A 2-0 defeat in the first leg at the hands of reigning champions Bayern Munich, English club Arsenal will be hoping for a ‘˜miracle’ to save them from crashing out of the competition. Here’s what Arsene Wenger should tell his players in order to overturn the Bayern Munich’s 2-0 deficit:
A 2-0 defeat in the first leg at the hands of reigning champions Bayern Munich, English club Arsenal will be hoping for a ‘miracle’ to save them from crashing out of the competition. Here’s what Arsene Wenger should tell his players in order to overturn the Bayern Munich’s 2-0 deficit:
Stop Arjen Robben on the flanks
Dutch winger, Arjen Robben was instrumental in landing a penalty for Bayern in the first leg at the Emirates which also led to the sending of Arsenal goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny. Arsene must deploy his fullbacks and manmark the winger in order to avoid another such sending off.
Score early as possible
Last year, when Arsenal played Bayern Munich, Olivier Giroud scored early in the game which gave the Gunners an early advantage. This year, they need to repeat the heroics again and with the likes of Mesut Ozil in the ranks, there’s a possibility of scoring more than 3 goals.
Lukasz Fabianski can be trusted
In the early stages of his Arsenal career, Polish keeper Lukasz Fabianski had a nightmare when amongst the goalposts. This year, the understudy to Wojciech Szczesny has had a much improved season (FA Cup) and his calm presence could be vital in overturning the deficit.
Have pace on the wings
The only way Arsenal are to trouble the European champions is by matching them with pace. Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain was a revelation in the first leg at the Emirates and he could be the difference in the second leg as well. The likes of Serge Gnabry in the side could also prove vital and that’s the only way, the London club could send shivers down the German side.
The defence is the key
The pairing of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny has proved to be a winning combination for the side in this season. If they are to shun the likes of Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Toni Kroos, the German-French defensive unit must stand strong to keep Bayern at bay.
Play Mathieu Flamini
Since his arrival on free, Mathieu Flamini has been tremendous in turning Arsenal’s season around. His ‘dirty work’ in the midfield was the missing link in all the seasons gone by for the Gunners. His presence on the field will be required and Arsene must start the French midfielder in order to drive the midfield.
Be positive
It is a possible task, that is the most important thing. My team has quality and ambition.” were the words of Arsene Wenger in the press conference ahead of the second leg in Germany. Arsene is a positive thinker and he must let these thoughts rub onto his players too. His Arsenal side do possess quality but they must prove on the pitch and overturn the 2-0 deficit.
Not many are giving Arsenal even a sniff in this tie and also the competition. When Arsenal was pooled against Bayern in January, not many Gunners’ fans thought of winning this competition. But anything is possible in football and the bravest of all could prevail on the night of the champions.
