If Arsenal are going to Wembley on June 1st this year, we will have to do it the hardest way, as arguably 2 of the 3 toughest teams we could have drawn stand in our way of our route to the Final.
Bayern Munich in the last 8! If we survive that Man City or Real Madrid wait in the last 4!
We play at home in the 1st leg of each round. Essentially the draw couldn’t have been worse.
There are Gooners who are happy we play the German Champions, but we have a section of our fanbase who would say that no matter who we faced in the quarter finals. The reality is we are in the hard half of the draw.
Barcelona, PSG, Dortmund and Atletico Madrid will be delighted.
I don’t know where some supporters get the confidence that we can suddenly beat Bayern Munich and then Real Madrid or Man City. I’m not sure what part of our recent history they are basing that on?
It’s arrogance.
In reality we will have to dramatically play better than we did against Porto to progress any further. We allowed the Portuguese to control the majority of both legs. They were given the luxury to exploit their game plan and it was noticeable that they were more streetwise than us.
Bayern Munich are better than Porto. While 2nd in Bundesliga, 10 points off top isn’t their usual standards, this is a club who have experience at this level and know how to cope with these occasions. Our dressing room doesn’t have that.
Can Mikel Arteta get his players to believe they can win these two ties?
We waited 14 years though for nights like this and given how low we had fallen it makes sense to embrace this moment.
Dan
Life is good for us Arsenal fans right now
Watch the lastest video from our friends at DublinArsenal…
Do you want to read our whole collection of history articles? Check out our Just Arsenal History section
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
Hi Dan
I don’t think it is arrogant of the fans to think that we can win the CL. What would you have them do? Wring their hands, bury their heads in their hands and bemoan the draw? I don’t understand your point as if we had got a so called kinder draw then we would still have to beat the best at some point.
On the flip side, I agree with you that we don’t as a club have the best pedigree in the CL. I do believe the team are gaining valuable experience as well as having CL winning players who are now at the club which will be a huge benefit.
I would have them be realistic
Beating a Bayern Munich and then Real Madrid or City is a huge ask and we would have to play allot better then we did in the Porto tie
I don’t think the draw against Bayern was the toughest. Don’t expect it to be easy but I think we could beat them albeit narrowly. However, I also think that’ll be our swan song. The remaining teams are all too well seasoned and experienced for us at this time. Even given our performances of late, it still might be too big of an ask for us to progress much further after Bayern, assuming we make it past them even.
Not sure if it is arrogance, from some of the fanbase or just drunken hope. We still have a long long way to go to be real challengers. We’re in a good position in the PL but that’s not even a given at this stage!
Beating Bayern is a matter of attitude, commitment, determination and sacrifice. Good things don’t come easy. Don’t forget luck plays a big role in championship winning sides. This year I’d no different from 2006 of Juve, Real Madrid, Villareal and Barcelona
How right you are suep, worse teams have won it chelsea with Di Mateo, Madrid the last time they won it just to name a couple. We are more confident with our team now ,why Dan is considering it arrogance only he knows. Do we have a chance, of course we do. We ain’t here by fluke, we earned and fought for it
Beating Porto on pens doesn’t mean we can beat Bayern Munich and Man City/ Madrid
It doesn’t mean we’ll beat Bayern, yes the reverse is as well true Dan. Different game and different approach.
There are some fans here who think they know football but they know nothing. Are Bayern invincibles?
We are rooting behind our team and that’s all we know. I love it when fans doubt us.
Most of us here are not true Arsenal fans. The just want their names to be heard.
Nice words Kenya001
It doesn’t matter how one puts it but l think we are playing good football at the moment and you guys will agree with me that the team we have right now is capable of anything.
We will go past Bayern believe you me.
Yo have to believe, what man can do another can, Just look at our backline, Tomy, Rb, Timber Lb, CB’s G.maghales and Saliba, and our stoper is also amazing, I don’t see any one humiliating us, neve💪💪💪believe me we are strong nowadays🤣🤣🤣
Taking less standard is what makes arsenal no Champion league thropy, we still have the same idea.
I remember someone saying man United would have a better season than us because they had “leaders”.
They should wait until we beat them at their homeground
@SueP well said. However, negative antecedent are meant to be broken one day. Yes, Arsenal don’t have a good pedegree in UCL but this could be the season where all that would be condemned to the history book.
It’s already looking like that. First, we broke a jinx of losing to Everton at home, secondly, we won against ManCity at the Emirates after a while and thirdly, qualifying for quarter final of UCL after 14yrs. All happened this season. History record has that an inexperience youthful Ajax won UCL playing against almighty AC millan in 1995. I bet this could be Arsenal’s season to reach Semi final, the final, or even win it?
I remain optimistic till end of the season.
Realistic, optimistic are words I’d use – like you have. I just don’t get the use of the word arrogant on this subject.
Honestly. Am impressed with ur comment.
. Champions league is one the most unpredictable competitions.
. Perhaps i did not see ATM and Dortmund making it to the Semi’s but here they are. Moreover this is not the first time. teams depaid the odds and became champions. I get it when peoples complaints about arsenal not having the champions league fluadity and expirience wise we are far behind. But this is a team who always fight for what they felt the deserve. I don’t wanna be optimistic but arsenal have submitted their tittle credential visible both in premier league and champions league. And sooner the world will realised that by God grace.
. The young underdogs from English football will follow the unlikely part to achieve double of both premier league and champions league.
Watching Bayern Munich play this season, they aren’t playing better football than Arsenal this season, in their respective leagues. I don’t think anyone can argue with that.
Now UCL is a different matter altogether. It’s football, but the stage is bigger and managing nerves, attitude and emotions becomes equally important as playing good football. That’s the only worry I have with this draw.
Speaking purely in football terms, I don’t see Arsenal losing to Bayern.
My concern is when we are forced to play an opponents game plan.
For example, we have better talent compared to Porto, but they forced us to play their muddy, negative, non-direct style of football.
We never imposed our style of play; the quick, open, and direct play where we shine and dominate opponents.
If we are unable to impose our style of play on the Bayern game, then I think our chances dramatically go down.
I say this because we would rely on our great defense and capitalize on their mistakes, which is not a recipe you can rely on to defeat Bayern, City, or Real over 2 legs.
Leicester city won the premier league when everyone was saying they don’t have experience!
It’s just about believing that you can make no matter who you’re playing against.
Who would have bet on Tott beating Ajax and Man city to reached final in 2019 UCL?
This players have what it takes to beat anyone.
There is some unfortunately arrogance among a small portion of fans but the majority are just delighted that unlike the last 15-20 years we can actually look these giants in the eyes and say we have a good chance of beating.
We are currently playing better than Bayern or Real this year but actually beating them requires much more that. The experience and streetwise they have accumulated along the years will crush us if we play as naively and stressed like we did vs Porto over both legs. But the manner in which we won that shootout gives me hope that this team has more bottle than last year.
Hardship and despair can make or break a team and the pain of crumbling in the endgame last season has hardened the team. This squad gives me the never again happening vibe as if they took that disappointment on the chin and personally.
Yes they are still relatively unexperienced but if they really give a go without thinking/calculating they might just end up winning it all.
Yes a lot of fans are unrealistic and whilst I think BM as a team are no where near what they were, I feel Kane will likely come back and bite us on the bum, possibly with one of his dodgy penalties!
Like Sue P said I don’t think it arrogance to think you can win no matter who you play
The others have vast more years and experience in CL then us and especially recent times but we have every chance of upsetting the odds.
We do need a bit of luck like all cup competitions. RM had that a few seasons back when they won it and were dead and buried multiple times at various stages of the competition
We need to see off BM first and then think about the next game
Onwards and upwards
We’re taking the game as it comes. One game at a time. There is no other way. If we remain humble, we can win.
One game at a time, if our midfield can take control of
the game at home and our attack score two or three goals we are in an excellent position..
Some pundit, I don’t remember which one, wrote that not a single team from last 8 wanted to draw Arsenal. Therefore, let they, for once, think about us and not the other way around. None of them can say now “guys it’s only Arsenal”. So, let’s be smart and play our best game.
I’ll give you guys an example of arrogance in our fanbase
AFTV are asking who would win out of current squad and 2003-04 champions
Why do you consider it arrogance rather than opinion ? Difference in perspective.
I think the cup is fr everyone to win,I believe arsenal has all they need. being able to play against Porto on their bad game and stil win means we can also win dirty. As long as we win we can play beautiful football later on in EPL but this is a cup even if Arteta decides to play 9 defenders and 1 striker as long as we qin
The writer think we did a mistake by playing in champions league,pls excuse us ,we don’t care ,we are there and we will play and disapprove you.I doubt if you’re an arsenal fan!
Everyone said that last year about the title race
Hope they prove me wrong
They won’t
If by a very. very remote chance they do prove you wrong, you won’t come on here and admit it, because you NEVER DO.
Last year you predicted, we couldn’t make top 4.
The feel around the team is different, and the guys are playing well.
Luck is the other important factor we could have to win it.
If we make the final, we will win it.
I agree mate
If we get to the final we will win it
The author is unnecessarily negative about our chances. Most fans recognise that we are not favourites and that it is a difficult route to the final. However, that should not translate into pessimism.
We have players in the team that have taken on some of the best in Europe; and even won tournaments. Our recent results against some of the other top teams have been respectable.
Most Arsenal fans are rightly positive about the team and wish for the team to continue to do well. These fans are pleased with the team’s progress and hoping for greater success. They are not arrogant.
Then Arsenal are doomed.Experience to win the cl?
If u don’t play in the cl,u won’t have the experience.
Any way the clubs mentioned have no divine right to win the cl
Wenger was severely handicapped when he couldn’t compete in the transfer mart and when Lehman and Rvp were both sent off
If Arsenal, want to wi the cl,they have to beat anyone including Bm
Every time people bring up Porto they get me sick. Pprto were not playing football. They were only interested in stymieing Arsenal and not allowing them to play their expansive football. What matters is that Arsenal dumped them out. With Bayern or City, Arsenal will be allowed to play their kind of football which will make for an entertaining game. If Arsenal came tops of that street fight with Porto, where do people get the guts to say Porto outfoxed Arsenal? If they did, why are they out of the UCL. That was a steep learning curve for the vunners and they came out triumphantly. All tricks emplyed by Porto did not bear any fruits for them.
vunners-gunners*
Thank you A.K Kahi.
I’ve been waiting for a comment like this. Arsenal Played Porto. Porto, in both games, was not interested in playing football. Had it been they came out to play, they would have received a whopping. I assure you of that.
To Bayern, It’s going to be a different game. Bayern are not known for parking 11 men behind the ball. It’s going to be an open game, and you know how we play when its open. COYGs
I recall vividly when a young and inexperienced Man U beat Bayern Munich to win the champions league in 1999. I wonder whether the UEFA officials refused to give Man U the trophy because of their inexperience and young age! I wish people could be more objective in their analysis of issues. How does inexperience prevent a team from winning games if they have good players and a good coach?
That same squad for years had the taste of winning things and playing in CL
Can you name these youngsters as well please
The reason we will not win the Champions League this season is because Arsenal are currently not a big enough draw in the final, for the Sponsors.
This seasons draw seems to favor a Man City or Real Madrid finalist, against PSG.
Just my cynical mind!!!
Dan asserts that the Man U of 1999 had a history of winning things which is fair enough. My question is how does one acquire this history? My other query is whether trophies are won by club names, club history or
current teams? Is the Bayern team of today the same as that of 2017? The same can be asked of any other team. If the majority of Bayern players were those who had been winning trophies I would agree that experience is a valid point but that is not the case. Players have been coming and going. Secondly, the Bayern coach of today is different from the previous one. What then makes Bayern have a winning experience over Arsenal apart from the team’s name and history. We have all seen Man City beat Real Madrid despite the latter’s long history of winning the trophy. There are a few things which we cannot ignore. One is that nothing is static and that change is a factor of life. Secondly, games are won based on the players and the coach a team has. It doesn’t matter whether previously a team won all the trophies. It is the here and now, rather than then, that matters. That is why there are regularccompetitions to get new winners rather than anointing the previous ones. There is no automatic right to winning games based on antecedents and precedent. Games are won on the pitch not on the past.
I don’t assert .. they did
At that point they had won numerous Prems and FA Cupd
I stopped reading at that point lol
Even if Bayern beat Arsenal, it doesn’t make the writer right.
Wait
I dont think we will beat Bayern or City and Real
People are saying I’m wrong
But If we lose to either I’m not right ?
I think, Dan, most of the respondents are more positive- because there is no value in being negative all the time – as they/me KNOW we are inexperienced at this level. You are PROBABLY right that if we get past BM the next round will be a battle too that is 50-50 and a possible defeat.
What I/most think that describing optimism as being arrogant couldn’t be further from the truth
That’s fine but you can’t say I’m wrong if I’m then right ?
If Arsenal beat Bayern Munich and then win semi final I’ll hold hands up and say with delight I’m wrong
Equally you can’t call me wrong and then say I’m wrong even if I’m right lol
Ian Wright today said only thing that now stop Arsenal is mentality
It’s not a secret that the perception of us is we are mentally weak
That’s based on my football observation not me lol
We go win at Ethiad , I’ll say how that will help us mentally
The reality is that you are extremely likely to be right Dan. Can’t dispute that our chances are not as promising as some of the others in the mix.
Also it isn’t a contest to choose who is right or wrong lol
It is what almost every fan hopes for – to win – and only very few do.
I agree it’s not a contest
I simply give my opinion
Hello Mates I have truly enjoyed every writing concerning this matter.
But one thing I like is the fact that my club is the fearless underdog and we are inexperienced with Joginho, Partey, Jesus, Zinny,Hervatz and Declan🤔.
We pose one of the best defense in Europe🫠👹.
Have 2 of the best top 7 DMs in Europe☠️.
4 captains.
Emirate turning to a fortress.
Wingers that can hurt any team🔥.
Call it Arrogance if you like but I love such a team for an underdog.
It’s the kind of Underdog that make UEFA CL thick.
See you after the first leg but please don’t miss the Etihad showdown end of March.😉
It’s just four matches Sue…and we don’t even have to win them all.
We can even draw all 4 matches and still win the darn cup!!!
Dan, you queried me on some issues. May I now ask you one simple question: Why do you think we will not beat Bayern, Real or Man city in Champions league?
Mr Dan
I don’t know what was your general point of your post
1. You said experience… My question, between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen, who has more experience of winning bundesliga? You have the answer
2… You spoke about Porto game. Porto are 3rd on the Primera Liga standings, Lazio are 9th in their Serie A table. Both teams beat Arsenal and Bayern respectively in their first leg matches. So, between Bayern and Arsenal, who played better in the first leg of the previous round?
3. It’s obvious you did not watch Real Madrid Vs Leipzig. Madrid were dominated in both legs, and had Leipzig made use of their chances, we would be having a different conversation
4. Convince me how Bayern Munich will beat Arsenal. Munich will play into our hands. We love teams that play football, because Saka and Co will punish them.
By the way, even City would have struggled to beat a compact Porto team. That’s why they beat Brentford with a close result
Yes we might be underdogs but we must not burry our heads in the sand. If there is any major improvement from Arteta which we do not normally speak about is the results that his team gets against big teams. We can now be proud of ourselves that we can beat any big team. When Arteta won FA cup (Yes it’s FA and I know) we were handed a tough draw and we won. The biggest challenge for now is getting past Bayen why because we haven’t played well each time we play the Germans. As for the semi final that one will be easy we have beaten both Madrid and City before so we will have a chance. As for the final all I can say is Arteta doesn’t have a defeat in Wembly Stadium. I’m done
There is always a first, when Porto won it with Morhihino they lack experience.
Apart from the domestic titles , cups and Europa League they had won ?
Tell me Dan, do you actually get ANY pleasure from being an Arsenal supporter?
I’m starting to think of hari kari now!!
Yes Ken
When we won the double In 98 and 2002
2004
Numerous FA Cups
I have tended to be negative in the last 20 years , one of the most unsuccessful periods in our history and I don’t know why that shocks people lol
All I can say mate is I love the improvement of the team but mentally don’t think we are strong enough
I don’t believe just because you support a team you can’t be objective
I agree Dan, but it would be nice to read some positivity now and again.
When MA was making so many mistakes early on, there were many of us who insisted on holding him accountable.
But he’s learnt by his mistakes, I believe and I can only see a rosy future with him… and with Kronkie bankrolling the club at long last, my club is playing superb football, we’re back in CL football and battling it out with city and pool for the title.
What is there to be negative about?
That was a reply to your 3.23 pm message Dan.
I know mate and I can only answer your question honestly
I haven’t found allot about Arsenal positive in a long time
I agree we have made great improvements under Arteta but worry we lack the mentality of say a Man City when the pressure is on
Just my opinion
Sometimes I’m right , often I’m wrong lol.
Hope I’m wrong of course
Nothing
I simply don’t think we are mentally able to get over the line
Just an opinion
As I have had my detailed post censored ,simply for asking DAN WHY he is always so negative, I will now have another attempt to get THIS post past Mr Censor, AKA Ad Pat McLaughlin.
ADMIN COMMENT Jon do you ever stop to think that lots of readers ESECIALLY ME are totally sick of YOUR constant negativity?
So… Bye…..
Jon can I ask a simple question ?
Do you think Arsenal will win the Prem this season
Dan It may well be a simple question to ask. But it is far from simple to answer. Much will depend on injuries and fatique, esp for City and Pool who are busy in four and three comps respectively , compared with our mere two.
I of course prefer to hope and think, if luck holds, we have a serious chance.
Hope that helps you in whatever Machiavellian way you needed ro ask !!
So your prediction is the same as mine Jon ?
You don’t think we will League?
No DAN! As anyone who read your post and mine above can easily see, we are NOT at all in agreement.
I would rather you don’t claim things that I said, WHICH ARE NOT TRUE, IN FUTURE PLEASE!
I read in past you said we won’t win the league this season
Would you like the link ?
I stay glued to my TV when the time comes
Why your TV?
If he doesn’t have a ticket, then where else will he watch it?, I am fortunate as I will be at home and away for the games, and if by some miracle we reach the final, I will be cashing in all my favours to get a ticket at Wembley.
I do not think that experience and pedigree have much to say in our champions league endeavour. If it does, then we would probably have struggled with qualifying from the group stage which wasn’t the case (What about Man U?). I understand that we found it a little hard playing Porto, however, do not also forget that Porto has more Champions League experience than the gunners in recent years – we knocked them out anyway. This Arsenal team is a revamped one who can take on anybody regardless of winning records or experience. I’m not being hopeful or trying to be positive, this is me embracing a new Arsenal.
You can’t compare who we had in with our group of the know how and knowledge of Bayern Munich and Madrid
Thats not a slight on Arsenal
Just where we are at
It is not out of the question to get past Bayern this year. They have been erratic but also carry the level of experience on this competition that gives them an edge.
The last 10 winners of the CL are all teams seasoned in this competition. So unlikely that we can win it this year but a step in the right direction and in football stranger things happen. I hope we beat them here and should be good to play on the counter in Munich. We have been solid defensively
and if we win home all the pressure with be with Bayern. Not a bad place to be.
From my perception, Bayern play a certain type of football that resonate with our play. Unlike Porto whose tactic was to hold and use counter tactics. It’s gonna be entertaining football for sure..
@ CFArsenal#7 – except for the fact that Man City won the last champions league & I don’t remember them being seasoned in the competition
City have been in the semis finals and won the league
So I think seasoned is the right word for it.
Compare their experience in last 5 years to ours
I need to make a belated comment on the fierce debate that has been ignited by Dan’s comments about Arsenal’s chances in Champions league.z I feel Admin is unfair to point out Jon as the guilty party when Dan regularly sneers at his critics and gets away with it! Jon’s reaction might be a bit harsh but Dan can at times provoke some people’s emotions. I know there is freedom of expression but it should be responsibly practised. If one gives an opinionated comment one should expect equally opinionated reactions. Dan has a habit of imagining that his opinions are the correct ones and will forcefully pursue his unsupported opinions to the hilt disregarding other views. The issue of contention right now is mere conjecture because none of us is a seer to predict the outcome of Arsenal’s impending game with Bayern. In such situations, it is prudent to leave room for doubt which Dan doesn’t often do. I suspect what annoys some people is the way he persists with his views, sometimes dismissing other points of view. Where there is no empirical evidence, it is always good not to be too forceful in your submissions. This was not a bet but just a submission. So, I hope we shall all learn to respect each other’s viewpoints.
Hey mate , I can only comment on what I wrote
I dont sneer at my critics
I don’t care , there is a difference
It’s an opinion on football
I’m simply saying when it matters , we lack the mentality to get over the line
Say it outloud , me saying we can’t win the CL provoke emotions ?
Isn’t that sad ?
Are we not adults ?
I’m a complete stranger . Why care what I think
Simply disagree , maybe write why you think we can win CL but that’s it .
For anyone to get angry about that I think is sad
Jon again , don’t worry about me lol
You still have failed to mention why you think we will win CL
In fact in your whole response and I want you to think about this ….you havnt mentioned Arsenal , Bayern Munich or CL at all lol
This is is a football site Jon , talk about footbsll
Jon happy to discuss football with you lol
Again I see no mention of Bayern Munich or the CL ?
What a negative post. Do you remember how Bayern humiliated us last time. I think the players are quite eager for revenge. The pride of our club is at stake. MA will see to it that we finish them home and away. God forbid that we fail to win both cups but if we fail in doing so then a humiliating victory over Bayern Munich will be enough, for me at least. But I see us winning the UCL ,may God favour us considering our recent struggles in the competition over past years . COYG!!