Arsenal dreading Spanish draw
Arsene Wenger knows that his team could come up against the likes of Barcelona or Real Madrid as early as the 1st knock out stage of the Champions League.
He joked with the media that they may join Arsenal on their trip to Spain but deep down inside he would have been praying that it remains a joke and does not become a reality. While Arsenal maintain a proud record of making it to the last 16 for the 11th
consecutive season, they know that their journey might be cut short this time around if they come up against either of the two Spanish giants.
Wenger knows his team has been below par during the group stages and had to rely on a late flurry against an ordinary Partizan side to get all three points and ensure their place in the next round.
Although they have qualified, they know that it isn’t ideal to finish second in your group especially when the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid finish top of theirs. Arsenal will be hoping to avoid the two Spanish sides and would be more than happy to
play their German counter parts; last year’s finalists Bayern Munich and Schalke 04 are the two other possible teams whom Arsenal can come up against.
Although it’s always difficult to call at this stage as injuries, fatigue and form can have their say by the time real business begins in February. However, even a fully fit Arsenal can find it hard to make their way past either Jose Mourinho’s or Pep Guardiola’s
men.
It’s a pretty straight forward equation for Arsene Wenger, if he gets the Germans he stands a good chance of progressing but if they get drawn against the Spaniards, then they should rather put more of their efforts in the league.
However, it is interesting to note that Arsenal have been without Robin Van Persie and Cesc Fabregas for most part of the season. Last night Gael Clichy was missing as well. With a fully fit squad, Arsenal might not be the team that either Jose Mourinho
or Pep Guardiola fancy.
Arsenal have been playing in their typical fashion. One game they play as if the game is too easy for their players and then the next time when they are out on the pitch, they seem short of ideas and devoid of any direction.
They have been wayward during the group stages more often than not and this lack of consistency has caused them a top spot in their group. Arsenal can’t even think of getting away with such a performance even against the German sides.
Arsenal’s biggest problem seems to be their defence; the sight of either Ronaldo or Messi running up against either Laurent Koscielny or Sebastien Squillaci is nothing less than scary. If Arsenal want to keep their hopes alive they desperately need to get
back Thomas Vermaelen or else signing a centre back should be a priority for Arsene Wenger in the January transfer window.
Arsenal’s last year experience may count for nothing if they come up against Barcelona and fail to stop them again. However, Wenger believes that there is room for improvement and if Barcelona is their destiny then so be it; they’ll be gunning against them
this time around.
"We went out to Barcelona last season and I feel we had some room for improvement," he said. "Realistically Barcelona are super favourites in this competition but you take what you get. If it's Barcelona, it's Barcelona. We have played them already last
season. We are in a strong position in the Premier League, qualified in the Champions League and in the semi-final of the Carling Cup. We have plenty of exciting challenges but also room for improvement. I am confident we will improve."
With Arsenal you know what you are getting; a team who plays the beautiful game in the most beautiful manner. The only bad news for them is that there is another team who can better that, the team that taught them a footballing lesson last time around.
Real Madrid is a different team this season under Jose Mourinho and they might have Kaka back in their starting eleven by February and mind you, he is not just another player.
All eyes are on the Friday the 17th draw in December when Arsene Wenger would learn his fate. Will they be heading Central Europe to Germany or will they be second time unlucky?
Tags: