Tomorrow night Arsenal have to try and build on last week’s 2-0 win in Milan last week to reach the next round of the Europa League, which is Arsenal’s only real hope of salvaging something from this disastrous season so far.
The Gunners went to Milan in disarray after losing their four previous matches, including a home defeat to Swedish minnows Ostersunds, but Aaron Ramsey thinks that beating Milan has been a great confidence booster for us. “I think we needed that result out in Milan.” The Welshman said. “Obviously, it’s been a bit of a tough run of games for us, but we’ve tried in every single game. Sometimes these things just happen where it’s not quite working for you. But that result was important for us out there and hopefully now we can build on this and go from strength to strength until the end of the season.”
Ramsey also thinks that Arsenal have to be totally focused for this return leg as well, and in the whole competition. “Yes, it’s a massive opportunity for us, so that’s something that we’re going to have to be prepared to give absolutely everything for to try and achieve. This game is very important for us and for our season.”
Arsenal’s last home Europa League game was dire after taking a win over Ostersunds for granted, but Ramsey knows that we can’t do the same tomorrow, despite our lead from the first leg in Milan. “I think that they’re a quality team. We’ve seen in the first game how good they are. It was quite a tight game even though we came away with a 2-0 victory. They’ve turned a corner as well with their new manager, so they’re on a bit of a good run and it’s going to be important for us to stay focused from the beginning. We can’t take this one lightly at all.
“I think we’re into a stage then where anything is possible. You’re a few games away from a potential final. We’ll be giving everything tomorrow to make sure that we’re in the hat for the next round.”
There is still a long away to go, and even more quality teams to face, but at least Ramsey sounds like he thinks the team are now going to take things seriously in this competition, and I doubt that Wenger will be playing his second team in any more games in the Europa League. It was a low priority at the beginning of the season, but right now it is our ONLY one left. Let’s hope that the team can walk the walk as well as talk the talk!
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