Fortune favours the brave

An excellent result for the Arsenal last evening with a enjoyable 1-0 victory over Villareal, the performance was more workmanlike than other victories in Europe this season but the cleansheet could prove vital when the boys travel to Spain for the return leg next Tuesday.

Villareal appeared toothless, with Gilberto, Fabregas and Pires keeping Riquelme in check for the most part and Forlan and Jose Mari having few opportunites.

Kolo Toure popped up just before half time to grab the winner, and his first goal at Highbury, after Henry had been unfortunately flagged offside having slid home a precise pass earlier in the half. Gilberto was then very fortunate to get away with a rash tackle or or just inside the box on Jose Mari, fortunate for the most part that the only angle that it didn't look like a foul was the one that the referee had.

It would have been harsh on Arsenal to concede, and perhaps the incorrect offside decision that prevented Pires from stretching the Arsenal lead balanced out the penalty decision.

Cole and Clichy both played 90 minutes in a behind closed doors game against Coventry and perhaps Cole may even replace the excellent Flamini at left back for the vital clash against Spurs at Highbury Saturday lunchtime.

Up the Arsenal!!