Arsenal 1-0 AS Roma: Missed Chances Galore

Arsenal were the only team to come out with a victory after Tuesday's Champions League clashes and as flattering as this is, there are some underlying issues to assess. Manchester United faced reigning Serie A champions, Inter Milan, in Milan; a 0-0 draw there is almost success for the Red Devils as they head to Old Trafford next. Barcelona claimed a vital away goal via Thierry Henry, a player whom, if given the same precious opportunities Bendtner was handed, would have most likely capitalized therefore making Arsenal's worries less. However, because Bendtner's pink less boots were marred with the touch closely resembling a five year-old at a PTA game, Van Persie's penalty was the decisive strike. Porto's resilient 2-2 draw in Madrid against Atletico can be seen as a more positive one than Arsenal's.
As much as I would like to bask in a victory I could only do so for so long while the images of Eboue's gift of an opportunity after Loria's mistake pervade my memory. Arsenal simply did not capitalize occasion-after-occasion to put this tie away. We could be looking at a scenario where players could get rest for the second leg if we put a few of our chances to bed. Instead, the Gunners' let their lack of confidence be exposed to the universe on Tuesday evening. It is my belief that if anyone on Manchester United or Barcelona (teams experiencing a great deal of success right now) would have done more with the opportunities Arsenal had. Bendtner's nervy finishing along with Eboue's desire to trot around the Roma defence instead of taking a straight shot were both examples of the lack of confidence that appears to have infected the Gunners. Coming off three consecutive goalless stalemates takes something special to break and the Gunners managed to do so. Arsenal's record in Italy boasts two famous victories in Milan and one in Rome. Arsenal's 5-1 demolition of Inter Milan during the "Untouchables" season and Cesc's 25-yard strike in the dying minutes of the second half against AC Milan last season are testaments of Arsenal's success on Italian soil. The last time Arsenal faced AS Roma was during the 2002-03 UEFA Champions League campaign when Arsenal defeated the Romans 3-1 in Rome while they were held 1-1 at Highbury.
As I watched the match with my brother and crew on ESPN360, the words of Janusz Michallik for the most part took away from an enjoyable experience. He did, however, have it right when he talked about Arsenal's success in Italy away from home. He went as far to say that Arsenal are more dangerous away because of the counter attacking possibilities that usually come with playing away. I do agree with him and I am left with contentment and confidence (for once) when thinking about the second leg. The defence looks indestructible and impenetrable at times. The last goal that was scored on Arsenal was Tim Cahill's audacious header at Goodison on January 28. It seems once Arsenal find their finishing touch, special times could very well be ahead.