Roma suits Gunners

Awkward tie but Arsenal will be happy

Last updated: 19th December 2008

Roma suits Gunners
I have recently seen Roma and they still play so much through Totti as their main point. But he has not got the pace to get in behind and I think that suits Arsenal. They are worried about players going around them and turning them.

Charlie Nicholas
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Charlie Nicholas believes that Arsenal will be happy to meet Roma in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

Arsenal will have been delighted to have avoided Barcelona and will take on AS Roma.

The Serie A side topped Group A ahead of Chelsea and will have home advantage in the second leg against the Gunners.

"It is a good draw for Arsenal," said Charlie Nicholas on Sky Sports News.

"I was shaking my head because Barcelona were still in and I thought we were going to get them. Barcelona was a good one to avoid but it is still one of those games that will be awkward - we know that - but I think it is the type of team that suit the Arsenal.

"Arsenal can pass and take their time. Roma are quiet a physical team when they have to be and can look after themselves.

"Totti is their outstanding players, they have Riise who we know from Liverpool days as well as Batista who was at Arsenal for a loan period."

Charlie also believes that Arsenal can take inspiration from the 2002/03 group stages where they drew 1-1 at home to Roma but a Thierry Henry hat-trick at the Olympic stadium gave them the perfect start.

"That was Capello's side they played against and it was a decent side," explained Charlie.

"This is a game where Arsenal like to pass and probe teams they don't always use the wide areas. I have recently seen Roma and they still play so much through Totti as their main point. But he has not got the pace to get in behind and I think that suits Arsenal. They are worried about players going around them and turning them.

"That is why this does not really affect Arsenal's style of play. A home tie at the Emirates they could finish it, if they get a couple of goals up and then go to Rome then I would be very confident that the tie would be over."