The Mid-week Review

by Danny Wright

Rampant Arsenal romped to a magnificent 7-0 over sorry Slavia Prague at the Emirates on Tuesday night. It was the Gunners 12th successive victory and equalled a European record for the biggest win in the Champions League, the Gunners seven goals matching Juventus' 2003 demolition of Olympiakos. In-form Theo Walcott grabbed a brace – as did the awesome Cesc Fabregas – with Alexander Hleb, Nicklas Bendtner and a David Hubacek own goal compounding Slavia’s misery. Jens Lehmann was left out of the side once again as Manuel Almunia kept another clean sheet, and it didn’t take long for the German to voice his frustration as he told German TV channel Premiere: "I think - and this is aimed at my dear manager - one shouldn't humiliate players for too long.”

Manchester United enjoyed their night in the Ukraine as they beat Dynamo Kiev 4-2. Rio Ferdinand headed after ten minutes and Wayne Rooney had doubled United’s advantage. Kiev found a way back into the game when Diogo Rincon nodded past Edwin van der Saar, however Cristiano Ronald restored parity with another just before half-time and a 68th minute penalty to seal the win. Kiev had one last rally through Ismael Bangoura, but the points were always going to be United’s.

Rangers impressive start to the Champions League group phase continued when they held Barcelona to a 0-0 draw at Ibrox. Trickster Ronaldinho rattled the Rangers crossbar, meanwhile Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry (remember him?) both went close but the hosts held firm. Daniel Cousin lashed a late effort wise and Barry Ferguson was inches away from sending Glasgow into raptures as he failed to connect with a Cousin cross. It wasn’t to be as Rangers push for next the phase gathers momentum.

Another team gaining momentum are Avram Grant’s Chelsea, who seem to be responding to Jose Mourinho’s exit in the form of results as they beat Schalke 04 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. Florent Malouda squeezed a shot through Manuel Neuer’s legs to give Chelsea the lead with Didier Drogba securing the win with a diving header. Chelsea now top the group with seven points at half-way stage, the knock-out phase within the Blues’ sight.

Liverpool couldn’t build on their win at Everton at the weekend as they won’t down disappointingly to Turkish side Besiktas, 2-1 the final score. Sami Hyypia scored another own goal to put the home side ahead, with Bobo scoring the Turks’ second. Steven Gerrard’s late header wasn’t enough for Rafa Benetiz’s men, whose Champions League status now hangs in the balance.

Celtic’s poor away form got the better of them once again as they went down 1-0 to Benfica. Benfica twice rattled the woodwork and it looked like the Bhoys would hold out, but Oscar Cardozo’s close range effort four minutes from time broke Celtic hearts.

In other news Steve Staunton has been relieved of his duties as Republic of Ireland manager. The news comes as little surprise following a poor run of form which saw the Irish slump the 32nd in the FIFA World Rankings. The FIFA Rankings won’t be pleasant reading for England fans either in the coming weeks as it was revealed today rivals Scotland may leap frog them into the charts, the Scots recent renaissance and the English slump causing the change. Scotland lie just two places behind England in 13th, with Steve McClaren’s men slipping out of the top ten into 11th following their defeat to Russia.


Look away now if you’re a Bolton fan as it was revealed today that Gary Megson (yes, the Gary Megson) will be interviewed for the vacant managerial post. The position came available after struggling Bolton released Sammy Lee after a poor start, something they seemingly want to continue under Megson’s stewardship.

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