Arsenal Vs AC Milan: 5 things we learned

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger exchanges words with assistant coach Steve Bould during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 match between AC Milan and Arsenal at the San Siro on March 8, 2018 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

1. Job’s not done yet

There was a little over a minute of extra-time remaining. Granit Xhaka, who had been excellent all game, picked up the ball midway into the AC Milan half. He and his team were running out the clock with some safe and sound possession, but, in a wild change of heart, he decided to take on a 30-yard strike that sailed way wide of its mark. Arsene Wenger was livid.

Wenger knew. This game was not finished just yet. Giving Milan a late goal would only breathe life into a second-leg resurgence. There is no need to take the risk. And even though that decision did not cost his team — Milan squandered their opportunity with the ball –, Xhaka still got an earful from Wenger, something that is extremely unusual for the normally composed, almost passive manager.

Even now, however, with the two-goal advantage, this tie is not over. Milan caused enough problems in the first leg, and Arsenal have enough vulnerabilities, especially defensively and mentally, to prove that they can score quickly at the Emirates in a week’s time.

Next: Arsenal Vs AC Milan: Player ratings

There were some cracks in this performance. It was not wholly perfect. If Milan can put the pressure on, those cracks will not take long to turn into chasms. It might be the most Arsenal thing in the world to throw this all away.