Arsenal prepared to go the distance

FOOTBALL

Having outwitted Guy Roux, of Auxerre, in the quarter-final of the European Cup-Winners' Cup, Stewart Houston now pits his burgeoning managerial know- how against another of the continent's most respected coaches.

In the opposition dug-out for the first-leg of tonight's semi-final with Sampdoria will be Sven Gran Eriksson. In a 17-year managerial career Eriksson has won the Swedish title with IFK Gothenburg and three Portuguese championships with Benfica (with whom he defeated Arsenal in the 1992 European Cup). The 49-year-old Swede has also managed Roma and Fiorentina. Yet he now finds himself almost as vulnerable as Houston, who is less than two months into a managerial career that could be over at the end of the season.

Houston, who took over at Highbury after George Graham's disgrace, has had to contend with mounting speculation as to the identity of his successor. Eriksson, who has also been linked with the job, guided Sampdoria to the Italian Cup last year, but he has since presided over a disappointing league season for a side who were third last year and champions in 1991.

Sampdoria showed how well they can play when a depleted side won both the match and the penalty decider in Porto last month to qualify for the last four. But they have also been beaten in one leg of every round and have lost their last three league games, falling to ninth in Serie A. Arsenal are unbeaten in 24 Cup-Winners' Cup matches stretching back to 1980 and defeated Norwich City 5-1 at Highbury on Saturday.

The mood of the Italians, who trained at Highbury last night, has not been helped by the revelation that cult hero Attilio Lombardo and veteran defender Pietro Vierchowod intend to leave the club this summer.

Lombardo, who is being chased by both Milan clubs and Parma, will be especially missed. He has just won back his international place and scored in the win in Ukraine last week. The right winger needed stitches in a foot injury after that game but should be fit to complement the outrageous gifts of Roberto Mancini in attack.

Sampdoria will be missing David Platt and Sinisa Mihajlovic, who are suspended, and Ruud Gullit, who is cup-tied. That, noted Houston, seems a fair swap for Arsenal's loss of Glenn Helder, who is ineligible. Arsenal also have Martin Keown suspended which limits their midfield options, especially as John Jensen is struggling with an ankle injury. David Hillier, who was given 90 minutes against Norwich, is likely to play. So too is David Seaman, despite broken ribs which will require a series of pain- killing injections before the game.

Arsenal have consistently surprised their critics and opponents in the last two seasons in Europe. Their organisation and tenacity have enabled them to overcome sides with superior technique and artistry.

It is not beyond them to do so again. They may not gain much of a cushion tonight, or even win. But, more than most clubs, Arsenal appreciate that European football is played over two legs. "We have shown what we can do in away ties, so even a nil-nil would not be unacceptable," Houston said. "Whatever happens, the tie won't be won or lost tomorrow night."

The Scotsman finished with a golfing analogy. "At the final whistle it will be just nine holes played." A goalless draw would be par for the Highbury course.

Last night's results, page 39