Arsenal: How can they beat Bayern Munich?
Arsenal may be preparing for this weekend's FA Cup clash with Blackburn Rovers, but they will definitely have one eye firm focused on Tuesday night's Champions League match with German giants Bayern Munich.
Yes Arsenal have the daunting task of taking on arguably the best team in the world at the moment as they host last season's beaten finalists.
When the draw happened in Zurich,
there was collective gasps and some sort of relief that we didn't draw
Barcelona, but I think that was more psychological than anything else. The
actual realisation will be felt when the Bavarians line up against the
Gunners in the first leg of the champions league at the Emirates.
Each position has the kind of players we can only
dream of.
Alright, now for the basic facts. It's a football game
across two legs. Arsenal at home in Champions League have an enviable
record. We have a first team offence, which, on its day, is among the best
in Europe. A midfield of Wilshere, Arteta and Cazorla is as good as the German
trio of Bastian, Kroos and Martinez.
In Podolski and Walcott we have the
wingers who can give the Bayern full backs an absolute run for their
money. As much as he may not be that "little kid" Giroud continues to
have the kind of season which defies his critics and could trouble the
Bayern defence.
The problem is our defence. With Thomas Vermaelen still injured,
Kos stll recovering and trying to get back to the form he had last
season, Gibbs forever injured, Arsenal's defence is their Achilles heal
quite literally.
Arsenal do have the players who can hurt Bayern.
More than the players I believe the German would-be champions haven't
been really tested this season and when they encounter the Gunners I do
feel some of the players, especially their defenders and full backs, may be
left perplexed.
I'm not comparing, but when Bayern played Dortmund in the
German Cup, Dortmund played the short passing game ala Arsenal which
hurt the Munich team. The key to that Dortmund team was the tempo with
which they played, Gunners please make a note of this one word - tempo.
This game will show up on Arsenal big time. This
will be a test of resolve, character and determination. This will test
Wenger and he won't have any excuses if he is out foxed by the wily
Heynckes.
Time to put your hands up and be counted Gunners for
this could be one of the greatest moments of your lives or it could be
harsh reality and a complete water shed.
How do we beat them? Play them of at their own game - they play
quick, we play quicker, Cazorla can have a good day means
there is no defender who can match him, ignite Poldi and let him run at
his former team mates, make lesser mistakes and remember it's two legs and
we need to go on with something when we visit Bayern. It's not about
showing of who has better skills, it's about who has more application.
Involve Walcott more. He is the one player they are concerned about, Giroud
needs to shoot on sight, get Vermaelen ready for action and he will have the most
important role to play - left back and finally start praying, I believe
prayers can make miracles happen, well this won't be a miracle but we
have to have the two best games of the season in order to win this, and
also hope Bayern don't have two good games.
Football is not just about winning or losing, whoever said that must be shot. It's only about winning. Now come on you Gunners!
Calling all football fans. What do you think the score is going to be against Bayern? Can Arsenal get the job done at the Emirates? How do you see the game going? Whatever your views we'd love to hear from you.
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