Mesut Özil’s dribble and subsequent turn on Jérôme Boateng summarised Arsenal’s opening nine minutes against Bayern rather aptly. Oozing with confidence, the skill displayed by the Gunners’ record signing was just an example of the hosts’ audacity in a match many deemed merely an exhibition match for their Bavarian opposition. Just as arrogant, but by no means as effective, the German playmaker’s attempt from twelve yards out epitomised what would ultimately follow as the task of saving the spot-kick was an inevitable success for #11’s childhood friend and former Schalke team-mate, Manuel Neuer. It was evident that the entire side – and the 59,911 spectators inside the Emirates – depended on the outcome of the penalty, proven by Wojciech Szczęsny’s reckless challenge on Arjen Robben to present Bayern with an opportunity of their own from the spot. Although David Alaba couldn’t break the deadlock, the collateral damage of the decision had the same effect. Leaving Arsène Wenger with ten men – featuring a back-up goalkeeper, a less than convincing left-back deputising for the earlier injured a Kieran Gibbs and no creative outlet to supply the isolated Yaya Sanogo up front – to chase their possession-dominating Bundesliga counterparts had already sealed the North Londoners’ fate: demoralising defeat.
Except Arsenal were up against, undoubtedly, the best team on the planet and, arguably, one of the most talented sides to ever grace a football pitch. To come out of the game with only a 0-2 loss, considering the aforementioned factors in Bayern’s favour, is respectable and something that the supporters should take pride in. There are some, however, who aren’t as satisfied with Arsenal’s showing and their lack of enthusiasm goes as far as urging Wenger to rest key players in the second leg. George Graham shares the belief that it would be wise to field a weakened side at the Allianz Arena, “Personally I’d play a weakened team because I think the second half of the first leg was like a practice match for Bayern. It took a lot out of Arsenal and they have some very tough games coming up. They need fresh legs and fresh minds,”. There would be benefits to taking this option, particularly when you look at Arsenal’s following four opponents – Tottenham (a), Chelsea (a), Manchester City (h) and Everton (a) – where losing is something that must be avoided if this campaign is to culminate with domestic success opposed to the disappointing fate synonymous with supporters over seasons gone by.
This is a viewpoint that I personally disagree with, perhaps more than I care to admit. Why might I, and fellow likeminded fans, have such a conflicting opinion on the matter? Simply, pride. But that is not what Arsenal will be playing for in Germany and, consequently, the dignity that has shaped the club over its 128 years in existence shouldn’t be patronised by those, Graham included, who have paved the way. It’s common knowledge that Arsenal have the odds stacked up against them, but most seem to forget that the current situation faced to Arsène Wenger is almost an exact replica of the second leg in Munich at the same stage of the tournament in 2013. Bayern came, saw and conquered at the Emirates, returning home with three decisive away goals. Everyone had drawn the same conclusion that the tie was all said and done, that the corresponding meeting would merely be played out of duty rather than competition. Everyone except for those making the flight to Franz Josef Strauß airport with cannons on their chest. Olivier Giroud halved the deficit three minutes in and although Laurent Koscielny’s late second couldn’t send the Gunners through, the nature of the win was so emphatic that it inspired Arsenal’s well-documented assault to secure a finish in the top four.
Moreover, what message would Arsène be sending to his players and to the supporters if he were to wave the metaphorical white flag? How can the side be expected to capture the Premier League title with the mentality that surrendering an opportunity they have worked so hard to present themselves with is a viable option and, moreso, an option endorsed by their manager? This is a case in which the cons resoundingly outweigh the pros and maybe the date 11/3/14 will go down in Arsenal history for the better, because whilst that is at time of writing is unclear, the possibilities for the future is worth striving towards.
Using Read Arsenal’s squad selector tool, I’ve picked my preferred line-up for Tuesday night. In Szczęsny’s absence, Fabiański deputises and will continue to fill in against Europe’s elite if Arsenal can advance further in the competition. Subject to late injuries and niggles, the back-line will set up as it did vs Stoke on the weekend. Kieran Gibbs returning to the fold will have a profound impact on the solidarity of the defence, however faces a massive challenge in nullifying Arjen Robben, who caused Nacho Monreal many problems in the first leg and scored a hat-trick vs Schalke in the last Bundesliga gameweek.
Jack Wilshere’s injury is an inconvenience for Arsène Wenger, but one that must be dealt with. I, personally, would deploy Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain alongside Mikel Arteta in the double-pivot. This would offer the combination of a direct attacking phenomenon and a measured defensive-minded presence in the middle of the park, a partnership that I feel could have a big impact.
Further up the pitch, I chose Serge Gnabry to occupy the right wing, despite only making a single appearance for the first team in the month of February. I feel that having a winger designed to probe and penetrate is essential and, despite what naysayers may suggest, I believe Gnabry would relish this opportunity and thrive consequently. Truthfully, Mesut Özil was the first player I selected and as a devout supporter of the 25-year-old, I have high hopes once again that he’ll make the critiques eat their words. It’s important that he erases the last eighty minutes or so of his performance at the Emirates and instead bears in mind the extraordinary start he made, here’s hoping he can sustain that for the ninety in Munich. I’m indifferent as to who out of Santi Cazorla and Tomáš Rosický making the starting XI, but for the sake of the graphic I’ve opted for the former. In the last five matches where Arsenal have avoided defeat, Cazorla has boasted WhoScored ratings of 7.69, 8.2, 7.59, 7.63 and an impressive 10 – when the Gunners are on top of their opposition, so is the little Spaniard – this could prove a very effective asset against Bayern’s crop of the world’s brightest players in my opinion.
Finally, Yaya Sanogo received the nod over Olivier Giroud in my team, despite his late miss at the Britannia Stadium. Sanogo exceeded most fan’s expectations in the first leg and put up a great fight against Dante and Jerômé Boateng and if it weren’t for his second half isolation, who knows what effect he may have had on the night. Again, I’m by no means against Giroud starting, however I think that this option is one that would work particularly well with all factors considered.
