Gunners Make History!

Arsenal played one of their finest games of the season to eliminate holders AC Milan out of the last-16 and into the q-finals. Whoever we meet in the q-finals will pale in significance to this historic feat that the young Guns deserved over two legs. Even the players whom I've slammed for below-par displays, picked themselves up in a full-committed performance any manager or neutral fan would be proud of - and at San Siro against the top team in Europe. A win which was even sweeter than the Henry-led 5-1 rout of Inter at the same venue 5 years ago.

Arsenal controlled most part of the game, as was in the 1st leg, and looked most likely to score. Milan, to be frank, didn't play well in this game and was superbly stopped in midfield from doing their damage. I believed AW's comments on suffocating the supply to Kaka worked well and Arsenal were able to concentrate on doing what they do best - possession football. Milan had a few shots at goal but the nearest they came was early in the match from a corner, which was cleared off the line.

Fabregas had a good chance in the 1st-half but crashed his shot against the crossbar but he redeemed himself with a late, but fantastic, 25m strike just inside the post past the giant Kalac, brushing aside Gattuso along the way. Ade added the second near the end after sub Walcott evaded a tackle to cross from the right byline to send a low pass across the box and onto the lurking African's path at the other end.

Arsenal has officially become the first English team ever to beat AC Milan at San Siro..

Almunia (6/10) - Didn't have alot of saves to make but was confident in coming out and commanded his area well. If this match can bring him confidence, it will be the one that will prevent the Professor signing a top 'keeper to replace him as No. 1, in the summer.

Gallas (7.5/10) - Knew how important this match was and was at his best to maintain a solid back four throughout the match. Able to deal with the strikeforce of Kaka and Pato's trickey and speed well and came forward with a purpose when required.

Senderos (7/10) - Not my favourite performer in this match. Still losing his balance at critical times and making a few clumsy challenges. His best attribute is defending and attacking with his head so AW needs to make him better with his footwork. Still able to make some timely tackles in this match despite how I viewed him but Toure shouldn't be too worried about losing his place.

Clichy (7.5/10) - Formed a good left-side partnership with Diaby in this match. Committed to keep his left flank free of danger but to be frank, most of Milan's attack came through the middle and he was able to help out there. Solid display.

Sagna (7.5/10) - Had a big test today against the World Player of the Year, Kaka. Shadowed him well and kept pace with the Brazilian's trickery. Kaka did make his trickery tell with a sidestep and shot but it was luckily wide.

Flamini (8/10) - The Engine was all over the place as usual, defending every ball and was vital in keeping the Milan midfield quiet. Gattuso had a tough time against him in the 1st-leg and this time it was no different. Flamini has signalled to the Arsenal board (and to me) what an important asset he is so they jolly well listen.

Cesc (8.5/10) - Put in a man-of-the-match performace and with his dedication and commitment, it was no surprise Arsenal could do well. Besides his superb strike to open accounts, he was all over the midfield dictating the play and making his fellow players flow with him. Excellent and what you would expect from him.

Diaby (Gilberto) (7/10) - Was a changed player from his last match. Showed commitment and purpose and did not dwell on the ball too long. It's a concern somehow as against lesser players, he gets over-confident and prefers to trick his way past opponents than pass. But this time he was dedicated to the play AW set for the team and didn't overdo himself - well, maybe alittle with a backheel pass in a dangerous position. Gilberto came on late in the game but did not have much to do.

Eboue (Walcott) (7/10) - Back after some games out through suspension in the BPL, Eboue went back to forge a rightsided partnership with Sagna and did cause some problems for Maldini & Co. His ability to cut back into the middle and put the defenders on a backpedal was dangerous but a open shot at goal was wasted when he sliced it wide. Walcott came on for him latter in the 2nd-half and his speed did cause concern to Maldini, providing the cross for the 2nd goal. He used the flanks more than Eboue and surely this must be another confident boosting match for the young Englishman.

Hleb (8/10) - Was back to his usual skills and tricks that we love about him. Was so disappointed with his last performance against Villa but this time was back to torment markers and defenders. Played in a proven front two with Ade, which seems to be the more effective attacking route for AW, well at least until RVP returns.

Ade (7/10) - I would have to say I've seen Ade played better. Capped a decent peformance with the 2nd goal but didn't cause the Milan defence much trouble throughout the match. We all know how strong Milan's defence was but I was hopping after Kalac jokingly "challenged" him with a remark, he would come out to prove a point. His habit to relay the ball back once he received it gets on my nerves sometimes and I hope his first touch can improve more. His headers have not been on target lately and it didn't change in this match. But despite my rants, his dribbling and keep-ball abilities were great and it helped to cause problems to Milan.

Overall (9/10) - It was a team performance which felled giant Milan and its these kind of performance which will make or break the remainder of the Gunner's season. Man U are just relishing the day they overtake Arsenal and it will be cause for concern if the commitment level fades after this historic win. Fantastic performance and one of the best of the season!

It will be interesting who we will meet in the Q-Finals. It might be Barca (who beat Celtic 1-0 at the Nou Camp), where our legendary Henry would be facing us. Or it might be our great rivals, Man U who disposed of Lyon with a Ronaldo goal. Whoever we meet, it will get tougher and there will be no favourites after Milan went out... at the hands of The Arsenal!