Source: Daily_Mail
AC Milan 4 Arsenal 0: Kevin Prince Boateng, Robinho and Zlatan Imbrahimovic score
Arsenal's Champions League dreams were shattered by a humiliating 4-0 defeat to AC Milan in the first leg of their last 16 clash at the San Siro.[LNB] Kevin-Prince Boateng fired the Italians ahead on 15 minutes with a sublime strike, before two goals by former Manchester City frontman Robinho and a penalty from the impressive Zlatan Ibrahimovic put the tie beyond the Gunners. [LNB]Arsenal never really settled and were punished for some careless possession - and not even the introduction of former captain Thierry Henry in the final game of his loan spell from New York Red Bulls could spark a fairytale comeback. [LNB] Gunners stunner: Kevin-Prince Boateng volleys AC Milan in front early in the first half[LNB][LNB] [LNB]MATCH FACTS AC Milan:Abbiati, Abate, Mexes, Thiago Silva, Antonini, Seedorf (Emanuelson 12),Van Bommel, Nocerino, Boateng (Ambrosini 70), Ibrahimovic, Robinho (Pato 84). [LNB]Subs not used: Amelia, Nesta, Bonera, El Shaarawi.[LNB]Goals: Boateng 15, Robinho 38, 49, Ibrahimovic (pen) 79.[LNB]Booked: Mexes, Ambrosini, Antonini.[LNB]Arsenal:Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny (Djourou 44), Vermaelen, Gibbs (Oxlade-Chamberlain 66), Song, Rosicky, Walcott (Henry 46), Ramsey, Arteta, van Persie. [LNB]Subs not used: Fabianski, Arshavin, Benayoun, Coquelin.[LNB]Booked: Djourou, Song. [LNB]Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)[LNB]Attendance: 68,257 [LNB]The heaviest European away defeat for Arsenal will be a bitter pill to swallow, but Arsene Wenger must lift his squad again for what is now a crucial FA Cup fifth-round tie at Sunderland on Saturday ahead of the Premier League derby with Tottenham - when the Gunners will look to keep alive hopes of qualifying again for the Champions League with a top-four finish.[LNB] Milan had not won any of their previous seven matches against English clubs, knocked out of the Champions League at this stage by Tottenham last season. [LNB]However, the Serie A leaders never looked in danger of a repeat, well organised from kick-off as Arsenal struggled to get any sort of foothold, regardless of a poor San Siro pitch which had recently seen the turf relaid down the flanks. [LNB]Veteran Dutchman Clarence Seedorf - a European Cup winner with three different clubs - drilled a low effort into the side-netting, before going off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury - compatriot Urby Emanuelson replacing him. [LNB]Boateng fired the Italians ahead on the quarter-hour mark. The former Portsmouth and Tottenham midfielder collected a chip to the edge of the Arsenal penalty area on his chest, before turning to fire the ball over Wojciech Szczesny and in off the underside of the crossbar. [LNB] [LNB] No chance: Arsenal keeper Szczesny was left helpless by Boateng's brilliant opening strike[LNB]Van Persie's cut-back was blocked as the Gunners captain got clear down the left, before Laurent Koscielny's flicked header from a floated 25th minute free-kick was straight at Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati. [LNB]Arsenal, however, were soon again giving possession away far too easily, inviting the hosts on. However, despite having plenty of the ball in the final third, AC Milan failed to carve out any real openings. [LNB] Unmarked: Robinho (left) heads past Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny (centre) for the second goal[LNB] [LNB] Three and easy: Robinho (centre) blasts the third goal from the edge of the penalty area[LNB]Thomas Vermaelen lost out to Robinho, who darted clear but then then failed to cross for Ibrahimovic - who was clear in the middle - as Koscielny made a saving block. [LNB]It was 2-0 in the 38th minute when Ibrahimovic charged down the left channel and squared for Robinho to nod in from six yards. [LNB] [LNB] Humiliation complete: Zlatan Ibrahimovic places the ball into the corner of the net from the penalty spot[LNB] [LNB] Roar: Ibrahimovic celebrates his third goal against Arsenal in the Champions League in recent years[LNB]Two minutes before the break, Koscielny hobbled off and was replaced by Johan Djourou - and another change followed at the start of the second half as Theo Walcott was replaced by Henry. [LNB]However, before the World Cup winner had a chance to make an impact, Milan extended their lead. Vermaelen slipped, which gave Robinho the space to shoot at the edge of the box, and the Brazilian - whose ?32.5million transfer to City in 2008 shattered the British record fee - slammed home what looked to be a tie-clinching third goal in the 49th minute. [LNB] [LNB] Au revoir: Thierry Henry (centre) was humbled on his farewell appearance for Arsenal[LNB] [LNB] Deadly duo: The scorers of Milan's first three goals celebrate Robinho's second strike of the night[LNB]It was now a case of damage limitation for Arsenal - and it could have been worse but for a complete miskick by Luca Antonini when he was set free following another swift counter. [LNB]The value of an away goal, however, meant the tie would still be alive were the English side to fashion a meaningful opportunity of their own. Abbiati produced a brilliant one-handed save to turn around van Persie's volley after a flick-on by Henry on 65 minutes. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain replaced Kieran Gibbs as Alex Song dropped into the back four. [LNB] [LNB] Misery: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger reacts during the heavy defeat in the San Siro[LNB]However, any hopes of comeback were ended in the 78th minute when Djourou bundled over Ibrahimovic to concede a somewhat soft penalty, which the big Swede slotted into the bottom right corner, leaving Arsenal a mountain to climb in the return leg at Emirates Stadium on March 6.[LNB] [LNB] Hang your heads: Arsenal are all but eliminated from the Champions League after their shambolic show[LNB] [LNB] CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LIVE: AC Milan v Arsenal - the action from the San Siro as it happenedBergkamp: Arsenal need some bulldog spirit if they want to land trophiesAll the latest Arsenal news, features and opinion[LNB] Share this article: FacebookTwitterGoogle+MessengerLinkedInDigg itNewsvineFarkNowpublicRedditPrint articleEmail article Add your commentsComments (35)Here's what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts,or debate this issue live on our message boards.[LNB]The comments below have not been moderated.[LNB]NewestOldestBest ratedWorst rated View allMilan were dominant tonight but arsenal helped them along sczynezney or whatever he's called needs to improve his poiasaining and kicking,his bad kicking gave away the 1st goal,zaltan was class as always but sczenzcy did well on the pelanty [LNB]- who, Halifax, 15/2/2012 22:13[LNB]Click to rate Rating (0)Report abuse[LNB]Walcott is now officially the most f@#%*& overrated player in Europe. Purely hopeless. And Sagna; haven't you ever been told to play until the whistle goes. You let Ibrahimovic move away from you into space so easily. As for Arteta, this game proves to me that he was bought just to fill in space. He certainy is NOT 3/4 of Nasri or Fabregas he is a slow thinker. Only Rosicky had a decent game, but he is past it and we never saw the best of him as a Gunner because of injuries. Why doesn't Wenger make meaningful additions during transfer windows? Ox is definitely waaaaay better than Theo. It is time we cut our losses and sell Theo or at least let him fight for a place on the bench after we get 2 proper midfielders who can challenge Wilshere and Song for a place. Ramsey can at times be very anonymous. And why the hell do we keep playing with one striker? We used to do well with a marksman (Henry) and a feeder (Bergkamp, Wiltord, Kanu). Will it hurt to splash the cash at least once?[LNB]- Bobby, London, 15/2/2012 22:11[LNB]Click to rate Rating (0)Report abuse[LNB]Fabulous show from AC Milan-Men versus boys!!![LNB]- mj, uk , 15/2/2012 22:08[LNB]Click to rate Rating 3Report abuse[LNB]After all the arrogance following the jammy win at Sunderland last weekend it's difficult not to enjoy this - so I'm not even going to try.[LNB]- Wise Blue, London, 15/2/2012 22:08[LNB]Click to rate Rating 4Report abuse[LNB]gooners r goners.... Shame your last memories of the Champions League r so bitter.... !!!!!!!!! HA.[LNB]- Simon l.a., L.A> USA, 15/2/2012 22:07[LNB]Click to rate Rating 4Report abuse[LNB]Arsenal were appalling no nothing in every department,as for RVP to be honest i think he's gone in the summer but i hope he stays in premier league great talent but all alone.[LNB]- johnny , California,USA, 15/2/2012 22:07[LNB]Click to rate Rating 3Report abuse[LNB]The seals it in regards to RVP. He deserves better and will be off to a better team this summer. This loss, the sheer embarassment of it, will do lasting damage to Arsenal. Mid table at best in future. No more CL for sure. When Tomas Rosicky starts a CL game Arsenal have no chance. He is terrible. Sagna and Gibbs LOOKED like they hadn't played in months. Walcott? The most overrated player in the EPL. Djourou!? LOL!!! He would have trouble getting minutes in the Championship for a bottom club. For the first time I really do believe Arsene Wenger is part of the problem. When he says "We have a good spirit" what he really means is "We don't have good talent". I am an Arsenal fan and the current situation sucks.[LNB]- Doug, Warringtom, US, 15/2/2012 22:07[LNB]Click to rate Rating 3Report abuse[LNB]Now, please, stop your critic about italian and spanish league, always saying that your league is better, I think that the biggest competition is showing that is NOT[LNB]- Marcos, Spain, 15/2/2012 22:06[LNB]Click to rate Rating (0)Report abuse[LNB]Walcott.. what a waste of space he is.. Dont give him a new contract.. highly inconsistent, Sell him ASAP, This season has been nothing short of disaster.. i cant wait this season to be over.. We can make a fresh start the next season.. with Ox, Wilshere and hopefully some New signings.. But Walcott he has been a massive massive dissapointment.. even Ox provides better supplies to Van Persie than him...[LNB]- Janish, Gooner, from India., 15/2/2012 22:05[LNB]Click to rate Rating 1Report abuse[LNB]ARSENAL FANS! Turn on ITV1 + 1, you're still in the game and have everything to play for.[LNB]- airbornespurs, Herts, 15/2/2012 22:04[LNB]Click to rate Rating 6Report abuse[LNB]The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.[LNB]Add your commentName:Town & Country:Your name and location will appear next to your comment.You have 1000 characters left.Libellous and abusive comments are not allowed. Please read our House Rules.I agree to the House RulesRemember me - this will save you having to type out your name and location when you next leave a comment.For information about privacy and cookies please read our Privacy Policy.TermsClearSubmit ContentBingSiteWebEnter search term:Search TOP SPORT STORIESAC Milan 4 Arsenal 0Arsenal are all but eliminated from the Champions League after a rampant AC Milan thrashed Arsene Wenger's sorry sideRangers fans told: Your club will survive!Anxious Rangers supporters have been assured the club will not hit the wall despite administrationCentury boy Cook the hero again as England beat Pakistan by 20 runsAlastair Cook hit another century, helping England to a 2-0 series lead after this enthralling winEmotional Evra to sit out clash at Ajax due to strain of Suarez row, says FergiePatrice Evra has been left out of Man United's Dutch tripMorrison charged over homophobic tweet... before he has even made his debut for West HamRavel Morrison faces FA probe over Twitter rantWe need you, Guus!Senior Chelsea players want Guus Hiddink to return as manager and save their troubled season - replacing Andre Villas-BoasTevez left to stew as Toure brothers return for Man CityCarlos Tevez was forced to wait in the wings - and pulled on a 'billionaire hoodie'Clark free to take Leeds job after Huddersfield SACK bossLee Clark is in the frame for Championship job after being shown door at League One outfitSell your kit on eBay, and you're out! 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Into a dark place: Administrators take over at Ibrox and reveal 'fresh' ?9m tax arrears EXCLUSIVE: My mates in the Milan dressing room and how Arsenal can beat them Time for final hooray Henry: Talisman Thierry looking to sign off a San Siro hero Pogba desperate to prove worth at Man United after move fails to materialise Chelsea ramp up bid to land ?21m Fiorentina star Jovetic Daley told to 'work harder' or risk losing out on London Olympic medal Hazard closing in on Spurs deal as Lille star hints at White Hart Lane switch Emotional Evra to sit out United's clash at Ajax due to strain of Suarez row, says Fergie CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LIVE: AC Milan 4 Arsenal 0 - the action from the San Siro as it happenedMOST READ IN DETAIL My Top 50 StoriesClick on the icon below an article to save to your favourite stories file[LNB]Open Close Remove Check box to remove Close Remove Check box to remove Back to topHomeNewsU.S.SportTV&ShowbizFemailHealthScienceMoneyRightMindsCoffee BreakTravelColumnistsSitemapNewslettersRSSArchiveText-based siteReader PrintsTop of pageDaily MailMail onSundayWidgetsThis is NetworkThis is LondonThis is MoneyMetroLootJobsiteDatingFind a propertyMotorsPrime locationVilla HolidaysPublished by Associated Newspapers Ltd[LNB]Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group[LNB]© Associated Newspapers LtdContact usTermsPrivacy policy & cookiesAdvertise with us
