European Reflections

A gatecrashing squirrel which has been cynically cast as the only living thing on the pitch that was English turned out to be one of the highlights on an emotional evening when Highbury staged its final European game.

It was an occasion which cried out for a vintage Arsenal performance, a spectacle worthy of the illustrious history of this wonderful old stadium whose last days are getting so painfully near. But in the end it was an efficient rather than an inspiring display, albeit one which gave the Gunners a precious one goal lead and a priceless clean sheet to take to Spain.

It should have been more, particularly as Thierry Henry had a trademark goal disallowed by an official who lacked the necessary ability to appreciate the perfection of his timing. At the same time, it could so easily have been less, though arguably Villarreal have only themselves to blame for the referee’s refusal to award them a penalty, since by this time they had produced enough theatricals to get them auditions at the Chelsea Fame Academy.