Live Text isn't live anymore, this is a record of the match events.
Full Time THAT'S IT: Arsenal have succumbed to a heavy defeat at the San Siro and have an incredible amount of work to do if they are to save this tie. This is football after all, and anything can happen. Time to move on - quickly.
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ABBIATI SAVES: Van Persie leaps to win his header inside the box but it's dealt with relatively comfortably by the Milan goalkeeper.
Top Comments:
juanraderbas on Twitter says:
Can we still come back in leg 2? Or, do we focus on 4th place and FA Cup?
84
Substitution OFF COMES ROBINHO: He's got two goals and proved a thorn in Arsenal's side all game. He's replaced by compatriot Pato.
82
ONE TO FORGET: It's time to move on from this one quickly. Arsenal have not demonstrated any of what we know they can do, which is a great shame. Sadly it is a lead which does not particularly flatter the hosts.
Top Comments:
Tim Peters on Arsenal Player says:
Milan are a good side, but we have made them look like world beaters tonight. But creit where credit is due.
80
SZCZESNY ALMOST GETS THERE: The Pole gets a hand on it but there's too much power on the strike and Milan get a fourth.
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GOAL! - Zlatan Ibrahimovic 4 : 0 IBRAHIMOVIC CONVERTS FROM THE SPOT
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Yellow Card PENALTY TO MILAN: Djourou hauls down Ibrahimovic inside the box and the referee points to the spot. He can have no complaints.
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ROBINHO HEADS OVER: The forward, on a hat-trick, leaps highest from Emanuelson's corner but heads over the bar.
Top Comments:
Tim Peters on Arsenal Player says:
What’s been really obvious for me is a lack of a leader on the pitch. There hasn’t been anyone stepping up in the defence or midfield.
76
CHANCE FOR VAN PERSIE: It was difficult in fairness. The striker watches the ball drop inside the box but his right-footed volley trickles into the arms of Abbiati.
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ARSENAL NEED SOMETHING: Nothing is ever decided in football at the halfway stage but just one goal could be so important for Arsenal. To take just something back to Emirates Stadium has to be a huge prize.
72
Yellow Card SONG GOES IN THE BOOK: He's frustrated. Ibrahimovic, who has run things tonight, is stopped in his tracks illegally by the midfielder. The referee is not a fan and waves the yellow card.
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Substitution BOATENG JOGS OFF: He's put in a shift for his side this evening. It's the experienced Massimo Ambrosini on.
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Substitution OX COMES ON: It's time for some impact. It's Kieran Gibbs off, who looks to have got through this one unscathed.
Top Comments:
bluegreencroc on Twitter says:
No point taking a 3-0 loss to the Emirates. Might as well use our last sub putting offence on for a defensive player and go for it
65
WHAT A SAVE, ABBIATI: How many times has Van Persie seen those go in this season? His goal-bound volley looks destined for the bottom corner but the Milan keeper's outstretched hand tips the ball around the post. Fine stop.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
Arsenal have to hope that Milan start thinking that this is a bit too easy and start to get complacent. You hope that Milan start getting sloppy and give a chance to get back in the game
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RAMSEY HEADS OVER: Milan concede a sloppy corner and Van Persie finds the Welshman, whose headed effort sails over the bar.
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FRUSTRATING FOR ROSICKY: He was away there but had his shirt tugged and the move broke down. Some encouraging urgency from Arsenal there. All may seem lost but this one is not over yet.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
The way you get lucky is by putting crosses into the box and taking shots and hoping that something happens. I'd like to see us be more confident
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59
ANTONINI JUST WIDE: The full back has proved a menace going forward all game, this time dragging his effort narrowly past the post.
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ARSENAL CORNER: Gibbs gets forward for the first time in the game and wins a corner for his side. It's punched away by Abbiati, though.
Top Comments:
N1CK219 on Twitter says:
Positive: Kieran Gibbs' performance. Good first game back. Looking to attack too, full of confidence
55
MILAN IN CONTROL: They're three goals up and in cruise control at the moment. The third goal has deflated Arsenal and this is becoming all too easy for the hosts.
Top Comments:
denny1988 on Twitter says:
We need to shoot from outside the box & whenever a gap presents itself. We can't always try to pass thru the box to get to the goal
53
NICE IDEA ROSICKY: The Czech international looks for Henry over the top with a classy pass with the outside of his boot, but there's a little too much on it and the ball is gratefully held by Abbiati.
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BAD START TO THE HALF: It's unfortunate too. Ibrahimovic finds Robinho in the middle, Vermaelen slips and the Brazilian forward fires past Szczesny into the bottom corner. That isn't what Arsenal had in mind after the restart.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
Arsenal have got to look at themselves show pride and put the sleeves up. The thing with football is you can have a good 10 or 15 minutes and get yourself a goal.
49
GOAL! - Robinho 3 : 0 ROBINHO GETS HIS SECOND GOAL
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WELL DEFENDED BY DJOUROU: Ibrahimovic looks to play the ball across the goalmouth for Robinho, but Arsenal's Swiss defender is on hand to block.
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ARSENAL GO COMPACT: With each side of the pitch more than worse for wear, it looks like something of a diamond in the second half. An interesting move.
46
Substitution ON COMES HENRY: It's a bold move from the boss, who brings off Theo Walcott. It could well be more of a 4-4-2 formation perhaps now.
Top Comments:
hi_im_kamran on Twitter says:
What are the odds of a Theirry Henry hat-trick?
46
BACK UNDERWAY: A big half of football ahead for Arsenal. Charlie George, on Arsenal Player, wants "passion" - is he going to get it? Arsenal have proved they can come back in recent weeks and now they have to do it all again.
Top Comments:
Charlie George on Arsenal Player says:
When we have possession we have got to get a shot. If we don’t shoot, we ain’t gonna score. When we have the ball, we’re passing it just for the sake of passing it. Someone has to make their mind up and do something.
Half Time TWO DOWN AT THE BREAK: Milan are deservedly ahead as we reach the halfway mark at the San Siro. All Arsenal can do now is emerge a much sturdier unit in the second half and push for that all-important goal.
Top Comments:
Charlie George on Arsenal Player says:
I know the pitch is bad, but you can’t keep using that as an excuse. They have to play on it as well, and they are just dealing with it better
denny1988 on Twitter says:
2-1 is not what we should be aiming for, we should play for a win. The more positive we are the better we shall do. Second half will be better
45
Yellow Card ANTONINI BOOKED: The Milan man is shown a yellow card after a clash with Wojciech Szczesny.
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BOATENG STRIKES WIDE: Djourou gets turned by Ibrahimovic, who in turn feeds Boateng down the wing. The goalscorer can't add to his tally, though, firing narrowly past the post.
Top Comments:
Tim Peters on Arsenal Player says:
Confidence shouldn’t be an issue with this Club after the last two games. Granted Blackburn aren’t Milan, but Arsenal should be riding high after those wins
44
Substitution DJOUROU ON: Koscielny has been forced off with injury here. He was limping and tried to carry on, but the risk value was just not deemed worthwhile.
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HUGE LET-OFF: Ibrahimovic gets in front of Sagna inside the box but can't get anything on his header to beat Szczesny.
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NEXT GOAL CRUCIAL: Arsenal have a lot to do here. Half time will provide a welcome break for Arsene Wenger to drill his pearls of wisdom into the team.
Top Comments:
Tim Peters on Arsenal Player says:
You do sense we need a goal here this evening. 2-0 would be very difficult without the away goal
38
DISASTROUS FOR ARSENAL: They haven't quite been at the races so far. Ibrahimovic finds space down the left before chipping into the box for Robinho to nod into the bottom corner. He took that well.
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GOAL! - Robinho 2 : 0 ROBINHO HEADS HOME
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VITAL TOUCH FROM KOSCIELNY: He had to make that challenge. Robinho tried to pick out a free Ibrahimovic in the middle but was thwarted at the death with a fine block from Arsenal's French defender.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
Gibbs in his first game back, and even though Vermaelen has a lot of experience, it takes a while to get your positioning back in centre half. We’ve got a back four that doesn’t have too much of an understanding.
34
NOCERINO VOLLEYS WIDE: It would have been some strike had he got it on target, but the Italian international gets it all wrong and skews his ambitious volley wide.
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CAGEY STUFF IN MILAN: Arsenal aren't asking too many questions of the Serie A outfit just yet. Keeping possession has proved a little troublesome so far and that will have to improve if they are to get themselves a crucial away goal.
Top Comments:
Tim Peters on Arsenal Player says:
I think they are playing too tentative. They are behind by one and to my mind they look like they are too worried about conceding a second one
mastermind1808 on Twitter says:
The only advantage we've got over Milan is our pace. We've got to move it around faster to make it count though
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OFFSIDE IBRAHIMOVIC: It looked closer than it actually was in fairness, but a better timed run could have caused all kinds of problems for Arsenal.
Top Comments:
thearsenalstory on Twitter says:
Our backs are well and truly up against the wall here; Milan are hounding us extremely quickly, and successfully
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MILAN COMFORTABLE: Arsenal have yet to really trouble Abbiati's goal so far, going closest through Rosicky's early strike. Milan have done most of the work so far and look reasonable value for their lead.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
The big thing that Milan have got is with their forwards. They've got their big target man, but he also has players around him. When Van Persie has gone forweard he's been all by himself up there
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KOSCIELNY ON TARGET: A floated Van Persie free-kick finds its way to the French defender, whose header is held comfortably by Abbiati.
Top Comments:
chrislourenco10 on Twitter says:
Arsenal's not playing with enough speed right now. Playing at Milan's tempo. Only way to win is with pace and width!
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MESSY AT THE BACK: Vermaelen doesn't deal with a hopeful punt over the top towards Ibrahimovic and the striker almost capitalises. The referee spares any blushes by blowing for a free-kick.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
We’re giving them far too much space. We need to make better use of the ball and not give them anymore chances
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SO CLOSE FROM NOCERINO: The midfielder was allowed time and space on the edge of the box, electing to fire a rasping drive just over the crossbar. Ominous signs.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
You've got to pick up the most dangerous player and we are playing too far off them
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FIRST SIGHT FOR RVP: The leading goalscorer is freed into the box down the left but his attempted cross is cut out before it can cause danger.
Top Comments:
kwirirayi on Twitter says:
Arsenal don't fancy getting into the box. It's like they have no idea what to do in the Milan half
16
WHAT A HIT: The former Spurs midfielder collects a deft chip over the top from Nocerino and unleashes a sizzling volley off the underside of the crossbar which bounces over the line. A goal of real quality.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
To be fair, it was a great strike, but there was too big of a gap between Vermaelen and Koscielny, but we could have used the midfieldes playing a bit deeper.
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GOAL! - Kevin-Prince Boateng 1 : 0 SUPERB STRIKE FROM BOATENG
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EMANUELSON GOES CLOSE: It's a tidy lay-off from Ibrahimovic, but the ball falls slightly behind the substitute and he can only divert the ball wide of Szczesny's goal.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
Arsenal has got to stay with their runners. I’m not sure who it was, but it took Koscielny to come over and make a desperate tackle.
12
Substitution ...BUT NOW HE DOES GO OFF: That's a real blow for the hosts. Urby Emanuelson does get on this time, replacing the Milan captain.
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EARLY CHANGE? Seedorf had gone down, with Emanuelson quickly readied to take his place. But the Dutchman picks himself up and looks like he will be fine to carry on.
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ANOTHER CORNER: It's cleared once more by Arsenal but there is no denying that it's Milan who have looked the sharper of the two sides so far.
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ARSENAL TESTING THE WATER: They're being allowed a little bit of possession and stroking the ball around neatly in midfield.
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MILAN BUILDING PRESSURE: The hosts have picked up a couple of corners in the early stages. The second is headed away well by Song, who eventually sparks a counter attack upfield.
Top Comments:
rushaan684 on Twitter says:
We need to get our Speed on and get these old timers tired early in the game
5
JUST WIDE FROM SEEDORF: At the other end it's the captain involved once more as he cuts inside and unleashes a fierce effort narrowly wide of the mark.
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NICE FEET FROM WALCOTT: The England man turns past his man with ease before seeking out Ramsey, but there is just a little too much on the final ball.
Top Comments:
Tim Peters on Arsenal Player says:
It looks very compact out there which is not good for the likes of Theo Walcott. He’ll have to use his pace to see what he can get out there.
2
ROSICKY TRIES ON: The midfielder bursts towards goal and lets fly from the edge of the area, but the ball sails narrowly wide of Abbiati's goal.
Top Comments:
aywardweston on Twitter says:
Rosicky on the wing might be a great decision, he's been much better recently
1
IBRAHIMOVIC LOOKS FOR SEEDORF: The Swede trys to dink one over the top for his captain, but the veteran Ducthman is offside.
Kick Off AND WE'RE UNDERWAY: AC Milan kick us off in this crucial first leg at the San Siro.
SEND US YOUR THOUGHTS: You can e-mail Tim Peters and Martin Hayes in the commentary box at studio@arsenal.co.uk.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
What Arsenal have to do is make sure they have something to play for in the second leg
'MEE-LAN, MEE-LAN', boom the Rossoneri faithful. It's loud, as ever, in Italy.
AND HERE THEY COME: Arsenal, led by skipper Robin van Persie, head out onto the pitch in their bright yellow shirts. The Champions League music rings out, which can only mean one thing...
Top Comments:
Charlie George on Arsenal Player says:
I think it’s just a coincidence that Milan has struggled against English teams. Although... all of those teams they lost to had pace.
GET INVOLVED ON TWITTER: Join all the pre-match debate at #ArsenalLive.
TEAMS ARE IN THE TUNNEL: We're just five minutes away from kick-off at the San Siro and the two sides are ready to go.
Top Comments:
OlaAyobami on Twitter says:
Milan has a very strong team but they won't be able to cope with Arsenal's attacking style. A win will definitely be my Valentine's gift
TEN MINUTES TO KICK-OFF: Nervous yet? There will certainly be a few jitters in the two dressing rooms ahead of this one. It's the pick of the last 16 ties and it looks like we should be in for a treat.
Top Comments:
Charlie George on Arsenal Player says:
I think there could be goals in the game. I’ll be happy with a 1-1 draw
MILESTONE FOR SEEDORF: The evergreen midfielder is set to make his 100th European appearance for AC Milan tonight. The captain, now 35 years of age, has still got it.
PITCH LOOKING POOR: It's fair to say that the San Siro turf is not looking its best. That is sure to be a huge gripe for Arsene Wenger ahead of this game.
Top Comments:
adilraza1983 on Twitter says:
I don't like the state of the wings of that San Siro pitch, especially with this game being Gibbs' comeback,Theo could struggle too.
BATTLE OF THE BRAWN: Kevin-Prince Boateng up against Alex Song is sure to be a key clash in this game. Boateng will be relied upon to provide for Milan's front two and you can bet Song will do everything in his power to prevent that.
FAREWELL TO THE KING: Can Henry finish his loan spell with a bang? He's found the net three times since his brief return to Emirates Stadium, two of them winning strikes. A goal tonight would top the lot.
RAMSEY GETS THE NOD: He scored off the bench against Sunderland and now he wins back his place in the side. It's at the expense of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has impressed recently, but could be used effectively later in the game with the likes of Andrey Arshavin and Thierry Henry.
TEAM SURPRISES? It probably would not be unfair to suggest that Kieran Gibbs' return has come a little earlier than Arsene Wenger had hoped. But the young left back will be raring to go and a good start would do the world of good for his confidence levels.
Top Comments:
LamarrDoug10 on Twitter says:
Its so reassuring to see Arsenal with their first choice back four - Sagna Koscielny Vermaelan Gibbs
STERN TEST: Seven-time winners Milan need no great introduction. The likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho form a potent attacking force at the sharp end, with Brazilian hotshot Alexandre Pato benched. The Rossoneri's central defensive partnership is also notoriously strong and Robin van Persie will have to be close to his brilliant best to penetrate the Italian giants.
Top Comments:
Charlie George on Arsenal Player says:
They’ve got players who can play football. They’ve got experience, hopefully we’ve got players who can get past them.
SO HERE WE ARE: It's that time of year again where the stakes are raised in Europe. Every goal matters, especially those of the away kind. Arsene Wenger says his side will aim to be "audacious"at the San Siro, but which Arsenal will turn up?
Top Comments:
benwhite18 on Twitter says:
Always got a chance when van Persie is in this form and Henry on bench
SUBSTITUTES: Amelia, Nesta, Bonera, Ambrosini, Emanuelson, Pato, El Shaarawy.
AC MILAN: Abbiati, Mexes, Abate, Thiago Silva, Antonini, Van Bommel, Seedorf (c), Nocerino, Boateng, Robinho, Ibrahimovic.
SUBSTITUTES: Fabianski, Djourou, Coquelin, Arshavin, Benayoun, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Henry.
ARSENAL: Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Gibbs, Song, Arteta, Rosicky, Walcott, Ramsey, Van Persie (c).
TEAM NEWS: It's two changes from the side which brought home late victory over Sunderland. Kieran Gibbs returns from a four month injury lay-off at left back, while Aaron Ramsey is favoured ahead of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
GOOD EVENING: Welcome to Arsenal.com's live minute-by-minute coverage of tonight's Champions League last-16 tie against AC Milan at the San Siro.
AC Milan
ABBIATI, Christian
ABATE, Ignazio
MEXES, Philippe
THIAGO SILVA, Emiliano
ANTONINI, Luca
VAN BOMMEL, Mark
SEEDORF, Clarence
EMANUELSON, Urby (12)
NOCERINO, Antonio
BOATENG, Kevin-Prince
AMBROSINI, Massimo (70)
ROBINHO
PATO, Alexandre (84)
IBRAHIMOVIC, Zlatan
AMELIA, MARCO
NESTA, ALESSANDRO
BONERA, DANIELE
AMBROSINI, MASSIMO
EMANUELSON, URBY
PATO, ALEXANDRE
EL SHAARAWI, STEPHAN
Arsenal
SZCZESNY, Wojciech
SAGNA, Bacary
VERMAELEN, Thomas
KOSCIELNY, Laurent
DJOUROU, Johan (44)
GIBBS, Kieran
OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN, Alex (66)
ARTETA, Mikel
RAMSEY, Aaron
SONG, Alex
ROSICKY, Tomas
WALCOTT, Theo
HENRY, Thierry (46)
VAN PERSIE, Robin
FABIANSKI, LUKASZ
DJOUROU, JOHAN
COQUELIN, FRANCIS
BENAYOUN, YOSSI
ARSHAVIN, ANDREY
OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN, ALEX
HENRY, THIERRY
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
It's a really poor perfomance in a really massive game. It may only be half time but it will take a miracle. This makes Saturday's game against Sunderland in the FA Cup even bigger.