

10′ I know it may not look good, but I’m not displeased by the start of this game. Quite the opposite, in fact. Let the kids burn themselves out early and get frustrated by the compact back – praying for a miracle from Loria. I get much more worried when the lads get complacent early on and mentally take themselves out of the match by the 20th minute.

9′ Cross to Nasri is headed wide.

8′ Awful touch by Francesco to give Arsenal possession. Fortunately the defense holds well and eliminates the danger.

Loria with a Materazzi special on Eboue, lucky not to be carded. (Dear god help us….)

6′ Immense chance for Arsenal…Nasri beats the offside trap – who else kept him on? Loria – and he’s in on goal, plays it back to Bendtner who has the touch of a bronzed Baptista, fortunately.

5′ Great tackle by Simone, I believe, when the break kicks out and Motta is fouled. Baptista with a poor pass to donate possession back to his former side (over/under on that mentioned tonight? +/- 103?).

Sagna whips in a cross cleared by the 3rd CB, Daniele De Rossi.

3′ Loria hoofs one out of the box for an Arse throw…quick ball movement from the Gooners to open matters.

1′ Philou opens up with a tackle…Perrotta with an early interception …Totti fouled…Baptista fouled now. Quick start, eh?

KICKOFF

FORZA ROMA

Alright, we didn’t even make it to the opening whistle before mentioning Perrotta was born in Ingerland.

The Gunner children are now having a hug-a-thon in the center cirlce. Wonderful. Also, there’s a guy named “Chee-cheen-yo” playing for Roma tonight. Anyone have any info?

The lads are looking fired up and Arsenal are looking like they’re about to enjoy a high colonic. Good juju.

Out they come from the tunnels, all in black and led by one Francesco Totti. Truly a majestic sight if ever there was one. Magical nights indeed.

The Veetle link is working splendidly for me, so if you can hit that up.

“He’s there to provide intelligence and imagination.” – on Totti. Finally, one British pundit gets it. The rest of the idjeets on Setanta don’t seem to have a clue.

Alright, I’m all set up but will give the warning that updates may be a bit more infrequent.

Official Lineups per UEFA:

Roma:

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

Bad turn: Aquilani did not make the bench.

Bench: Artur, Vucinic, Pizarro, Tonetto, Filipe, Diamoutene, Montella

Arsenal:

Almunia
Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy
Eboue, Diaby, Denilson, Nasri
Bendtner, Van Persie

Bench: Fabianski, Vela, Ramsey, Merida, Gibbs, Song, Djourou

Diaby is just off injury, which could bode well.

Streaming: MyP2P has ‘em, but your first, second and third choices should be Veetle. If not, Atdhe.net should work also.

RomaGiallorossa Projected XI:

ARSENAL(4-4-2): Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy; Eboue, Denilson, Song, Nasri, Van Persie, Bendtner. All. Wenger

ROMA (4-3-1-2): Doni; Motta; Loria, Mexes, Riis; Taddei, De Rossi, Brighi; Perrotta; Totti, J.Baptista.

Eboue and Song in the midfield adds a bit of defensive work but I still think that back four can be had. They’re all solid, at the very least – Sagna is, for my money, the best RB in the Prem – but centrally they can be prone to chinks in the armor. Not to mention Almunia is far from world class.

I love the picture the guardian has chosen to display the big matchup this evening: Nicklas Bendtner v David Pizarro. Really?

Injury Rundown.:

Francesco: I see no way he sits on the bench for this game, even if he’s still on crutches. A 40% Francesco is still the best player on the pitch by miles.

Mirko: At best he’ll be on the bench. Tis time for the Julio Baptista Show.

Juan: Out. (whimper)

Cicinho: Looking incredibly unlikely and I think it’s fair to just say he’s out – at least from the beginning.

Aquilani: Still not 100%, but available.

Projected XI

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

And yes I, like most others, would like to display a personal message to a certain member of la rosa: fuck you, Panucci.

But really, the best news of the day? I’ve remembered to wear The Lucky Shirt. The lads are so far one hundred percent victorious when rocking this bad boy, so while they’re a class bunch of athletes, it’s really just down to me. You’re welcome. (This is the shirt, actually.)

Some Related Roma Posts:

Category: Team News

« Roma v Arsenal: The World’s Game | Home | Living To Fight Another Day, But Only Just. »

asem

Let's focus on the task ahead, Sballa...
sballa col i lupi

I gotta say this is really not a terrible position to be in. Arsenal didn't look that potent at all today. You don't think we could hold them and go through 2-0 in the home leg? Really? What Gunners squad have you guys been watching this year, becuz I believe they went like 2 weeks without a goal in the EPL at one point. We have seen great Roma performances the last two years at this round. I have no reason to suspect otherwise now. Brighi and Simo definitely have to step up to replace DDR but I am not that concerned.

By the way, even though I share everyone's disdain for the EPL (especially ManU and Chelski), I find it hard to root for two of the three MOST HATED squads in Serie A. I am just rooting for a combination of 15 red cards and 25 injuries between those 4 shit hole teams on their return legs. to be honest, I kinda want another shot at Man-ure sometime in the tournament. That would just be the most poetic justice to win the CL with them en route.
Papa

Arsenal will be healthy: Roma will miss DDR

Sorry guys, its over
CUCS

O'toole I to think VP dived but there was need for that tackle by Mexes. And, to be honest Arsenal could have scored 2-3 more goals.
James

I would have to agree with Boniek, in european play, the english sides are better, and have been consistently better over the past couple of years. You only need to look as far as the amount of cash that is put out and generated by the Premiership in comparison to Serie A. It is night and day, totally different culture in how the teams are marketed, TV rights, a lot of the larger sides own their grounds and stadia, hence, why they have the better players . . . because they have & spend the most money.
am

hey, anybody here know if dc area roma fans get together? just moved to the area, looking for an as roma scene.
Sneakers O'Toole

If our home form is any indicator, we will win at the olimpico.
Sneakers O'Toole

Is anyone else kind of pissed that penalty was called on us after seeing the replay? Mexes didn't touch RVP.
Rahul

Amazing Brento - you have cast your gaze into the future and have seen what we mere mortals can not. May you be proven right, O the all knowing one.
CMP (ASR) (Denmark)

The "Book of Brento" has spoken. You seem more vengeful than any other western deity. I like it!

Where can I get a copy - you on Amazon?
brento

"Thank God the crystal ball knows how its gonna go"

You better believe it!

"If Roma and Juve win 2-1 at home what happens to them brento?"

I cannot see what lies in Juve's future. But, Roma will not win 2-1, you must not have seen the part where I said Totti makes it 3-1 in the 87' to send i lupi through.

May locusts from the east devour the crops of those living in the village of Manchester.

Curses on the next eleven generations of Londoners.

Liverpool shall be spared... for the time being.
Bashar

they both go out.
Antonio

Hard to see the phase ending, if you look at the new tv deal. Dizzying numbers.

Not that simple. If Roma and Juve win 2-1 at home what happens to them brento?
CMP (ASR) (Denmark)

What I meant by that is that even though Juve and Roma are in the exact same boat, Juve have shown better play in this match than Roma did... Thank God the crystal ball knows how its gonna go lol!
CMP (ASR) (Denmark)

I still think that all three italian teams could progress! I unfortunately think that Roma is the team worst off, even if it isnt by much.
brento

CMP: Yea, you're probably right. I had the Chelski - Juve on the big screen with volume and Real - Pool on the Macbook no volume.

It's just frustrating, I still don't think the the EPL is the DOMINANT league. Slightly better, perhaps. But what do you expect with the media and cash dumped in it.

Even so, it's just a phase, it Serie A has had it's decades that were clear DOMINANCE.

Also, we'll see how these EPL teams do when they come to the old country. Only Man U has had to play in Italia thus far. Really, Arsenal and Chelsea have only done what is expected of any team, WIN AT HOME. Now it's up to Roma and Juve to WIN AT HOME.
CMP (ASR) (Denmark)

Brento... Madrid didnt have more chances - Robben did. He was the whole team. Thats why it was a deserved result even though I hate admitting it. It was just a piss awful match where one team played tactically better fotball. Liverpool kept their head, and simply grinded out a result through playing ugly football. Hats off to them for having the ability that could have given Roma 3 points against Catania, Reggina etc. this year!
Antonio

Boniek is saying it now on rai, the English are extraordinary, their football is so clear #1 right now, 4 games, 3 wins, none conceded and were stronger, faster, better prepared, in better physical shape, better defensively, they have put 4 different teams in the final over the last 5 years I think. Italy have only put Milan and Spain have only put Barca. Doesn't seem to be changing after these 1st legs unfortunately.
Mostafa

F*** i hate english teams and the whole EPL.... :(
Liver won
Chelsea won
oN another note, Bayern Munich were Fucki** Awesome today.
george

but i think the formation will be

cicinho mexes juan riise
brighi aquilani pizarro taddei
totti
vucinic

i dont think that he will risk playing baptista as well, if de rossi was plahying different story. but he will probably put taddei in to the midfield, dont want to be scored upon.
george

next game roma need to play with vuci-totti-baptista up front and aquilani brighi pizarro in the middle and most important of all juan must play!!!

congrats to panathinaikos, they are going thru to the final 8, wow!!
jed

im putting my hatred of inter behind me, i would like as many italian teams to progress in this years cl.
Bashar

Juve in the same position as us.. Not 1 goal was conceded amongst the 4 English teams.. wow.. Liverpool with a slight away lead and look comfortable. Roma and Juve have it all to do at home and Inter just need to not lose away. looks like only 1 (maybe 2) of the 4 will go through.
Jake

I feel sorry for Sporting, losing 5 - 0 to Bayern at home.
brento

Madrid had many more chances, Pool pretty much stole it. If anyone for Liverpool were to score, I'm glad it was Yossi, I like him.
Uncle Fester

Exactly, they acquired a skill that makes a football team win championships- they know how to win ugly. Sigh.
CMP (ASR) (Denmark)

Fester Im watching Real-Pool as well. Real look lost, hwoever when that is said - I absolutely HATE Liverpool away matches. Its so ugly, yet they're efficient. Unlike Roma, they can actually grind out results.
Uncle Fester

Is anyone watching Real-Liverpool (now 1-0 to the Pool of Livers, Benayoun) or other matches? I feel a bit geeky to be the only one to do it.
Mostafa

All hail brento our new psycic, look into his crystal ball and the match you see will seem as if it were a replay!
CMP (ASR) (Denmark)

Great thanks Brento... now theres no need to worry :-)
brento

There really is no point in posting lineups right now. It seems inevitable that we will have a new batch of injuries in a fortnight...

HOWEVER, now for the positive vibes I'm feeling...

We will shock Inter at the G Meazza

We will grind it out against Udine and get the win.

Then in Rome at the Olimpico vs Arsenal, there will be magic. 3-1 for Roma (Vucinic 11', RVP 27' Totti 44', 87')

There it is. Sorry to spoil it for you. At least we go through :-)
Kurdt

spencer, there is no answer to this question. Hopefully they'll be fit and ready.
spencer

question: Will Menez, aquilani,juan,and vuci be back for the 2nd leg, we really really need them
CapoCorso

It is nice getting back to hating Inter. I do have to pull for any seria a side vs the EPL.
CMP (ASR) (Denmark)

Jed I like that, Id however switch Aqui with Pizarro!
Kurdt

The match is still far away, let's move from arsenal to intermerda. I'm pretty glad we don't have coppa this year, we can rest a week for the udinese game and then face arsenal again.
jed

umm, i seriously don't get these 4-2-3-1, we have no pure wingers so we can't really use it. My take on a formation for the next arsenal game (although it seems pointless because of our scheduled case of injuries)

Doni
Motta----Mexes----Juan----Riise
Perrotta -Pizarro - Brighi
----------Aquilani*-------
-------Totti------Vuci----

If aqui doesn't get fit then it must be baptista, hopefully he'll play better.
Vuci must play tho, no matter what
Bren

Well apparently Motta's agent is getting a head start on a permanent move to Roma, which is obviously a positive for us, especially if Cicinho does indeed need surgery.
CMP (ASR) (Denmark)

I dont get peoples lineups these days... Aquilani as a winger? And can we once and for all acknowledge the fact that Totti as a classic trequartista is dead and buried!

Im having a bad day...
Giuseppe

Disappointing game yesterday, Motta and Pizarro were the only men on the pitch, Loria looks like a caveman
I think we could definitely win this tie at the Olimpico,it's a magical place that brings out the best in our players, reference the Real game and the Chelski game
i would like to see Motta start all the time and have Cicinho sub, here is my formation, since we all like doing one
Doni
Motta-Mexes-Juan-Riise
-----Pizarro-Brighi---
Menez--Totti--Aquilani
-------Vucinic-----
with Aquilani coming out and Taddei coming in and Vucinic/Baptista
i feel like la bestia shouldn't be asked to run around, just stay up front and blast them
Ian

I really like Caroe's lineup, except I'd switch Menez and Vucinic.
Dhaw

Damn !! From Arse-Shaven to Brazilian and from that to apple and oranges and to Banana and then the "state of the banana"
chris

Wouldn't it depend on the state of the banana?
Caroe

I think 4-2-3-1 might work in Rome. Italian teams has figured it out but imo it still works in Europe.

Doni
Motta-Mexes-Juan-Riise
Brighi-Aqui
Menez-Pizarro-Vucinic
Totti

Switch Aqui/Piza if you want to. I want us to make a quick start and scare their young boys. If we can do it against ManU(April '07) we can do it against Arsenal. Get a quick goal and the tie is more than open.
Guaman

very true, I failed to realize that it was only 11 players, then exlcude pizarro and place totti there. Now we have 11 players...lol
maro

Too much talking with fruits. See you guys later.
CMP (ASR) (Denmark)

Sure Guaman... except I think Arsenal might have a problem with the fact that we'd be fielding 12 players!
Guaman

haha, too much talk about fruits.
If the players get healthy and manage to tie at Inter and win against Udinese it should prepare them well for the Arsenal match.
Doni
Motta, Mexes, Juan, Riise
Brighi, Aqui
Taddei,Pizarro, Menez
Totti Vuci (Playing slightly ahead of Totti)

That might work, given that the players get match fit come March 11
CMP (ASR) (Denmark)

Im getting hungry.
maro

Which one is the banana and which one the skin, I wonder?
chris

Would that make the 4-3-1-2 the apple and the 4-2-3-1 the orange, maro? Or the other way 'round?
Antonio

Other from De Rossi, Motta is the only player that would have got in Arsenal's side last night, what a talent, like Cosmi said last week the boys an incredible athlete aside from his skill level. It's not often an Italian leaves a sprinter like Clichy dead time after time, just blew by him on several ocasions.
Amir

Roma sucked last night. Really not sure what Spaletti is seeing in Loria!!!
Our midfield was too slow and they don't know how to keep the ball.
We need more south americans in! or more guys from former Yugoslavia!
Vucinic needs to be ready for the next game with Totti and Pizzaro behind them.
Aquilani needs to cover for DDR, and Brighi can do much better.
Perotta was nowhere,
Motta and Doni were the best on the pitch.
maro

That's not much of an apology, capocorso. Just come straight out with it - I'm sorry, I should have listened to Uncle Maro and JCS. They see things more clearly than I do. They should get the annual "most-deserving-of-Lupa's-affection" prize.
CMP (ASR) (Denmark)

I agree Kurdt... the three man mf is no good unless it has some defensive prowess, something a lot of posters are seeming to forget. Offensive firepowere is not enough. It doesn't matter if we score 4, if Arsenal should score 3! That sends them through.
CapoCorso

Finally got to watch the entire match.
Never thought I would see Pizarro make that much of a difference.
My favorite Frenchmen was not great, until Loria was benched then he played well. I think mentally he was trying to play both CB spots to make up for Loria. Man, I have to admit I feel bad for Loria but when you lose it you lose it. He should never be allowed to play for Roma again.
Motta is going to be a flat out star for the next 10 years.
Bashar

Ya.. overexaggerate is redundant.. It has the same meaning as exaggerate. Apparently it is a (maybe unofficial) word:

overexaggerate: to overemphasize completely; to go beyond anticipated exaggeration
Kurdt

With that lineup I believe arsenal will get at least 3 goals and all Roma get is frustration.
Zurzolo

I think we should be thankful that we are only down 1-0, as Arsenal should have scored 2 or 3. Yes, Riise was unfortunate to see his shot go wide by inches, but I think we are still in it.

This should be our formation to combat Arsenal's speed:

------Doni
Motta-mexes-juan-riise
pizarro-brighi-menez
----Aquilani----
---Vucinic-Totti---

Cicinho is interchangeable with Motta if he is healthy.
CMP (ASR) (Denmark)

ASR that lineup is funny... it has no defence! The three man mf is a holding midfield, which is why those three players wont work.
asr

only menez can stop sagna at home if he plays LW
doni
cicinho-mexes-juan-riise
-taddei---pizarro---menez
----------aquilani-------
--------totti-vucinic
jasperaldo (ASR)

CL dream is not over.. come on man!
we beat chelsea at home with 3-1.. Roma can be brilliant, I believe.
maro

Dare I venture to say it might - oddly enough - be the second stretch of tough games we've had this season?
ilcapitano

Tough schedule- yes. another gauntlet to get through. but remember last season, how it seemed like there were sooo many of these stretches of tough games? honestly this is one of the first really really tough stretches of matches this season. last year we got through it all, so we should this year. (that is, if everyones healthy)
closet Lazio supporter (or is

Overexaggerate probably falls within my sort of territory, no?
maro

Thanks Bashar. To return the favour, I doubt 'overexaggerate' is, though.
Bashar

You know? Everytime we have a big win or a loss I remember ursus' words about Roma fans.. We overexaggerate everything good or bad.. 2 weeks ago we were one of the top teams in the world, brushing aside sides with ease and we were supremely confident, and now look at us. During the game overly pessimistic and after the game overly optimistic. haha.. It's great..

And I do think dunderheads is a word. I believe I've heard it before.
Sneakers O'Toole

I wish our players would STFU and play. Mexes is already talking shit about the second leg.
Sneakers O'Toole

Igor, unfortunately you are kind of right. Most here won't admit it, but too much of our squad hinges on a man that can't stay healthy (with good reason, he's old, and he has been the most fouled player almost every year he has played). No executive would dare try to make Totti have a lesser role because Totti has more power than anyone in that association. Unfortunately, he is the most healthy forward we have. He is not playing well, and he talks a bigger game than he plays in these CL fixtures, but we are Roma; we have nothing better.

I think a more limited role, similar to Del Piero at Juve, would make the whole team better, but we need an Amauri before that happens.
maro

Incidentally, I'm just wondering when the apologies to JCS and me about Pizarro are going to start streaming in? Presumably his contribution last night was sufficiently glaring for even the dunderheads here to notice. Is dunderheads a word or did I just make it up? Read 'fekkin' mumpties' if you prefer.
Fadayn

hmmm. some of you make valid points. Mexes did, indeed, suck balls last night handing Arsenal a penalty. DDR was useless also, this must not be forgotten, aside from idiotic slide tackling a player halfway up the field and out on the sideline (and missing the ball).

But don't forget Loria, Riise and Baptista were about as usefull as tits on a bull.

Once again let me repeat .. Mercato + Bag + River = hanging's too good for them.
Mostafa

Inter - AS Roma 3/1/09
AS Roma - Udinese 3/7/09
AS Roma - Arsenal 3/11/09
Sampdoria - AS Roma 3/15/09
AS Roma - Juventus 3/21/09
AS Roma - Bologna 4/5/09
Lazio - AS Roma 4/11/09
AS Roma - Lecce 4/19/09
Shit thats a tough scheduel
Rahul

1-0 is not bad - but it will get very bad if we concede even once against Arsenal. We need to keep a clean sheet and score two - well, we need to get on a roll and defeat Inter Merda and Udinese.
Looking at it realistically, I think the Champions League dream is over. :(
Traian

Excuse me...I should have said lowlights just like Chris.
Traian

Just watched the higlights...We pretty much sucked! Anyway...0-1 is still ok, relatively easy deficit to overcome.
rayman

juan is not going anywhere...but andreolli should be brought back...
its simple....we are not tough mentally...
agreed about spaletti james...maybe he could have played motta alongside mexes and taddei as rb....
we really missed menez...wins against inter and udinese will do wonders for our confidence..
2nd leg we will have to play like milan did against united two years ago at san siro...
Jacob

Jeff u r wrong.
Loria is no victim. He made countless mistakes gifting Bendtner a should have been goal. He scores that and its over. He was slow, relatively poor clearances (only cleared the ball about 7-8 metres). Mexes was fine. Sure he gave up the penalty but he made countless tackles that no-one else could have made. His passing could have been better. What needs to be improved is the first touch and passing. Brighi, Perrotta and Taddei were all culprites of terrible passing. Also look at how slow the midfield is. Eboue (who has been slammed by arsenal fans all year) sprinted past 3-4 players and no-one could catch up with him (Mexes had to foul him). I believe we need Aquilani back. I noticed that Arsenal give a bit of space outside the box. All it takes is an Aquilani long shot and he'll score. I reckon Roma will sell Juan to Barca, so bring Andreolli back. With the 7-8 mill we get, we should put it towards buying a Silva type player. Someone with pace.
James

No petition is necessary; anyone with a pair of eyeballs knows Loria should not be playing in our jersey, period. Hopefully it sinks in on the shiniest chrome dome in Rome. Quite honestly it is bizarre how Loria still has a job in professional footbal. he should not after his gig w. Roma. What is even more astonishing & baffling is why we brought him over (yeah he was the next best thing to slice bread at SIENA, whatever), Why he wasn't at least offed in the winter silly season (maybe no one would take him? even if Rosella wrote a check to make him go away?); but, more importantly is why Spalletti continues on playing him at the most inopportune times & ultimately at the expense of the team. The stats tell the story of what a remarkably different squad we are when Loria is on the pitch, whether it is lack of confidence, bad luck or a combination thereof, it doesn't matter any longer. . . loria should not play because he does not fit. Spalletti should hopefully have realized this by now, unless he's purposelly trying to lose to spite prade & rosella. Do what is best for the team & bring back Panucci, at least for Serie A, going forward. DAJE Roma DAJE
ben

okay guys, we should start a petition in goal.com stating

LORIA SHOULD NOT PLAY FOR ROMA AGAIN. He is just plain bad luck. If he plays = we lose. Much of the bad streak in the beginning of the year was due to him. Just think about our league position when we had a better replacement.

SO GUYS!! Let's start the petition. PLZ
Kurdt

Guys, Spal subbed in Diamond for gLoria in second half is for a reason, that gLoria sucks! and I apologize to think that gLoria should be given a chance over Diamond before the match. Punish me o Lord.
Kurdt

Until now I can't understand how things should work for Baptista, sometimes he's just amazing with the body-crusher and brilliant solos, then there were times when he's completely gone for the whole match. Please figure out the best position for this guy Spal. We can fill in Baptista for trequartista with Montella&Totti as the strikers if Vuci and Menez don't play. I feel sorry for Taddei but he's just not up to these big games again. We should only play him when fighting against small teams. Hope Andreolli, Antunes & Curci back in summer.
Jeff Spicoli

Wait a second guys I think Igor is really making a good case for himself. How could you deny what he means? Loria is just a victim of the circumstances. Mirko would have not any better. Mexes really did mess up, and bc of him we lost the game. now thanks to DDr's dumbness, it looks like the next game is out the window. Why deny what the facts are? Would some of you get off your high-horse and look at things from a different perspective?
rayman

can aquilani and pizzaro play together with brighi?..i don't want perrotta and taddei on the team..
but the match in olimpico is going to be totally different..
but what we really need is a psychiatrist...how we go from genoa to atalanta and this is beyond me.
one man who couldn't be cursed enough is...well you know who im talking about...had he played we might have been much more solid...
i think andreolli should definitely be brought back next season..with juan's injuries, he should get plenty of minutes...
Jacob

I agree, Totti should be rested for Udinese. Hopefully Menez will be fit and will start in that match with Vucinic with Baptista playing behind (where he is meant to play). Can Motta play LB? I mean it will be hard to decide who plays between Motta and Cicinho (after that performance it goes to Motta) yet if he or Cicinho can play at LB it would be good. Riise didn't have enough pace or flair down back. I expect Roma to win at home, seeing as it is at home. 2-0 win to Roma. DDR out is HUGE.
Jacob

Igor I disagree with you 100%
Loria was terrible all game. Did nothing good. Yeah an average first half, but a shocking awful second.
How can you expect Totti to play well when, the midfield is playing crap, you strike partner is awful, and the only one that is working his ass of is you. Totti needs good deliverance. Ohh and after 2-3 games, Totti is all of a sudden expendable? He didn't even play badly. He provided some good touches and passes and was constantly running to take possesion of the ball. At times his touch was a bit heavy but that happens. Brighi did nothing, Perrotta is getting slower and slower. Taddei plays well against slow teams. Oh and where was Baptista? He will play better when he gets Vucinic or Menez supporting him. Aquilani NEEDS to be in that squad. Taddei should be dropped for Pizarro (im not a real fan anymore, but at least he does something). Ohh and Loria should never play a game again.
SPEED is the key to the next game. Menez needs to be in that squad, simple as that.
asem

I think the Inter game Totti should play in, but he should be rested vs. Udinese.
asem

Not just our RB, but who should be Italy's starting RB in WC '10.
liveslow

Igor honestly I'm not sure if you're trolling or not.... Loria was better than Mexes tonight??? Are you nuts? yeah, Mexes gave up a questionable penalty but the rest of the game he saved our bacon time and time again.
Bren

yeah, Giuly wouldve helped out a lot this year, but he didnt like it in Italy, so what can you do?
Lorenzo

The worst part of this game was not the 1-0 result, but DDR being out for the return leg. The best part is obviously the emergence of our present and future RB.
Igor

mirko* lol not really micro
Igor

And i could stir some feathers with this.....

I adore the man i truly do as much as any of you but in my opinion, right now and in the coming years, Totti could hurt this club...

Its almost sacreligious but he is clearly not fit and even more so he is NOT in form.... but because of who he is, what he symbolises and what hes done he comands a first team spot.

I'm not saying he shouldn't be there but sometimes (like today) if mirco was given the start would things have gone differently....?
Igor

Pizzaro and Motta for me were the only gradable players today. As soon as piza man came on there was some linkage between attack and midfield...

And what the fuck is with baptistas first touch???? For a brazilian he has one of the worst in the team for sure...
Igor

The continued blame on Loria is unfounded. For mine he was the better centre back all game. Yes he misstimed that defensive header leading to an undoubtable chance on goal (to bredtner?) but appart from that he wasnt anywhere near as bad as Mexes.

He let down the team today. A pillar of strength and composure was needed today and he was far from that.... The penalty was there, no doubting that, but there was noo need for mexes to lay a tackle in the first place. Persie was pushing wide and needed at least another touch before striking......
jed

i feel as though a little french winger by the name of ludovic giuly would have been amazing... just a thought
Dhaw

I am content with this 1-0 loss. It could be worse.
Same thing happened against Chelsea and in the return leg we showed them who their daddy was. If anyone thinks Arsenal is going to attack when in Rome must be shitting themselves. We have every chance to qualify.
Only thing that is going to stop us from doing so will be Injuries.

A healthy Roma team sans DDR is still capable of getting the desired result.

Forza Roma !
Dhaw

Did pauly forget today was the game.
E2 did not pay us a visit here.
Foul play ?
Joey

Motta, Andreolli, Juan, Mexes should be the backline for next year. I understand treating the kids with kid gloves - but Andreolli is 23 next year bring him up and throw him out there - the other 3 are solid enough to cover and let him grow. And he and Motta are friends - this is all good.

With DDR out - it's Aquilani's time to shine. Either he shows his worth against Arsenal in the return leg - or his time at Roma is up in my view. He is 25 soon and his career is passing him by sitting on the bench with his slightly pulled whatever it happens to be this week. This is his moment to show he is worth the contract he thinks he deserves.

Taddei just makes me crazy - he is awful.

I feel for Totti - the criticism that he can't / doesn't ever perform well in England has to eat away at him. He is such an incredible talent - but whatever it is for some reason it just doesn't happen for him on this stage. And it must silently kill him to look back in a big game like this and see a player like Loria on the backline of his team (just like it kills all of us...)
asem

Diamoutene is good.
I mean he's not Juan e Mexes good, but he's pretty fucking good.
Did you see his emotion near the end of the game? For someone that has played with the team for a few weeks and only seen like 70 mins of playing time, that was a good sign and something I for one love to see ... Motta is so good. That's one thing you were right about, Chris - BUT YOU WERE SO FUCKING WRONG ABOUT THAT SHIRT...
asem

CHRIS YOUR FUCKING SHIRT DIDN'T WORK
I BLAME YOU FOR THIS LOSS AND THE KNOT THAT WILL REMAIN IN MY GUT FOR THE NEXT FORTNIGHT