So, we are just a few hours away from the biggest game of the season, so far. The boys truly rocked the Blancos at home, and now comes a test of nerves, tactics and belief. The Galacticos are not used to being outplayed, and in the second half they really and truly were. So their pride is hurt and they do not want to embarrass themselves again at the Bernabeu, that’s for sure.
But Arsenal are a pretty complete team when it comes to playing tactical variants, these days. Gone are the Wenger days of the one-style-needs-to-beat-all. Arteta can play Mourinho-ball, Ferguson-ball and Wenger-ball; he will adept to what gives us optimal outcomes. Sitting back, absorbing, and then pouncing on the rebound/counter is the most likely approach. With Odegaard, Merinho, Rice, Partey, Saka and Martinelli, and fast wing-backs, Arsenal can hurt RM badly, tonight. Our opponents will be weary of this, yet they must attack, attack, attack. The crowd will demand it and the large deficit does not leave them much else to do.
But then Arteta may decided to attack RM from the start and dominate midfield. Of course this is not without danger, as RM have the sort of players who love to run into space with and without the ball. But this could lead to an early goal for us after which we can sit back and absorb pressure. A fourth goal for us over the two ties should normally settle it. However, playing with a high block carries another danger for us: the risk of hauling somebody down and getting a yellow or even a red card. Playing with 10 men with say 70 minutes on the clock would be a nightmare.
I think Arteta and his fellow managers, and the captain, MO, will have a detailed plan that will see different approaches during different phases of the game. Arsenal have a great midfield and RM will truly miss the hard-as-nails (and probably their best midfielder), Camavinga. This is such an opportunity to boss this pivotal area, even at the Bernabeu. Once-Twice-Baby is puffed up with confidence and Martin will have been dreaming of this game ever since he joined us from the Spanish capital. Partey, if indeed fit as is reported, will also want to play his socks off; his friends from Atletico will have jeered him up to no end.
I have high hopes that this will be the night that Odegaard truly announces himself to Europe – the Frenkie De Jong/Modric of Arsenal.
Big games will need to be played by the full backs and their supporting wingers. They will want to get behind our defence from the flanks and the likes of Vinicius, Rodrygo, Mbappe and Bellingham are capable of the the best wing-play in the business. The beauty of Saka and Martinelli is that they are excellent at supporting the defence and then also spring a counter-attack with great close control, energy and thrust. They will get kicked, and I hope the referee understands that they will need protection. A fair referee is of course crucial, and from what the Duke of Normandie has told us I think we should not worry about this part of the game.
This is very likely to be a tense game for 90+ minutes, unless we can put one or two in the net in the first half. Don’t count this out, and I will put my money on Martin netting at his former stomping ground.
I guess our biggest area of attention will have to be our left side of defence. Kiwior and, most likely, MLS will play there, or is Calafiori earmarked for this one? There is no update on him on Arsenal.com… It also seems that Ben White is available again. If fit this would be a great addition to our defence.
Desired (not necessarily predicted) line-up (subject to actual fitness levels):
Raya
White-Saliba-Kiwior-Timber
Partey-Odegaard-Rice
Saka-Merino-Martinelli
It is a real shame that Jorginho is not available for this one, as Arteta could do with the tactical variant(s) he offers. I love MLS but I fear he will be earmarked for a sending off. However, a cameo in the second half could give the team a wonderful boost. Same goes for insomniac Trossard, and yes, Sterling, who has the maturity to finally make a difference for us.
I believe in these boys and as long as they keep cool heads and take one or two of their own chances, I think we will go through.
Ooh to BE.
By TotalArsenal.
Bergkampesque 