Why you should never leave early to beat the traffic...

Arsenal-v-Sparta Prague 29/08/2007 (KO: 8.05pm)

Yes, I hang my head in shame - I left the match ten minutes early to try and avoid getting caught up in the mad rush for the Tube (as I had to make the long journey back to Osterley that night). Two words for you: never again.

Anyway, I arrived at the ground earlier than expected as I'd misjudged how long it would take me to get there from the wilds of west London. Kept myself entertained by finding the streetside stall that sells bags of sweeties (yay!), and buying a little badge to put on my bag.
The match started well, with Rosicky scoring after just seven minutes (courtesy of a lovely cross from Walcott) - putting to bed any fears that our boys would be complacent after their comfortable win in the away match two weeks previously.

The team continued to play beautiful football, threatening enough to keep the visitors (who were somewhat lacklustre) hopping - although Sparta had their own fair share of chances towards the close of the first half.

The second half continued in much the same vein, and at times seemed like a casual kick about for the boys from north London - a lot of passing about and oohing and aaahing ensued towards the end.

Typically, after I left (and I still can't believe I did) the pace picked up, and Cesc shot the ball into the net after a delicious run from Eduardo which left his marker stumbling. Eduardo then finished up with a goal of his own.

A more than comfortable win for the Arsenal, and I'm pleased we finished in style - just really naffed off that I missed those two goals! To add insult to injury I failed miserably to catch the goals on television (couldn't find them anywhere *sulk*) and have literally just found a clip on YouTube to fill me in on what I missed. A big thumbs up to whoever put together the montage of all three goals (with 'Princes of the Universe' as the soundtrack)!

Final score: Arsenal 3-0 Sparta Prague (5-0 on aggregate)