UCL: Arsenal Wins; Chelsea Doesn't

A less than impressive 2-1 win for Arsenal at Montpelier still should leave the team happy as they start their Champions League campaign with a road victory. After giving up an early penalty, which was pretty tight but definitely poor defending from Vermaelen (the referee seemed to be giving a lot of decisions against Arsenal including a ghost corner for the French champs, a missed corner for Arsenal, several bizarre foul calls, a very early yellow on Diaby and the penalty -- though nowhere near as bad as the refereeing Monday when Everton was robbed of not one, but two goals), Arsenal scored two in quick succession to take the lead. The Gunners looked dangerous throughout the rest of the first half, but were chasing the game throughout the second half and easily could have given up the equalizer or even lost but for some poor finishing from Montpelier. Gervinho again starred with yet another goal, on a lovely cross from Jenkinson and Podolski continued to impress with a nice finish. This was the first game that the Gunners looked tired, lethargic and open in the back, but hopefully it's just the result of the first midweek game. 

Up Sunday is a deflated Man City who, after playing a very negative first half but keeping Real out, had a 1-0 and 2-1 lead before losing late at the Bernebau 3-2 in heartbreaking fashion. Mistakes abound for the Citizens who have not kept a clean sheet all season, including a seemingly poor goalkeeping effort from the usually wall-like Joe Hart (yes the late Ronaldo goal dipped, but Hart looked flat footed). Chelsea must also feel aggrieved after surrendering a two goal lead against Juve after a sublime brace from Oscar in his debut at the Bridge. Man United started off in a more positive fashion with a 1-0 victory I didn't see and Barca came back from what would have been a shock defeat at home to beat Shakar 3-2. So the UCL is off and it looks to be a goal-filled event, hopefully undermining the "park the bus" attitude Chelsea took to the title last season.