Peter Hughes
I had already accepted in my mind that the tie was lost, so I was just going to enjoy the game. Any victory on the night would be acceptable, I set a target of a clean sheet as well. I thought if we could get one up by half time we can take it from there. The atmosphere was really good with the whole crowd behind the team. Any mistake was not met with the usual moans and groans as the crowd merely offered more encouragement. I suppose getting an early goal raised everyone's hopes to the possibility that the impossible was possible. It was a good night for all supporters to pull together which rarely happens. The usual moaners around me joined in the positive atmosphere, which I am sure got through to the players.
The Ox played with maturity way beyond his years in a new central midfield position. He was totally disciplined holding his position only venturing forward sparingly, always covering the defence. I thought with so many midfielders missing we could be exposed and overrun. This did not prove the case with both Song and the Ox holding firm in the middle of the park. In fact for once we defended as a team. Rosicky was like a man demented closing down opponents when not in possession. When he had the ball he twisted and turned like a corkscrew turning the Milan players inside out. He made penetrating runs going past players at will. Walcott closed down opponents, Van Persie was everywhere and everyone defended as though their life depended on it.
The back four played as a unit constantly catching Milan offside. They were also alert to any danger should Milan break through. We let Milan have possession at times, mainly where they could not hurt us and also to give our players a rest from the relentless pace they were setting. The atmosphere grew to a crescendo as we reached half-time 3-0 up daring to believe we could go through. That first half was as perfect as it could be and possibly the best yet at the Grove. I have to admit I still felt Milan would score at least one goal as I felt they would get more chances as we tired.
The first half did take its toll as we did tire in the second half. The players continued to give their all and we could ask for nothing more. I am glad we have until Monday to play next as the game - especially after the Liverpool one - took a lot out of the players. For once the team got the balance absolutely right between all out attack and defence. I feel if we had attacked with any more abandonment we would have come unstuck. Of course Szczesny made some great saves to keep a clean sheet, helped of course by the whole team. It is with great credit that we were still in the tie right to the last minute.
It was a weird feeling at the end as it felt more like a great victory than it did exiting the Champions League. I don't remember a game where I spent so much time standing and no one was shouting sit down. It was because the people who normally shout that were also on their feet. Even at the whistle it did not feel like an anti-climax and the crowd who played their part in the victory rose as one to applaud the team’s brave efforts.
We now have momentum going into the last part of the season and whilst we want more, third place is now on.
