Two losses. Zero points. Including losing to the road-team known at Olympiacos at home.
Let's just say Arsenal's situation is extremely delicate right now, and another loss would pretty much see them get bounced out of the group stage of the Champions League. To make matters even worse, where every game now must be won, they are facing the behemoth known as Bayern. Keep in mind they are a German club with German philosophy, which means they aren't coming to London to gawk at the Black Cabs and sip crumpets with pub-infested overweight bartender. They are coming to close this group out, and Arsenal better rise up like the phoenix, or just turn in their forfeit card at the reception with a box of cookies for good measure.
Arsenal have one main hope, the solitary beacon of light that can perhaps pierce the impenetrable armor of Bayern Munich. He's the lad from the streets with thighs like anvils and the heart of a champion. The Chilean known as Chez possesses the ingredients to hurt Bayern, but his colleagues need to play the game of their season if they are to get this superstar in a position in which he can deliver the merchandise for Arsenal and its fans.
I wouldn't wish this situation on my worst enemy. Arsenal have to win these two games, and they just so happen to be against on the of the best teams in the world. Wenger simply must respect the fact that Bayern Munich have criminal talent in in their team. When they are in third gear, they can still beat you up, if you dare anger them and they head into fourth or fifth....we have all seen the type of bloodbath they can invoke upon their enemies. So whilst Arsenal must be mindful and have some level of respect; they need to bring in their own brand of bravado and believe in their game which is very suited in exploiting the weaker points in this Bayern team.
Playing a quick game, where the ball is moved around with speed and accuracy and there is no hanging around, is key. No defense likes the ball being fizzed around like Sonic the Hedgehog on Acid, but to implement it in a counter-attacking philosophy where you know Bayern like to push men forward is where Arsenal could really get a bit of cheddar in the game. Bayern are superb team that can beat you in a multitude of ways, but they are not perfect. No team is perfect. Human beings make mistakes and no footballing strategy doesn't come without its drawbacks. It's just about ensuring your opponent does no exploit them, which is what makes you win matches.
The crowd will need to bring the noise at the Emirates and Arsenal will have to find that balance between playing with emotion, passion and energy but also mixing it with smart football and making the right decisions in order to execute. These are how these matches are won. Making the right pass, choosing to be brave and taking on your man in order to beat him and create space or going for that shot that the defenders have not been able to pick up on.
Question is...will Arsenal deliver when it really counts?
HH
