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LEADING BY EXAMPLE: Arsenal’s new captain Cesc Fabregas skips past the challenge in Tuesday’s Champions League action. (Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
Arsenal and Manchester United booked their trips to the knockout stage of the Champions League on Tuesday night. Nicklas Bendtner scored the game’s only goal in the 86th minute as Arsenal beat visiting Dynamo Kiev 1–0. Man United and Villarreal played to a scoreless draw in Spain.
Celtic’s European dreams turned into a nightmare as they lost 2–1 to Aalborg after taking the lead. Celtic finished dead last in their group and will not even qualify for UEFA Cup.
Cesc Fabregas took over as Arsenal captain while former captain William Gallas returned to the action.
“He was very good tonight—focused for 90 minutes in the game. Overall, he had a very good game,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told SkySports.
“I’m really relaxed about [being captain],” said Fabregas. “I know I have the support of all my fans and teammates. Tonight, we showed we are united.”
Arsenal currently tops Group G with 11 points, two more than FC Porto who beat Fenerbahce 2–1. The Gunners will need to avoid defeat in Porto on Dec. 10 in their final group stage match if they are to finish in first place.
For coach Wenger’s senior squad, the Champions League has been the lone bright spot. Bendtner’s winner was Arsenal’s only goal in their last three games.
Man United and Villarreal both move on from Group E. United holds first place on goal differential over Villarreal as both teams have nine points.
The most noteworthy event in the dull draw was Joan Capdevila’s horrific challenge on Cristiano Ronald that merited a red card.
“Not the most exciting game to watch,” said Wayne Rooney. “I’m overall pleased with the team performance.”
Rooney and United have been shut out now in two straight games but are in good position to take first place in the group. United will host Aalborg on Dec. 10 while Villarreal will travel to Scotland to face Celtic.
United will be heavily favored against Aalborg while Celtic’s home form should be good enough to take at least a point off Villarreal.
In other action, Bayern Munich, Lyon, Juventus, and Real Madrid all confirmed their places in the knockout stage—there wasn’t going to be much doubt about that in the first place.
