other than the pain part, though large stretches must have been pretty hard to watch for you Gooner types; plus, it turned out to be a pretty compelling match, if less fun than Tuesday's. I guess that's what happens when two immovable objects meet...

FWIW, I actually like Arsenal's chances for a Atleti-esque smash-and-grab win in the second leg, and I think the Champions League might just be your best chance for silverware this season.

They're not as sound at the back as they have been.

Arsenal, on the other hand, are pretty short on attacking players and certainly in form attacking players.

I predict pain

We wouldn't want people confusing the Haramball Derby with o jogo bonito and turning against the sport.

Luckily for me, while I was trapped in an interminable department meeting for yesterday's goalfest, my afternoon is free today.

I'll get off this flight in just enough time to collect my rental car and join a friend to watch my boy's brand of Haramball. Up the Arse!

Other than a really bad penalty call against Davies, that was the best half of futbol I've seen in a long time.