Milan mauling exposes Arsenal decline

By Alberto Cagliano Feb 16, 2012, 11:00 GMT

Rome - AC Milan revived memories of their more heady days in Europe with a 4-0 mauling of Arsenal which left manager Arsene Wenger angry and perplexed and the British media scathing in their criticism.

Four years ago Arsenal defeated AC Milan 2-0 at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium and in 2003 hammered Inter Milan 5-1 on the same ground, but any hopes of a similar display were soon dashed in a last-16 first-leg match Wednesday which has put the Serie A leaders close to a place in the quarter-finals.

Wenger did not mince his words or try to make excuses for Arsenal's heaviest defeat in Europe and one of their worst displays he has witnessed in his 15-year tenure.

'It was one of those nights you never forget,' he said. 'It is our worst night in Europe. We were punished and deservedly so. I felt we were never in the game, we were very poor offensively and defensively. It was shocking to see how we were beaten everywhere.'

The British media was also critical of a performance which commentators said highlighted the club's decline. It also most likely leaves the Premier League with only Chelsea remaining in the competition - and also facing a difficult trip to Italy to face Napoli next week.

'For Arsenal here was the evidence of just how far they have fallen behind Europe's elite. Arsene Wenger's team were out-passed, out-thought and, ultimately, outclassed, ' the Guardian said.

'Arsenal were outpaced, out-thought and outfought as Arsene Wenger's woeful failure to invest properly last summer finally caught up with them,' the Daily Telegraph wrote.

'A great football manager is being humbled by the decline of a team he has built in his own intellectual image.'

Milan meanwhile could celebrate some success at last against an English side after going out to Premier League clubs three times in the last 16.

'Milan hungrier than ever' said la Repubblica, 'Milan, the perfect game,' wrote Gazzetta dello Sport while La Stampa said: 'Champions League: Milan book the quarter finals.'

Two goals from Robinho after a superb opening strike from Kevin-Prince Boateng, and a penalty by Zlatan Ibrahimovic rounded off a near perfect night for Milan - who only bemoaned the fact they did not score more.

'Tonight we had many occasions in the final part of the game, on 4-0, and when you can score you should do it, coach Massimiliano Allegri said.

'4-0 is fine, but scoring five or six goals is better. There is still a return match and you never know how it can go. We are getting better, mostly because of the return of the injured, but we have done nothing yet.'

AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi was also contented, but said the side was still behind the likes of Real Madrid and European champions Barcelona.

'When you win with such a round result you must be happy. It was very good collective performance,' he said.

'It is a good first step. I hope we repeat ourselves in London. We are not like Barcelona and Real Madrid. They are the teams who dominate with merit in Europe.'

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