Arsenal against AC Milan

Emanuelson has the ball and passes to Nocerino who takes it into the corner.

Three minutes remaining for Arsenal's European dream.

Milan waste it, do Arsenal have one more chance left in them?

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Bonera comes on, Mesbah off.

Arsenal pressing and trying to peg Milan as far back as they can.

Gervinho is isolated and Mesbah comes in with the tackle. Not quick enough ball movement there.

The momentum has just disappeared in this half. Arsenal look flat and really need a lift.

The ref has not had a good game tonight. Arsenal fans may forgive him if their side gets one more goal.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Zlatan is in the book as well for saying something.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Nocerino is booked for protesting. And it came off Sagna by the way.

Szczesny is lining up his wall... Every one of Arsenal's players is back. Zlatan hits the ball off the wall and it's a goal kick.

Zlatan falls over outside the box and Arsenal complain. No matter, the foul is given and it's a chance for Milan.

Three strikers on the pitch for the Gunners now. Park could be the hero?

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Walcott off, Park Chu-Young comes on.

Gibbs is held up well by Abate and Milan are breaking again. Zlatan gives it away and the Gunners get away. Walcott, however, is down and looks like coming off.

It's gone very quiet at the Emirates. Someone needs to get the game by the scruff of the neck.

Walcott turns and runs with it, but loses the ball and Milan break. Eventually Zlatan holds it up, but Koscielny does very well to stop him in the box.

Gervinho tries to run at his man, but Mexes stands up and holds his ground. The winger could not get past him.

Arsenal just being overrun in midfield. Song looks tired.

Milan with a lot more possession now and they are looking more comfortable. The crowd have dropped off and Arsenal are struggling a bit.

He went with his right foot instead of the left and Szczesny gathered gratefully. That could have ended the game right there.

What a miss! Nocerino could have buried the game as Aquilani put a ball across and he found Szczesny when it seemed he would score.

Szczesny does well as Zlatan cuts inside and hits a shot across goal. The keeper palms it away from danger.

Rosicky looking lively, but Chamakh wasn't on the same wavelength and didn't make the run for him.

The striker would be an instant hero if he picked up the fourth goal. He needs the confidence boost.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Oxlade off and Chamakh comes on.

Well defended by Koscielny, but he is blown up for easing Robinho off the ball.

Zlatan with a shocking touch in the box. Some great work from Oxlade to get back, and he may be subbed before long.

Rosicky and Song are on the egde of the box again and pass to Walcott. Once again, he cuts inside and is robbed of the ball.

Bit of a delay and Wenger is telling Rosicky what he expects to happen.

Mexes and Vermaelen clash. The Arsenal man was on the run and Mexes got himself in the way. No foul, but both players are winded.

Sagna wins the header and Walcott is away. His cross is too near to Abbiati who punches clear again.

Zlatan is caught offside for what must be the 102nd time tonight.

Another body in midfield and Milan looking to shore things up a bit. They have controlled the midfield in this second half.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> El Shaarawy off, Aquilani on.

Poor again from Arsenal and they have sloppy. Giving the ball away El Shaarawy breaks and Szczesny saves well.

Emanuelson on a run that takes him past about three Arsenal players. But he just runs out of room and Vermaelen is able to clear.

Song and Rosicky play some nice passes on the edge of the box but it's all a bit too much and Mexes shepherds it behind.

Sagna's cross is a good one and Abbiati has to come and punch it away from the head of his own defender.

Vermaelen screams at Zlatan for an artistic fall. The ref blows for the foul though.

Oxlade chips it over the top, but Walcott is offside and the assistant has been so busy tonight.

Arsenal pressing up the field and Milan have given the ball away. Good pressure from the Gunners and they need to keep up this intensity.

Oxlade takes on his man and cuts inside. His shot flies just wide.

That was a close shave. He holds his hands up in apology.

Szczesny messes up royally. A poor pass to his CB and Zlatan steals in. He shoots while the keeper is out of his goal and it whistles just past the post.

Mesbah takes it and shoots from a way out. Szczesny catches with ease.

Gibbs hammers the ball up to RVP who turns and fails to find the sprinting Walcott. Heads have gone down a little after that chance.

RVP tried to be far too clever and Arsenal could come to regret that. Milan have had the better of this half so far.

Oh that was a huge chance. Why did RVP not smash it? He tried a Messi-style dink and Abbiati just plucked it out of the air.

Rosicky gets Gervinho away and his shot is deflected. Abbiati makes the save, but RVP is there. He tries to dink it over the keeper when he should have buried it.

RVP chasing down Abbiati but he's hardly had a touch this half. Arsenal need to get him more involved.

Emanuelson has a free-kick and hits it well over the bar. Not impressive.

Sloppy play to give it away in the first place. Oxlade is limping again and Wenger needs to make a decision quickly.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Song booked for taking the ball off the foot of Zlatan.

Rosicky with a terrible ball across the pitch. Shows just what a difficult skill that is.

Milan are finding more space, and looking dangerous on the break.

RVP corner is claimed by Abbiati with ease.

Walcott does well to get away from Mesbah. He drives inside and Thiago keeps him away from goal. Just one touch too many and he should have got it across quicker.

A few dangerous moments for the Gunners. The job is not done yet.

Szczesny comes out at the feet of Zlatan as Sagna is caught out of position. That was very quick thinking from the goalkeeper.

Walcott gets it on the edge of the box and cuts inside into traffic. His ball to Gervinho is cut out and he really should have shot.

Rosicky is hustled out of it and Mesbah gets forward. Zlatan dropping deeper to try and conjure something up.

Mesbah fouls Walcott and he's had a poor night.

Thiago clears as the ball almost finds Walcott through the middle. It had got a lucky bounce, but was a close call.

Sagna crosses and Walcott takes it well. He gets away from Thiago and tries to stand a cross up, but it floats over the bar.

The ball flies over Sagna and El Shaarawy misses his chance to get a header on goal.

Szczesny comes out and clears. He's quick off his line and that could have be a dangerous moment.

He's moving a bit gingerly, but should be ok to continue for now. Rosicky clashes with Van Bommel again and it's a free-kick for Milan.

Chamakh is warming up. Will Arsenal need to make a tactical shift? Oxlade is coming back on...

RVP is now offside and Oxlade appears to be down. He might need attention on his knee. That would be a blow.

Nocerino chips the ball over the top and Zlatan is there. But he's offside again. It's worked for the Arsenal defence so far.

<B>KICK-OFF</B>. Milan get us underway again

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0306/robinvanpersiegoalarsenalvmilan20120306_275x155.jpg"><br>Robin van Persie kept his cool from the penalty spot. Three down, one to go.

Comment from reader Evan: "Arsenal smell blood, and look to get 5 or 6 today. El Shaawary might have missed the sucker punch for Milan before the half."

And if you are wondering why Andre Villas-Boas isn't in charge of Chelsea then you <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/1030900/rip-avb?cc=5739" target="_blank">should probably read this</a>

<a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/live/_/id/1031656/matchday-live---march-6?cc=5739" target="_blank">Don't forget that Chelsea are in action tonight as well, drawing 0-0 with Birmingham in the FA Cup at HT. Join Chris Murphy for chat and updates.</a>

Arsenal have been wonderful, but the job is not done yet. Milan will be shaking, but remember that one goal from the Italian and the Gunners need SIX!

Ruud Gullit: "Milan are playing like spoiled kids." Indicadive of the second goal, he says.

By the way: The last time that AC Milan were 3-0 down at HT in a Champions League game was in the famous defeat v Deportivo de La Coruna in April 2004.

<B>HT. ARSENAL 3-0 MILAN</B>. Staggering 45 minutes and Arsenal just need one more goal to force extra-time. It's been an incredible half, but there is another 45 to come and the Gunners still have to keep a clean sheet.

That really would have been a sucker punch. Great goalkeeping ensured that the winger was rushed into taking his shot.

What a chance for Milan... El Shaarawy is away on the right. Gibbs was out of position and Szczesny comes out. The shot goes wide.

Milan pushing, but they need half-time to come now. Arsenal don't want to hear that whistle.

Looks like, in the replays, that the ref behind the goal gave that penalty. So the experiment does work after all.

It really is on now. That was a super penalty and Oxlade was the architect with a wonderful run.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> And scores! Great penalty into the top corner.

He's had to replace the ball on the spot..

RVP steps up...

<B>PENALTY</B>. Oxlade-Chamberlain gets away and Mesbah brings him down.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0306/tomasrosickygoalarsenalvmilan20120306_275x155.jpg"><br>Tomas Rosicky slots home Arsenal's second goal. Two down, two to go.

Since the goal, both sides have just been sloppy. The quality has disappeared. They must concentrate until the whistle though.

Mesbah slips and RVP could have been in, but again he makes the wrong move and tries to cut inside where the bodies have come back to mop up.

Mesbah crunches into Walcott but he got the ball. The winger is hurt and needing treatment.

Koscielny does well when faced with Robinho on the break. The Brazilian not looking as quick as he once was.

Terrible and low. Zlatan sticks out a leg and it's cleared with ease.

RVP lines up a free-kick at least 40 yards out. The defenders are up for it.

RVP fouls Abate in the box, otherwise Walcott had a good chance to get into a good position.

The ball is out to RVP on the left, and he swings it in low. But he was probably needed to be on the end of it as well and Thiago gets it clear.

Milan are stepping up the gears a bit and trying to get a move going.

Walcott does well to track back and get in front of Mesbah.

Arsenal are in control of the ball and they are hoping to catch out the Milan defence with the odd through ball.

Abate stings the chest of Szczesny as he has a shot from wide on the right. Easy save for the Pole.

RVP turns and Van Bommel sticks out a leg. The attacker loses the ball, but could have had a foul if he had chosen to go down.

Rosicky is away again and his pass is misplaced. He's having a good game in the centre so far.

Rosicky tries to be clever and push the ball into the gap. But Walcott wasn't reading it and it goes through to Abbiati.

Song steals it and RVP has a one-on-one with Thiago. The Brazilian gets a foot in to clear the danger.

Poor from Sagna as his header isn't far enough. Robinho runs at the defence and is cut out when he tries a trick or two.

Song looks like he might be carrying an injury. That could be a real worry as there is hardly anyone to fill the void.

The boos ring out as Milan have a bit of possession. Huge cheers every time Arsenal get the ball back.

Another offside as both El Shaarawy and Zlatan are caught out. That has been a good effort from the backline so far.

A good low finish. And now the Arsenal fans are signing. Arsenal believe this could happen!

Thiago with a horrible error. He should have cleared Walcott's cross, but he gave it right to Rosicky.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Rosicky. Walcott runs and the ball finds Rosicky who buries it in the bottom corner.

Offside again for Milan, the assistant on that side is having a busy first half.

Song gets away down the right, but Emanuelson comes back and gets a foot in. No foul either, although he looked to get the leg as well.

The Gunners are keeping the ball well, but that suits Milan quite well as they are still three goals up.

Arsenal comfortable on the ball again, but they need more than that. Another goal before half-time would get the crowd going.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0306/laurentkoscielnygoalarsenalvmilan20120306_275x155.jpg"><br> Laurent Koscielny heads home Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's seventh-minute corner.

Gervinho finds Gibbs in space, but that is a terrible cross and goes behind for a goal-kick.

Milan are struggling a bit with the balls up front. Zlatan isn't a focal point and they are hitting aimless efforts up there with no-one to get on the end of it.

Wenger wants a touch... he looks like he's keen to act as ballboy and manager tonight.

Robinho is finding space down the Milan right, but Szczesny comes out and grabs the ball well.

A good save, and another good chance for the Arsenal captain. They are sensing blood here.

Van Persie takes it and controls. He just sets himself and bends the ball into the corner. But Abbiati flies across and turns it behind.

Rosicky goes in on Van Bommel, but was there a card? I don't think so, although it may have deserved one.

Van Persie goes in on Abbiati and the ref blows for a foul. He seemed entitled to go for that, but the ref is whistle-happy today.

Emanuelson gives the ball away and RVP and Rosicky are away. RVP makes the wrong decision though and puts his pass behind his team-mate. He could have tried to get a shot off, but that was a waste.

Robinho swings it in but Gibbs is there to head clear. The Brazilian should really have done better from that angle.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> El Shaarawy tricks Gibbs and the defender hacks his legs away. Arsenal man in the book now.

Rosicky runs and puts a great ball to Walcott in the box. Thiago comes across and keeps him away from the shot.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Sagna is booked for a tackle on Van Bommel.

Emanuelson slips the ball through, but none of the Milan strikers were on the same page and it rolls easily through to Szczesny.

Oxlade runs from deep but that's a well timed tackle from Mexes to halt him in his stride.

That was a comfortable save really, but a good chance as Walcott found space.

Walcott gets away down the right and feeds RVP who hits it from a tight angle. Good save from Abbiati. Oxlade hammers the rebound well wide from a long way out.

Nocerino on the edge of the box tries to feed Zlatan, but a good interception from Song. He was there to break it up

The ball is flicked through to Zlatan, but he is caught offside. That was a close shave though.

Robinho tries to respond quickly, but it flies wide of the post.

1-0 to the Gunners. Great start. Is it on?

What a start. Great delivery from Oxlade and Koscielny gets away from his man to head (shoudler) into the corner.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Koscielny is open from a corner and heads home!

Oxlade swings in a corner, but Zlatan is there to head away at the near post.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Van Bommel in the book already for a crude hack on Rosicky.

Robinho in the box, turns and gets the ball across, but Sagna comes across to clear. It's chipped in to Zlatan and Szczesny comes to claim.

Walcott picks it up and works well with Sagna. Plenty of possession for the Gunners, but not quite working in the final third.

RVP is drifting around and he threads it to Rosicky, who feeds Walcott. He's just offside.

Rosicky loses it and Robinho is away. Zlatan holds it up but tries to be clever and gives it away himself.

Abbiati with a poor kick, but nobody could take advantage of it. Arsenal back in possession. They really need an early goal... or two.

Arsenal have possession and have not lost it yet. Everyone has taken a touch.

<B>KICK-OFF:</B> RVP has been doing the rounds, now he trots to take the kick-off and here we go...

The handshakes have taken place. Hope nobody gets a cold after that. Kick-off is closing...

Reader Sam says: "Even the great RVP can't make up this deficit, can he?" Well, we're about to find out, but my gut feeling is not.

So, the players are in the tunnel. Milan looking pretty relaxed and Wenger patrolling the hallways trying to get his players going.

Milan, meanwhile, have former Liverpool midfielder Aquilani on the bench alongside two goalkeepers and three defenders.

One thing should be noticed - Arsenal have no midfielders on the bench so an injury to Rosicky or Song would scupper things completely. Park and Chamakh are the only 'gamechangers' should it all go wrong early on.

If you wish to tweet me any comments, then drop me a link at <a href="https://twitter.com/joncarterespn" target="_blank">@joncarterespn</a>

"We will just go for it," says Arsene. After the dismal first-leg showing they have little choice.

With Walcott, Gervinho and Oxlade-Chamberlain all on the pitch at the same time, someone is going to have to play in the middle. Arsene Wenger says pre-match that it will be 'The Ox'.

Kieran Gibbs, who has struggled with injury this season, thinks that 'pride' is the reason that <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1031543/arsenal%27s-kieran-gibbs:-we-have-to-turn-up-against-ac-milani?cc=5739" target="_blank">Arsenal will have fire in their bellies</a>

If any Milan fans think their side will be complacent, think again as <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1031551/ac-milan%27s-massimiliano-allegri:-no-complacency-against-arsenal?cc=5739" target="_blank">Massimiliano Allegri says otherwise</a>

Song and Rosicky in the middle are likely to have a busy night ahead, and if Wenger's side don't come out strong then it could be all over quickly if Milan score.

Milan are not exactly short of attacking ideas with Robinho and Zlatan around. They will surely sit and then look to counter knowing how vulnerable the Gunners are to a quick break.

Also, no side in Champions League history have ever come back from four goals down. The last side who managed to do so in Europe was Real Madrid in 1985 against Borussia Monchengladbach.

But it is a big ask. Milan have Zlatan Ibrahimovic in fine form and he has found the net in all of his five Champions League appearances this season.

Milan will also have some bad memories of 2004 when they beat Deportivo 4-1 in the first leg, but lost the second leg 4-0 - the only side to have been knocked out with a three-goal lead.

And: In seven two-legged ties and one final (excluding the Super Cup), no Italian side has ever eliminated Arsenal in a knockout competition.

So, Arsenal fans, the good news first: The Gunners are unbeaten in their last 12 Champions League home games, winning 10 of them.

Milan: Abbiati: Abate, Mexes, T. Silva, Mesbah; Emanuelson, V. Bommel, Noverino; El Shaarawy; Robinho; Ibrahimovic

Some early teams for you. Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Gibbs, Song, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Gervinho, Van Persie.

We've heard him use the word 'belief' before and <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1031542/arsenal%27s-arsene-wenger:-belief-is-key-to-eliminating-milan?cc=5739" target="_blank">that is what Wenger thinks is key to his side's unlikely success</a>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0225/arsenewengercamera20120218_275x155.jpg"><br>Wenger says he may start four strikers.

Join us for commentary from what could be the greatest comeback in history (or a crushing defeat) as Arsenal need to beat AC Milan by five goals to advance to the quarter-finals.

Gibbs is held up well by Abate and Milan are breaking again. Zlatan gives it away and the Gunners get away. Walcott, however, is down and looks like coming off.

It's gone very quiet at the Emirates. Someone needs to get the game by the scruff of the neck.

Walcott turns and runs with it, but loses the ball and Milan break. Eventually Zlatan holds it up, but Koscielny does very well to stop him in the box.

Gervinho tries to run at his man, but Mexes stands up and holds his ground. The winger could not get past him.

Arsenal just being overrun in midfield. Song looks tired.

Milan with a lot more possession now and they are looking more comfortable. The crowd have dropped off and Arsenal are struggling a bit.

He went with his right foot instead of the left and Szczesny gathered gratefully. That could have ended the game right there.

What a miss! Nocerino could have buried the game as Aquilani put a ball across and he found Szczesny when it seemed he would score.

Szczesny does well as Zlatan cuts inside and hits a shot across goal. The keeper palms it away from danger.

Rosicky looking lively, but Chamakh wasn't on the same wavelength and didn't make the run for him.

The striker would be an instant hero if he picked up the fourth goal. He needs the confidence boost.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Oxlade off and Chamakh comes on.

Well defended by Koscielny, but he is blown up for easing Robinho off the ball.

Zlatan with a shocking touch in the box. Some great work from Oxlade to get back, and he may be subbed before long.

Rosicky and Song are on the egde of the box again and pass to Walcott. Once again, he cuts inside and is robbed of the ball.

Bit of a delay and Wenger is telling Rosicky what he expects to happen.

Mexes and Vermaelen clash. The Arsenal man was on the run and Mexes got himself in the way. No foul, but both players are winded.

Sagna wins the header and Walcott is away. His cross is too near to Abbiati who punches clear again.

Zlatan is caught offside for what must be the 102nd time tonight.

Another body in midfield and Milan looking to shore things up a bit. They have controlled the midfield in this second half.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> El Shaarawy off, Aquilani on.

Poor again from Arsenal and they have sloppy. Giving the ball away El Shaarawy breaks and Szczesny saves well.

Emanuelson on a run that takes him past about three Arsenal players. But he just runs out of room and Vermaelen is able to clear.

Song and Rosicky play some nice passes on the edge of the box but it's all a bit too much and Mexes shepherds it behind.

Sagna's cross is a good one and Abbiati has to come and punch it away from the head of his own defender.

Vermaelen screams at Zlatan for an artistic fall. The ref blows for the foul though.

Oxlade chips it over the top, but Walcott is offside and the assistant has been so busy tonight.

Arsenal pressing up the field and Milan have given the ball away. Good pressure from the Gunners and they need to keep up this intensity.

Oxlade takes on his man and cuts inside. His shot flies just wide.

That was a close shave. He holds his hands up in apology.

Szczesny messes up royally. A poor pass to his CB and Zlatan steals in. He shoots while the keeper is out of his goal and it whistles just past the post.

Mesbah takes it and shoots from a way out. Szczesny catches with ease.

Gibbs hammers the ball up to RVP who turns and fails to find the sprinting Walcott. Heads have gone down a little after that chance.

RVP tried to be far too clever and Arsenal could come to regret that. Milan have had the better of this half so far.

Oh that was a huge chance. Why did RVP not smash it? He tried a Messi-style dink and Abbiati just plucked it out of the air.

Rosicky gets Gervinho away and his shot is deflected. Abbiati makes the save, but RVP is there. He tries to dink it over the keeper when he should have buried it.

RVP chasing down Abbiati but he's hardly had a touch this half. Arsenal need to get him more involved.

Emanuelson has a free-kick and hits it well over the bar. Not impressive.

Sloppy play to give it away in the first place. Oxlade is limping again and Wenger needs to make a decision quickly.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Song booked for taking the ball off the foot of Zlatan.

Rosicky with a terrible ball across the pitch. Shows just what a difficult skill that is.

Milan are finding more space, and looking dangerous on the break.

RVP corner is claimed by Abbiati with ease.

Walcott does well to get away from Mesbah. He drives inside and Thiago keeps him away from goal. Just one touch too many and he should have got it across quicker.

A few dangerous moments for the Gunners. The job is not done yet.

Szczesny comes out at the feet of Zlatan as Sagna is caught out of position. That was very quick thinking from the goalkeeper.

Walcott gets it on the edge of the box and cuts inside into traffic. His ball to Gervinho is cut out and he really should have shot.

Rosicky is hustled out of it and Mesbah gets forward. Zlatan dropping deeper to try and conjure something up.

Mesbah fouls Walcott and he's had a poor night.

Thiago clears as the ball almost finds Walcott through the middle. It had got a lucky bounce, but was a close call.

Sagna crosses and Walcott takes it well. He gets away from Thiago and tries to stand a cross up, but it floats over the bar.

The ball flies over Sagna and El Shaarawy misses his chance to get a header on goal.

Szczesny comes out and clears. He's quick off his line and that could have be a dangerous moment.

He's moving a bit gingerly, but should be ok to continue for now. Rosicky clashes with Van Bommel again and it's a free-kick for Milan.

Chamakh is warming up. Will Arsenal need to make a tactical shift? Oxlade is coming back on...

RVP is now offside and Oxlade appears to be down. He might need attention on his knee. That would be a blow.

Nocerino chips the ball over the top and Zlatan is there. But he's offside again. It's worked for the Arsenal defence so far.

<B>KICK-OFF</B>. Milan get us underway again

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0306/robinvanpersiegoalarsenalvmilan20120306_275x155.jpg"><br>Robin van Persie kept his cool from the penalty spot. Three down, one to go.

Comment from reader Evan: "Arsenal smell blood, and look to get 5 or 6 today. El Shaawary might have missed the sucker punch for Milan before the half."

And if you are wondering why Andre Villas-Boas isn't in charge of Chelsea then you <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/1030900/rip-avb?cc=5739" target="_blank">should probably read this</a>

<a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/live/_/id/1031656/matchday-live---march-6?cc=5739" target="_blank">Don't forget that Chelsea are in action tonight as well, drawing 0-0 with Birmingham in the FA Cup at HT. Join Chris Murphy for chat and updates.</a>

Arsenal have been wonderful, but the job is not done yet. Milan will be shaking, but remember that one goal from the Italian and the Gunners need SIX!

Ruud Gullit: "Milan are playing like spoiled kids." Indicadive of the second goal, he says.

By the way: The last time that AC Milan were 3-0 down at HT in a Champions League game was in the famous defeat v Deportivo de La Coruna in April 2004.

<B>HT. ARSENAL 3-0 MILAN</B>. Staggering 45 minutes and Arsenal just need one more goal to force extra-time. It's been an incredible half, but there is another 45 to come and the Gunners still have to keep a clean sheet.

That really would have been a sucker punch. Great goalkeeping ensured that the winger was rushed into taking his shot.

What a chance for Milan... El Shaarawy is away on the right. Gibbs was out of position and Szczesny comes out. The shot goes wide.

Milan pushing, but they need half-time to come now. Arsenal don't want to hear that whistle.

Looks like, in the replays, that the ref behind the goal gave that penalty. So the experiment does work after all.

It really is on now. That was a super penalty and Oxlade was the architect with a wonderful run.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> And scores! Great penalty into the top corner.

He's had to replace the ball on the spot..

RVP steps up...

<B>PENALTY</B>. Oxlade-Chamberlain gets away and Mesbah brings him down.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0306/tomasrosickygoalarsenalvmilan20120306_275x155.jpg"><br>Tomas Rosicky slots home Arsenal's second goal. Two down, two to go.

Since the goal, both sides have just been sloppy. The quality has disappeared. They must concentrate until the whistle though.

Mesbah slips and RVP could have been in, but again he makes the wrong move and tries to cut inside where the bodies have come back to mop up.

Mesbah crunches into Walcott but he got the ball. The winger is hurt and needing treatment.

Koscielny does well when faced with Robinho on the break. The Brazilian not looking as quick as he once was.

Terrible and low. Zlatan sticks out a leg and it's cleared with ease.

RVP lines up a free-kick at least 40 yards out. The defenders are up for it.

RVP fouls Abate in the box, otherwise Walcott had a good chance to get into a good position.

The ball is out to RVP on the left, and he swings it in low. But he was probably needed to be on the end of it as well and Thiago gets it clear.

Milan are stepping up the gears a bit and trying to get a move going.

Walcott does well to track back and get in front of Mesbah.

Arsenal are in control of the ball and they are hoping to catch out the Milan defence with the odd through ball.

Abate stings the chest of Szczesny as he has a shot from wide on the right. Easy save for the Pole.

RVP turns and Van Bommel sticks out a leg. The attacker loses the ball, but could have had a foul if he had chosen to go down.

Rosicky is away again and his pass is misplaced. He's having a good game in the centre so far.

Rosicky tries to be clever and push the ball into the gap. But Walcott wasn't reading it and it goes through to Abbiati.

Song steals it and RVP has a one-on-one with Thiago. The Brazilian gets a foot in to clear the danger.

Poor from Sagna as his header isn't far enough. Robinho runs at the defence and is cut out when he tries a trick or two.

Song looks like he might be carrying an injury. That could be a real worry as there is hardly anyone to fill the void.

The boos ring out as Milan have a bit of possession. Huge cheers every time Arsenal get the ball back.

Another offside as both El Shaarawy and Zlatan are caught out. That has been a good effort from the backline so far.

A good low finish. And now the Arsenal fans are signing. Arsenal believe this could happen!

Thiago with a horrible error. He should have cleared Walcott's cross, but he gave it right to Rosicky.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Rosicky. Walcott runs and the ball finds Rosicky who buries it in the bottom corner.

Offside again for Milan, the assistant on that side is having a busy first half.

Song gets away down the right, but Emanuelson comes back and gets a foot in. No foul either, although he looked to get the leg as well.

The Gunners are keeping the ball well, but that suits Milan quite well as they are still three goals up.

Arsenal comfortable on the ball again, but they need more than that. Another goal before half-time would get the crowd going.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0306/laurentkoscielnygoalarsenalvmilan20120306_275x155.jpg"><br> Laurent Koscielny heads home Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's seventh-minute corner.

Gervinho finds Gibbs in space, but that is a terrible cross and goes behind for a goal-kick.

Milan are struggling a bit with the balls up front. Zlatan isn't a focal point and they are hitting aimless efforts up there with no-one to get on the end of it.

Wenger wants a touch... he looks like he's keen to act as ballboy and manager tonight.

Robinho is finding space down the Milan right, but Szczesny comes out and grabs the ball well.

A good save, and another good chance for the Arsenal captain. They are sensing blood here.

Van Persie takes it and controls. He just sets himself and bends the ball into the corner. But Abbiati flies across and turns it behind.

Rosicky goes in on Van Bommel, but was there a card? I don't think so, although it may have deserved one.

Van Persie goes in on Abbiati and the ref blows for a foul. He seemed entitled to go for that, but the ref is whistle-happy today.

Emanuelson gives the ball away and RVP and Rosicky are away. RVP makes the wrong decision though and puts his pass behind his team-mate. He could have tried to get a shot off, but that was a waste.

Robinho swings it in but Gibbs is there to head clear. The Brazilian should really have done better from that angle.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> El Shaarawy tricks Gibbs and the defender hacks his legs away. Arsenal man in the book now.

Rosicky runs and puts a great ball to Walcott in the box. Thiago comes across and keeps him away from the shot.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Sagna is booked for a tackle on Van Bommel.

Emanuelson slips the ball through, but none of the Milan strikers were on the same page and it rolls easily through to Szczesny.

Oxlade runs from deep but that's a well timed tackle from Mexes to halt him in his stride.

That was a comfortable save really, but a good chance as Walcott found space.

Walcott gets away down the right and feeds RVP who hits it from a tight angle. Good save from Abbiati. Oxlade hammers the rebound well wide from a long way out.

Nocerino on the edge of the box tries to feed Zlatan, but a good interception from Song. He was there to break it up

The ball is flicked through to Zlatan, but he is caught offside. That was a close shave though.

Robinho tries to respond quickly, but it flies wide of the post.

1-0 to the Gunners. Great start. Is it on?

What a start. Great delivery from Oxlade and Koscielny gets away from his man to head (shoudler) into the corner.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Koscielny is open from a corner and heads home!

Oxlade swings in a corner, but Zlatan is there to head away at the near post.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Van Bommel in the book already for a crude hack on Rosicky.

Robinho in the box, turns and gets the ball across, but Sagna comes across to clear. It's chipped in to Zlatan and Szczesny comes to claim.

Walcott picks it up and works well with Sagna. Plenty of possession for the Gunners, but not quite working in the final third.

RVP is drifting around and he threads it to Rosicky, who feeds Walcott. He's just offside.

Rosicky loses it and Robinho is away. Zlatan holds it up but tries to be clever and gives it away himself.

Abbiati with a poor kick, but nobody could take advantage of it. Arsenal back in possession. They really need an early goal... or two.

Arsenal have possession and have not lost it yet. Everyone has taken a touch.

<B>KICK-OFF:</B> RVP has been doing the rounds, now he trots to take the kick-off and here we go...

The handshakes have taken place. Hope nobody gets a cold after that. Kick-off is closing...

Reader Sam says: "Even the great RVP can't make up this deficit, can he?" Well, we're about to find out, but my gut feeling is not.

So, the players are in the tunnel. Milan looking pretty relaxed and Wenger patrolling the hallways trying to get his players going.

Milan, meanwhile, have former Liverpool midfielder Aquilani on the bench alongside two goalkeepers and three defenders.

One thing should be noticed - Arsenal have no midfielders on the bench so an injury to Rosicky or Song would scupper things completely. Park and Chamakh are the only 'gamechangers' should it all go wrong early on.

If you wish to tweet me any comments, then drop me a link at <a href="https://twitter.com/joncarterespn" target="_blank">@joncarterespn</a>

"We will just go for it," says Arsene. After the dismal first-leg showing they have little choice.

With Walcott, Gervinho and Oxlade-Chamberlain all on the pitch at the same time, someone is going to have to play in the middle. Arsene Wenger says pre-match that it will be 'The Ox'.

Kieran Gibbs, who has struggled with injury this season, thinks that 'pride' is the reason that <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1031543/arsenal%27s-kieran-gibbs:-we-have-to-turn-up-against-ac-milani?cc=5739" target="_blank">Arsenal will have fire in their bellies</a>

If any Milan fans think their side will be complacent, think again as <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1031551/ac-milan%27s-massimiliano-allegri:-no-complacency-against-arsenal?cc=5739" target="_blank">Massimiliano Allegri says otherwise</a>

Song and Rosicky in the middle are likely to have a busy night ahead, and if Wenger's side don't come out strong then it could be all over quickly if Milan score.

Milan are not exactly short of attacking ideas with Robinho and Zlatan around. They will surely sit and then look to counter knowing how vulnerable the Gunners are to a quick break.

Also, no side in Champions League history have ever come back from four goals down. The last side who managed to do so in Europe was Real Madrid in 1985 against Borussia Monchengladbach.

But it is a big ask. Milan have Zlatan Ibrahimovic in fine form and he has found the net in all of his five Champions League appearances this season.

Milan will also have some bad memories of 2004 when they beat Deportivo 4-1 in the first leg, but lost the second leg 4-0 - the only side to have been knocked out with a three-goal lead.

And: In seven two-legged ties and one final (excluding the Super Cup), no Italian side has ever eliminated Arsenal in a knockout competition.

So, Arsenal fans, the good news first: The Gunners are unbeaten in their last 12 Champions League home games, winning 10 of them.

Milan: Abbiati: Abate, Mexes, T. Silva, Mesbah; Emanuelson, V. Bommel, Noverino; El Shaarawy; Robinho; Ibrahimovic

Some early teams for you. Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Gibbs, Song, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Gervinho, Van Persie.

We've heard him use the word 'belief' before and <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1031542/arsenal%27s-arsene-wenger:-belief-is-key-to-eliminating-milan?cc=5739" target="_blank">that is what Wenger thinks is key to his side's unlikely success</a>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0225/arsenewengercamera20120218_275x155.jpg"><br>Wenger says he may start four strikers.

Join us for commentary from what could be the greatest comeback in history (or a crushing defeat) as Arsenal need to beat AC Milan by five goals to advance to the quarter-finals.