The Spirit Of Keown Instilled Into Real Potential

What a game! 0-0 but the spirit and tempo of the game were outstanding. Both sides tried their best to score and played the game in the right spirit and it was an open and ultimately thrilling game.

The atmosphere was as good as it has ever been at Highbury, which was great to see. The crowd really getting behind the players and supporting the team well.

One thing that stood out for me, with all Arsenal's potential and speed, skill and passing ability was spirit and determination to win. The shadow of Martin Keown was cast over the entire back line who were dogged and bullish in their defending.

Lehmann was outstanding, saving on Raul shot which seemed for all the world to be heading ofr the net and his handling was as good as ever. He and Toure are taking on more responsibility and it bringing the best out of them.

Eboue was brilliant in defence and daring in attack with some great dribbles and runs and added some impetus to our attacking play with his direct style.

Flamini could have been mistaken for an established left back! He epitomized the spirit we played with. Playing out of position he gave it everything, you cannot ask for much more than that.

Hleb was equally if not more impressive on the right hand side and his constant touch, vision, dribbling ability and pace were focal points for many Arsenal counters. He also got stuck in and helped Eboue out when needed.

Toure was immense and stood firm, with Lehmann organising the defence and standing well and truly firm. He and Senderos coped very well with Real's long style. Growing as the game went on.

Ljungberg was tenacious, Reyes was all over the pitch, and although he spurned a great opportunity he kept on going.

Gilberto, much maligned for most of the current campaign was determined and worked hard, executing one particularly important tackle on Ronaldo to perfection. He and Fabregas were hard in the tackle and broke things up well, they broke forward when they could, passing quickly and incisively. Zidane looked overwhelmed by Fabregas as stages, knew he couldn't beat him.

Henry caused the entire back four of Madrid problems on his own and gave a real captains display. He was unlucky to score but over the two legs he proved the difference.

In fact, it would be unfair to single anyone out as a MOM as the whole side was outstanding, every player showed great spirit and work rate, desire and commitment. We all know they are young but have been bought in because they have great potential. This kind of determination is what turns potential into the Real deal. No pun intended.

This was a big performance. A great spectacle and a game to remember. Henry said after the game 'If you show that kind of desire then anything is possible'. He is right.

Martin Keown has been bought in to instill that belief and determination which was so obvious in much of his play and etched into his character. He is a winner. Let's hope he can help the current squad to be the same.