Martin Odegaard is adamant that Arsenal has no reason to fear an in-form Harry Kane as they brace for his highly anticipated return to North London with Bayern Munich.
The imminent clash at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening for the Champions League quarter-final first leg is expected to greet England captain Kane with hostility from Arsenal fans and players alike, given his lengthy affiliation with fierce rivals Tottenham.
Since his move to Munich last summer, the ex-Arsenal youth player has netted 38 goals across all competitions, and may pose a threat to Arsenal’s European ambitions. But the fact remains that Kane, once again, will take to the Emirates Stadium turf as a standout performer in a struggling team, destined for yet another season devoid of silverware if the Gunners can progress past Bayern in this quarter-final.
Despite his incredible goal scoring exploits, Kane has been lacking in major team trophies, which is surely why Kane departed Spurs for the German giants Bayern, known for their legacy of success and silverware. Swiftly becoming Bayern’s lynchpin, Kane has notched 32 goals in 28 league appearances and an additional six in the Champions League.
Yet, the quest for that coveted first piece of silverware remains elusive for the England captain. At this moment Leverkusen sit 16 points ahead of Munich with only six matches remaining, potentially clinching the league title for the first time ever this weekend, sandwiched between the two Arsenal fixtures which could seal an unheard of trophyless season for the German giants.
But Kane certainly has a great record against Arsenal with 14 goals in 19 outings against us, but does Odegaard look worried? I don’t think so!
Our captain told the Telegraph: “(He’s) a good player, of course, and I have played against him a few times and we know the quality he has in the box and he is also good in the link up,” said Arsenal skipper Odegaard.
“We are facing a good team on Tuesday.
“I think we should respect him but I don’t think we should fear anyone and we should focus on ourselves and the quality we have in our team. And that is all.”
“They have had some strange results in the league but if you look at the team, you can see the quality they have, and we know that, we know they are a really strong side,”
“(They have) really good individual players as well. It will be a tough battle. But we are ready.
“Every game we play there are some good challenges and we play in the best league in the world.
“They are a good team and (have) a lot of good attacking players and it will be a big night.”
On a personal note, I am hoping to hear the Arsenal fans singing an old favourite footballing ditty, which goes “Oh, Harry Harry! You went to Bayern Munich and you won FA!”
Bring it on!
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Bayern have given up the ghost in winning their league so they can rest players at will, whereas Arsenal have to approach each game with a high level of intensity. Having said that we have the all round ability to defeat them and definitely nullify Harry Kane. It will all come down to Arteta’s tactical approach.
Kane is a world-class finisher and possesses a very good aerial ability, but he doesn’t have the stamina to press high up the pitch frequently due to his age. So, Bayern Munich’s high-press won’t be optimal
On the other hand, Arsenal have high-pressing machines in Odegaard, Havertz and Jesus
The German champion do like a trip to the red half of London and have more often than not come away from their visit to the old Capitol smiling.
The Bundesliga outfit have already enjoyed success against English opposition just this season by twice defeating Man United in the group stages, indeed the German’s outfit sport an impressive track record against English opposition.
But this young Arsenal outfit is a different animal this season, and will start this game at break neck speed, I can’t see nothing but a comfortable win by atleast two clear goals.
Bayern should be respected. Despite their recent issues they are still a strong unit with some top class players. They will also be highly motivated given their current circumstances.
Arsenal should be slight favourites over the two legs but we shouldn’t expect an easy ride or a blowout.
Martin Odegaard’s approach is the only one Arsenal should take. Bayern Munchen still have excellent individual players, yet despite Harry Kane’s best efforts the team is in decline. This decline started before Harry Kane arrived, even though that season the won the Bundesliga.
Arsenal has to do their talking on the field, with no tendency towards complacency. The supply to Harry Kane must be cut off by Arsenal controlling the midfield.
Its not about Kane, he’s done his job all season. The rest of the Bayern squad though have plenty to prove. Given their quality its not impossible they will put on a performance. But given how brittle they are you have to make Arsenal favourites. Whatever happens its too late for the players to save their manager’s job, possibly too late to save their own careers in some cases.
I’m confident that we will shut off Bayern Munich’s attack. We need to win this match before we travel to Allianz Arena. Anyway, if we lose this quarter final, I’m fine with it. This is our first try after 14 years, we will be in Champion League next season.