Arsenal just warm-up for lardy darts players

There are times when only a ruthless attitude towards the European Cup will do - and this was one of them.

When last-eight places are up for grabs, it's lame dogs that go to the wall, literally swung by the tail to have their brains dashed out. Such was the case with Arsenal, who had clearly been identified by the hawk-eyed vultures at Sky as the case most likely to be in need of a basket.

The warning signs were there with Sky's starting line-up. When you start the match with a midfield of David Platt, Gary McAllister and Karl-Heinz Riedle, you know entertainment is not the top priority. The intention is to grind out a result and it will not be a pretty one, nor necessarily the right one.

You don't need me to tell you there are thousands of retired pros out there, many of them still in possession of their own teeth and a quorum of marbles, who would gladly slip into the big collar and tie and turn it on for the cameras. Frank Worthington, Frank McAvennie, Peter Osgood, Stanley Bowles, Rodney Marsh (when he's back from suspension) - all would gladly turn on a sixpence and throw in a nutmeg for good luck.

Which was exactly what was denied Arsenal. Despite the best efforts of cheerleader Andy Gray, the feeling was that Arsenal were not going through to the next round. For some reason, Sky Sports didn't think they'd make it.

Trailing the imminence of Live Premier League Darts at half-time made this abundantly clear. Arsenal were simply an appetiser for a bunch of lardy blokes who don't know how to tuck their shirts in.