Arsenal 4-1 Juventus

SMFA Champions Cup First Leg

Emirates Stadium

Attendance: 50,157

After their dramatic away goals win over Real Madrid Arsenal found themselves looking into the unknown having never reached this late stage in the SMFA Cup. The Draw was made as Arsenal avoided London rivals Chelsea, Chelsea given the test of facing Barcelona while Arsenal were drawn against Italian Champions Juventus.

First Half

The match saw the rather quick return of Lacazette who left the Emirates less then a week ago in a cash/swap deal for ex Juventus man Higuaín, both would have a point to prove Lacazette more so, having been left out in the cold at Arsenal reports suggesting Lacazette has raised concerns with the Arsenal boss.

Arsenal are starting to get a name for starting strongly with their first goals in the last few matches scored early on. Ex Juventus boy Higuaín working himself into a good opening forcing the Juventus keeper into a smart save to his right. Then the Juventus doors opened so often praised for their defensive quality's, Messi releasing a first time pass to young in demand Frenchman Mbappe, he made no mistake firing past the Juventus Keeper. 1-0 Arsenal.

Higuaín was playing like a man processed his link up play outstanding and always on the move so far so good with the Arsenal fans showing their appreciation . Young centre back Llorente starting tonights game because of his impressive displays in training soon got in on the action and turned into a unlikely goal scorer. Mbappe looking for a place on the French world cup plane teeing up the Spanish defender who's well struck effort found its way into the back of the net. 2-0 Arsenal.

The game was beginning to get out of hand now for the Italians, with a chance at reaching the SMFA Cup final fast disappearing. Que the 33rd minute and as mentioned ex Arsenal boy Lacazette the man coming back to prove his point. Sami Khedira turned provider and Lacazette was on hand to perhaps give Clifford a reminder of what his capable of when given the opportunity. Arsenal 2-1 Juventus.

Arsenal not to be undone continued their direct and aggressive style of play. Looking for the feet of Messi to make something happen, a foul on the little argentine and a free kick awarded to Arsenal, not the angle that favoured Messi's left boot. Mbappe instead choosing to take the kick and cross the ball into the danger area with the Brazilian Neymar on the receiving end the outcome resulting in a goal a bullet header something Neymar perhaps isn't known for just creeping under the bar. Arsenal 3-1.

Second half.

Arsenal were in the ascendancy, with only one real winner on the cards now Arsenal could take there time and enjoy the occasion. Higuaín continued to look dangerous forcing his way into Arsenals domestic first team Clifford would have problems picking his forward line against City on Thursday.

Lacazette continued to be thorn in the side of Clifford threating the Arsenal goal a couple more times in the second half. Perhaps someone from England will be keen to bring him back into the fold judging on his performance tonight.

Not to be outshone in the battle of the ex's Higuaín made Juventus pay in the 78th minute. Mbappe who had already scored and set up a goal again proved that age is but a number, a excellent attacking run with the ball taking him past Juventus right back. Having the composure to looking up take a extra touch before fizzing in a low hard cross into the path of the Argentine hit man Higuaín. A simple side footed effort enough to steer the ball past the keeper. 4-1 Arsenal.

The final whistle and Arsenal now look nailed on to reach their second final of the season. The only issue Chelsea's 3-1 away win over Barcelona, with the knowledge of the domestic up victory over Arsenal could we see another repeat of the English Cup final ? Arsenal fans and manager Ben Clifford would hope not.

#Arsenal #Juventus #SMFACUP