When Arsenal were drawn into the same group as Champions League runners-up, Borussia Dortmund, and a resurgent Napoli side, every Arsenal fan shivered at the prospect of not qualifying for the knockout stages for the first time in 13 years.
However, a famous result at the Signal Iduna put Arsenal into pole position going into the final game after a victory versus Marseilles. All Arsenal had to do was avoid a 3-0 defeat and hope the other fixture went for them.
Unfortunately, the night in Naples did not turn out as planned and Arsenal suffered at the hands of Gonzalo Higuain. On the other hand, Arsenal advanced into the knockout stages as runners-up of their difficult group and continued their fine Champions League record.
It was a bittersweet feeling that night. Our defence and away record has been superb throughout the calendar year and many of us fans felt we could get a result in Naples. But, you can’t win every game because that’s not how football works.
Everybody involved with Arsenal knew that finishing second in the group stages means there is a high chance of facing one of the best teams in Europe. Today, Arsenal was drawn against German giants Bayern Munich who are seeking to become the first team to successfully defend the Champions League.
Bring it on
Bayern have every right to be afraid of Arsenal. Last season when Arsenal went to the Allianz Arena, there was very minimal optimism amongst the fans that the Gunners could achieve a nearly impossible task.
It was a night to remember for the fans, despite losing on the away goals rule. When it goes against you, the away goals rule really is cruel, but all the players had every right to hold their heads high and be proud. That is exactly what Wenger would have told the players in the changing room.
The players used the result as a catalyst to push towards the top 4 in the Premier League. Many times Wenger has spoken about that night in Munich and has used it as inspiration.
When Arsenal lineup to face Bayern on February 19th, Wenger will once again remind the players that they have nothing to fear; that they are more than capable of beating the best.
Arsenal is a better side than they were last year when the two teams met. Bayern dominated at the Emirates Stadium with a convincing 3-1 victory. But, this year will be different.
Bayern have a new manager and a new system, and it seems to be working, as they remain unbeaten in the Bundesliga so far. Arsenal is at the top of the Premier League and has been rather impressive; Man City result aside, of course.
Defensively, Arsenal has improved dramatically, and Bayern will know that. At the Emirates last season, Arsenal conceded 3 goals, but in all honesty, it was 3 goals that could have been easily avoided. In fact, I would say Bayern were rather fortunate with all 3.
The defence this season has been compared to the famous back four of Dixon, Winterburn, Bould and Adams, and if Arsenal want to advance to the quarter finals for the first time in 4 seasons, then the defence will need to be at their very best.
Bayern Munich defender, Jerome Boateng, said after his team was drawn against the Gunners, “they’re the toughest opponents we could have had. They’ll be totally up for it after what happened last year. Both matches will be very intense.”
Brazilian centre back, Dante, echoed Boateng’s words when he was quoted saying, “It’s a very, very difficult game. We must maintain concentration in both legs. Arsenal have bought a couple of world class players and are stronger than last season. It’s the top team in England against the leaders in Germany, there are no favourites.”
No pressure, no fear, just enjoy it
Bayern will be firm favourites to win the tie, but that is no surprise. They are a fantastic team that seems to have the right balance. Going forward they frightening and at the back they are solid. But, they are no invincible.
English clubs have proved to be difficult opponents for the Germans. They lost the Champions League final to Chelsea, lost 2-0 to Arsenal last season and more recently, lost 3-2 to a second string Man City side who were only 1 goal away from qualifying as group winners.
The pressure will be off, no one will be expecting Arsenal to qualify and for me, that is fine. Everyone has underestimated Arsenal all season and played down their hopes of winning the Premier League.
If Arsenal fails to defeat Bayern over 2 legs I hope there isn’t a backlash. I just hope the fans take this opportunity to enjoy 2 great games of football between two beautifully attacking sides.
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