Source: Daily_Mail
On the road with Arsenal.... Landing in a different country to the game, now that is a new one
I've got a nice little arrangement when it comes to Arsenal trips. [LNB]A mate from a rival organ is only too willing to provide a lift to the airport in return for a samosa. Luckily the Tube station where he picks me up has a little shop that sells one of the best versions of the tasty Indian treat that you are likely to find in London.[LNB]The journey to Arsenal's match with Braga is no different. [LNB]So, already off to a flyer, we have the added bonus of being ushered into a private terminal when we arrive at Luton airport. [LNB] Men on a mission: Arsenal travel to Braga after one of their most morale-crushing defeats in recent memory[LNB]An Arsene Wenger interview is in the bag before we even board the plane as we are granted a newspapers only huddle with the Arsenal manager in the VIP lounge. Just as well given things start to go slightly wrong afterwards with a strike by Portuguese baggage handlers means Porto airport is a no no.[LNB]We are therefore directed to Vigo in north-west Spain, before an hour-long coach trip to Braga's stadium for round two with the Arsenal boss.[LNB]Landing in a different country to where the game is being played, now that is a new one. To pass the time I use the sat nav on my phone to plot a route and by all accounts our coach driver should have done the same. By my reckoning he drives around 15 miles south of Braga before coming of the motorway and heading north again.[LNB] Rangey: Braga's stadium is set into the side of a mountain[LNB]For those who do not know, Braga'sstadium is cut into the side of a mountain with the entrance at thetop. Our driver requires some gentle persuasion therefore not to leaveus all at the bottom as Wenger's press conference is getting alarminglyclose to kick-off.[LNB]No matter, we get there a few minutes late but as ever the stuff we got at the airport was better. [LNB]An irritating 45 minute wait for the coach to return to the bowels of the stadium via some concrete tunnels ensues. And when we finally board, part of the reason for the delay becomes clear as it seems our driver is far keener to reverse at a snail's pace rather than explore the possibility of a three point turn.[LNB]The turnaround at the hotel is faster that a pit stop by the McLaren crew and, armed with a restaurant recommendation from the hotel, we hit the throbbing metropolis that is Braga on a Monday night.[LNB] We need lift off: Their journey here was beset with snags but victory should be enough to put Arsenal through[LNB]As many of you will know such recommendations are usually a handy way for the concierge of a hotel to eat for free in said restaurant Either that or they are owned by his cousin. [LNB]This time though, there can be no complaint about his advice. The place was a blinding Portuguese tapas bar with friendly staff who plied us with divine nibbles. The prize goes to the piece of beef they brought out which was so tender you could cut it with a spoon.[LNB]A nightcap and it is off to bed, well rested ahead of tonight's action and a dash for the border. [LNB] Kanchelskis brands Arsenal's Arshavin 'a 70-minute player' unable to cope with English footballArsenal midfielder Lansbury joins Norwich on one-month loan Charles Sale: Arsenal legend Frank McLintock confronts bookmaker Barry Dennis after derby defeatOn the road with Arsenal... Arsene Wenger (finally) in good spirits ahead of Gunners' crunch clash with Partizan BelgradeARSENAL FC
