When the gunners were handed Monaco in the round of sixteen draws in the UEFA Champions League, Arsene Wenger and Arsenal fans all celebrated a dream draw, well that dream has become a nightmare as Berbatov and co came to the Emirates, saw the challenge that was Arsenal and left conquered scoring three away goals in the process.
Arsenal started the brighter of the two teams, creating openings but lacking that final ball and in the 38th minute, when Welbeck gave the ball away in the midfield, Joao Moutinho picked up the ball and fed Kondogbia whose shot deflected off Mertesackler to beat Ospina and give Monaco the lead. Ten minutes after the restart, Monaco pulled away as Berbatov was on the end of a swift counter to finish coolly into the corner to make it 2-0. Monaco controlled the game from that point on, Arsenal fought back in the final minutes and looked to have dragged themselves back into the tie in the 91st minute when a clearance fell top Chamberlain who beat one defender before curling the ball into the net to make it 2-1. Arsenal looked to fight for an equalizer but were stopped dead in their tracks in the 94th minute as another Monaco breakaway allowed Carrasco into the box and the man who came in for Berbatov finished brilliantly to make it 3-1
To call this result a shock would be an understatement. Arsenal still has a chance at qualifying for the quarter final stage when they travel to France for the return leg; but that would entail them defeating Monaco by at least 4 goals to nil which by all standards seems pretty impossible. But you know in football surprises always spring up. We only hope Arsene Wenger can work up some magic.
