CSKA Moscow 2:2 Arsenal—Vote for Player Ratings & MOTM!

CSKA Moscow found goals either side of halftime breathed too much life into this second leg, and, for about 75 minutes, it looked like we'd see a repeat of AS Roma-Barcelona or, failing that, Real-Juve. Finally, Danny Welbeck settled some nerves as he scored to restore a more comfortable 3-5 aggregate, to which Aaron Ramsey added some security in stoppage-time. It wasn't pretty, and we can't quite claim to have learned any lessons from results in the Champions League, but we're through to the semifinal anyway. We'll find out who we'll face there soon enough—Salzburg, Atletico, or Marseille. Let's rate the lads!

Saintses and Orcses and Hugheses, oh my!

First and foremost, we have to admit to a certain degree of schadenfreude. There's nothing wrong with it. In fact, we're presented almost weekly with a chance to wallow in it. On Saturday, to cite just one example, we had a veritable smörgåsbord of schadenfreudian options as we watched the Manchester derby. Should we hope for Alexis and Mourinho to suffer the ignominy of defeat at the Etihad as they watch City celebrate, or should we hope for Guardiola and all of his mercenaries to be humiliated twice in one week? In a word, yes. Such is the live of the footballing fan. The enjoyment is roughly 40% support for one's club, 60% spite and schadenfreude at the expense of various rivals.
Say what you will about this campaign, what with its ups and downs (okay, mostly the latter). We were humbled in the League Cup final, humiliated in the FA Cup's Third Round, and we never had a hint of a chance at winning the Prem. Yes, we're still alive in the Europa League and look likely to advance to the semi-final, but even there, we're not yet favorites. Still, we battered Stoke last weekend, driving one more nail into the coffin that is their campaign. On Sunday, we (eventually) did the same to Southampton. 'Twixt the two, you might struggle to find two minnows further apart in their footballing philosophies and at the same time so strangely successful against Arsenal. To see one or both sent down would almost be balm enough to the allergies and aggravations of an otherwise fruitless campaign. Throw in the second sacking of Mark Hughes, and, well, there's enough almost lipstick to put on this pig.

Arsenal 3:2 Southampton—Vote for Player Ratings & MOTM!

After a shaky start brought about in part by seven changes to the lineup, baffling miscommunication between Mustafi and Čech turned a routine dribbler into a goal for Shane Long. We had to know that Southampton, fighting against relegation, would cause more than the customary amount of trouble, but it still a surprise to see them take the lead. Danny Welbeck helped set things right by finding Aubameyang in the box and then scoring a banger of his own. From there, only magnificent saves from Alex McCarthy kept it close. Shane Long had a goal disallowed, but Charlie Austin scored from a set-piece almost immediately after subbing on. Welbeck shanked a sitter, but he nodded home from close range to redeem himself—and, it must be added, Arsenal itself. There was late drama as Wilshere and Stephens scuffled, leading to a straight red for Stephens. Moments later, Elneny was sent for a retaliatory shove on Soares. Eh. We won. Let's get to the poll.

Arsenal 4:1 CSKA Moscow—Vote for Player Ratings & MOTM!

Arsenal blitzed CSKA Moscow with first half braces from Aaron Ramsey and Alexandre Lacazette, and although they conceded one away goal, have to feel pretty good about advancing to the Europa League semifinal on the strength of this performance. The Russians looked overwhelmed for long stretches, and if Arsenal can click like this in the second leg and beyond, a Europa League title looks all the more likely. Let's not get ahead of ourselves, though. There is after that second leg to play, not to mention however we might face should we advance. Enough for now. Let's get down to the poll!

Arsenal 3:0 Stoke—Vote for Player-Ratings & MOTM!

It was a dull and dreary affair for the greater part of the match with Stoke stubborn as ever and Arsenal about as sloppy and careless as we've been all season, misplacing passes and gifting possession left and right. It wasn't until the second half that we actually started to resemble a proper football squad, but our finishing was poor. Finally, in the 74th minute, Özil found his way into the box and was brought down by Martins Indi. It was a bit light but no real doubt about it. Aubameyang stepped up and coolly put it into the back of the net. We came to life after that and Aubameyang found a second from a corner. Late on, Lacazette was shoved in the box, and Pawson again pointed to the spot. The Frenchman sent it home. It might change much in the Prem, but anything that sends Stoke closer to relegation is always good. Well, let's get down to the poll to rate the lads!