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UEFA Champions League 2009 - Arsenal Profile
How will the Gunners fare In the Champions League knockout stages?
Arsenal
Previous Best: Runners-Up (2006)
Path to the Knockout Stages
Summary: Arsenal had to first qualify for the group stage by negotiating a route past a potentially tricky "Battle of Britain" tie, versus Celtic, however, the Gunners fired past the Glaswegian giants in both legs and bar the opening group game, the north Londoners experienced minimal trouble in progressing to the final 32. Standard Liege away proved the most problematic, as Arsenal slipped two goals down in quick succession only for Eduardo to steal maximum points. Successive wins over AZ and Standard was interrupted only by a score-draw against AZ in the Netherlands, all before Arsene Wenger upset Standard by fielding a Carling Cup-looking side in the final game against Olympiakos - a fixture they lost, despite beating the Greek outfit at home.
Season Synopsis
Aside from a few blips, Arsenal have surprised - and silenced - their critics. The departure of Kolo Toure, and talismanic Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor were deemed to be retrograde in mentality. While the purchase of former Ajax captain Thomas Vermaelen raised eyebrows up-and-down the country. The Belgian, though, has cemented a strong case for signing of the season as he continuously churns out stellar performances; the most recent of which was the 2-1 victory over Liverpool. Despite his average height, he is aerially dominant, a fine man-marker, and a good tackler. Not to mention a goal-threat down at the other end.
Goals have come from all angles, and all players, this season. Arsenal have shown a capability of blowing away strong opposition (such as Everton) in an enthralling and emphatic fashion but have also come undone when lining up against their Champions League qualification rivals (Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea), however, the Liverpool win may have bucked that trend. Their pivotal front-man, Robin van Persie, is sidelined for a majority of the season (until April), but Andrey Arshavin has shown he is more than capable of picking up the slack.
Tactics
Tactical Approach: Arsene Wenger has elected to alter his formation this season, and the 4-3-3 has proven effective in domestic and continental competition. Even the Carling Cup kids have adhered to the same shift. Cesc Fabregas is a shoe-in for a regular role, while the flat 4-4-2 midfield that saw Denilson slot in alongside the Spaniard last season may have leaked too many goals for Wenger, so Alexandre Song has also been accommodated in order to provide an added plug.
Coach: Wenger has shown that he is capable of making drastic tactical changes when the time arises, while his faith in his own decisions has also never wavered. The acquisition of Vermaelen was equally as astute as it was brilliant.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
-A surfeit of goals, from all over the pitch.
-Technical, not physical - good for European play.
-Wenger has made a young side hungry for success.
Weaknesses
-A leaky defence with some naive moments.
-Poor record against 'big' sides this season.
-Consistently ravaged by injuries.
Knockout Draw
Arsenal will face FC Porto in the first knock-out round:pompom: . |
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Post time 17-12-2009 02:48 PM
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