Brilliant Besiktas Fans But Team Slip Out of Champions League

Picture by Fevzi Hussein

Besiktas fans were totally awesome at the Emirates last night (27.8.14) and I have to confess I felt really proud seeing one of Istanbul's big three walking out on to the turf against the mighty Gunners. But the gusto and passion of their fans was not enough to see them through in to the group stages of the Champions League, as a solitary goal in 180 minutes of football was enough to parachute the 'KARTAL's' out of the elite competition. 

Sanchez's goal was effectively the last touch of the first half as he finished off a nice move by the North London giants. Arsenal fans definitely did not have it their own way though and their clubs failure to register an away goal in the first leg made sure Besiktas were always in this game right up until the very end. Matters were not helped when Debuchy was sent off for Arsenal with fifteen minutes to go.

The atmosphere was raucous, which was to be expected with the Turks in town. Besiktas had more possession in the game at the Emirates, which is no mean achievement but this was let down by the fact that they failed to register a single shot on goal to test Arsenal's keeper. Arsenal on the other hand, were wasteful in front of goal and should have added to their solitary strike.

Sanchez again played up front, which surprised many as Sanogo was expected to start in the absence of the injured Giroud. Despite him not being cut out to be a striker in a 4-5-1 formation he set a tremendous example to the other Arsenal players with a phenomenal work rate and topped it off by scoring the goal which took Arsenal through.

All in all it was a good nights work for Arsenal. Arsene Wenger successfully manoeuvred his club into the group stages for the 17th consecutive season and again enhances Arsenal's cash-rich bank balance.  

Fevzi Hussein