In the build up to this Champions League knockout double-header against Monaco, almost all of the talk has been about the Arsenal attack against the Monaco defence. Although both clubs have been in a great run of form, it is clear that their success is based largely on not conceding goals and trying to nick one at the other end.
And the Gunners are famed largely for our creative and attacking prowess, even though we have become stronger defensively this season and last. But if Arsene Wenger and the players go into the clash expecting it to be just one-way traffic with just the odd counter attack, I think we could be in for a shock.
For one thing, Monaco will know that away goals are much more important at this point than in the group stage, so that should encourage them to try a bit harder to score one. And for another, it looks like their defence could be without three regular first teamers.
Perhaps that is why their midfielder Jeremy Toulalan suggested this week, as reported by The Mirror, that it would be folly for Monaco to simply try to soak up pressure.
He said, “We will never play a defensive system – that would be a disaster, because to let Arsenal have the ball in London would mean suffering too many attacks in our area for 90 minutes.
“Arsenal are doing well and scoring goals but we go in to the match at the Emirates without fear.
“The demands will be on Arsenal this week because they are at home.”
With the wealth of attacking options available to Wenger, he is right and I think they might try to surprise us by being more adventurous, especially at the start. If they could nick an early goal it would give them a big boost and something to hold on to while increasing the pressure on our players.
But if we are ready for it, that could play right into our hands. How do you expect tomorrow’s game to pan out?
He is right the demand is on us, and we demand the whole 3points until we get it.
3 points? Lol. Good one.
Are you Harry Kane trolling lol
Toualan will cry more than higuain when he sees their hope dashed and the tie already ended at the emirates. Pls, who do we have d possibility of meeting in d quarters?
It’s an open draw
We have 2 win by at least 2 goals.
Even if they Nick 1, I’ll be happy with a 3 or 4 – 1 scoreline
C.O.Y.G!!!
Anyone else see Ashley Cole’s comments on why he isn’t in the Invincibles book? He simply says he didn’t think Arsenal fans would want him to be in there so declined the offer to be mentioned in the book. While he’s still a colossal bellend, that is as close to a touch of class from him as you’re likely to get. Fair play to him.
Nobody has predicted a loss for Arsenal so far. Scarily, that’s what usually happens before an upset. Wenger out!
Our defence is no longer poor, and with the creative mid of Ozil and Carzola plus the pacy attack of Sanchez, Theo and Welbeck, am confident we will win both legs of this tie.
I’m going for a 2-0 home win and close 2-1 to them in the next leg….
Then role on the next round and see what happens!!! COYG!!!!!!!!!!!!
monaco to counter attack wit a slow berbatov?den am nt afraid cause even metresacker can track him…coyg 4 vs 0 as* monaco
We will win this tie without a doubt. He should start with Giroud in the middle and Sanchez and Wellbeck in the wings. At 60 mins bring in Walcott and move Wellbeck to the stiker position.
I’m not any sort of Monaco expert. Only seen them play once or twice. But it is pretty obvious how they will play. Really they only have one way of playing.
They are organised. They don’t leave much space. I believe they play some sort of 4 4 2. Well at least in defence where you have two back 4s. If you pass the first line the second will close it down.
Offensively they seem to be quite direct. They play direct to the wings as an out ball. Like long balls but to the wings.
They aren’t attractive in their football and as a counter attacking team they don’t possess much speed either. They certainly are dead ball specialists.
They don’t have a 12th man home advantage but they do travel well. So the home and away games might be very similar.
It could be 0-0 both legs or 1-0 both legs or 2-0 both legs but they are though to break down.
Should beat them over two legs.