I thought the French philosopher did not believe in a Plan B?
Well, the encounter against Bayern showed that when Wenger wants to, he can get tactical for you, which can bring out what many thought was a HIGHLY unlikely result. Well, everyone won't include myself, HH, who had a vision so strong that it couldn't be shaken.
For the first time in a very long time, Arsenal actually had a game plan, a strategy that was constructed based off the skill-level of Bayern and how Pep likes to set his teams up to play. This wasn't the same old Arsenal playing open-warfare with every midfield player given license to roam forward, to allow themselves to be more open than twenty dollar prostitute. It was....shock-horror...a DEFENSIVE Arsenal.
Do not let anyone to convince you that you ought not to be defensive in front of your own fans. That is complete and utter garbage. All that matters, and all that should ever matter is the end result. This is what the game is about, and anything that gets you to that end is fine by me. It's the end that matters and not the means by which you get there. Arsenal HAD to win this game, and based off Bayern's insane winning streak, they HAD to play this way. There was no other alternative. But choosing to play a certain way is one thing, but to have every player execute the gameplan to perfection is another thing. That is where all Wenger haters must all come together, and form a huddle around Arsene and chant his name like the end of a cheesy Hollywood sports drama.
The defensive work of Mertesacker and Koscielny has to be top of the congratulations list. They were up against the hottest striker in the world, and Mr. Lewandowski hardly featured in the game. Of course the midfielder sitting deep also had a lot to do with that as well. But the way in which they pocketed Lewandowski and hardly gave him any space to think, was one of the main elements that lead to Arsenal's victory. Bayern DID have openings, because they are that good, but not as many as they are accustomed to having in the Bundesliga.
Arsenal have to be said, when on their day, are one of the best counter-attacking teams there are. Using Walcott in the team was hugely important, because it's the speed that kills you. When Arsenal had a bit of space to get the ball out, and Walcott broke free that is when Bayern were really under pressure. Kudos to Wenger, giving the right instructions to the players, and for them being able to do exactly what was needed and fulfill their role in what was a way of playing, more foreign to them.
My only hope is Wenger can keep bringing this element into this Arsenal team who have shown they know how to defend deep, and pick off their chances. They don't have to always play the Arsenal way in every single match. It just doesn't make sense to do that against every opponent, where it may not actually necessarily work. Being a truly top bunch is about having different styles to your game, and adjusting your game in order to exploit the weaknesses in your opponent's game and ensuring you nullify their strengths. So Wenger.....
PLEASE KEEP SHOWING THE TACTICAL SIDE TO YOUR GAME.
HH
