Arsenal face Bournemouth today ahead of the return leg of their UEFA Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek. With Liverpool having already secured the Premier League title, there is a widespread belief that the Gunners should not exert too much energy on their remaining domestic fixtures and instead concentrate on overturning their deficit in Paris to secure a place in the Champions League final.
However, while a comeback victory in Europe is a clear objective for Mikel Arteta’s side, Arsenal must also ensure they finish the season in a strong position in the Premier League. This makes today’s fixture against Bournemouth particularly important, as dropping points could affect their final league standing. Despite the allure of the European stage, the Gunners cannot afford to overlook their domestic responsibilities, and a win against the Cherries remains essential.
Bournemouth are expected to present a stern challenge, and Arsenal will need to be fully focused if they are to come away with a positive result. Martin Odegaard has emphasised the importance of maintaining performance levels in the league, acknowledging that every match still carries significant weight. As quoted by Arsenal Media, he stated in his captain’s notes, “Today’s game against Bournemouth is also really important in the league – we have to win for our position in the league, and we want a big game like this because it keeps our focus high. It’s a bit of a different challenge but it’s important for us to get back to winning ways, not only to take a good feeling into next week, but also because we want to finish as high as we can.”
Odegaard’s comments reflect the mentality within the squad, which is to approach each match with full commitment and concentration. It is vital that the players focus solely on the task at hand and avoid being distracted by the looming Champions League fixture. Securing all three points against Bournemouth will not only strengthen their league position but also provide valuable momentum heading into the decisive clash in Paris.
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Of course it’s important not to take there eyes off their league position. If they’re not careful they could drop more than one place in the league.
I’m still not sure if it will only be the top two who go to the group stage and the rest have to play qualifiers.
Doe’s anyone know out there if its now different?.
As for Odegaard’s quote, Its important to maintain performance levels in the league. Well maybe he should take his own advice and start playing to better levels himself.
Something he has failed to do for months now. Club captain,🙄 REALLY!.
Not winning against Brentford was downright annoying and hasn’t helped in juggling the league position and trying to get the best out of the team for the second leg
Both matches are significant and my gut feeling is to go for the win today and hope nobody gets injured. Make substitutions where possible early enough to give everyone a go and to relieve tired legs. To lose out on second place would be a hammer blow in what has been a difficult season. It won’t help confidence come Wednesday night
This game is massive in the scheme of things, if Bournemouth receive a heavey drubbing, confidence level will be going through the roof.
But Arsenal must used the Bournemouth game as dress rehearsal,
Perfect time to test the 3 : 1 : 3 : 3 formation.
This all out attack formation is possible with Partey back
While it’s true a win would do wonder confidence wise, Bournemouth fixture is also an energy sapping one. Would you risk players who are probably in the red fitness wise just 4 days off the biggest match of the season.
Ackshay, am in agreement with your in protecting our players, but a forty minutes involvement of key players to keep the edges sharp can’t hurt
40 min run out is good but not 90.
Not that much to be honest, we have a 7 pts lead over the 6th placed team with 12pts up to play. It would require a collapse of epic proportion on our part plus 4 teams picking up close to max pts to drop us out of CL. They also play among themselves. Pretty much impossible.
1 win out of the last 4 matches should be enough to do it for 4th and 2 win for 3rd.
Ackshay
I am concerned that an average display with too many players absent today may have the undesired effect for Wednesday and for losing out on second. I’d really be peed off if City overtake us.
Considering the season they’ve had, finishing below city would be an embarrassment imo. But clubs have had key injuries, but we had appeared to have coped better – they completely collapsed at one point, and we never did. If they overtake us after that collapse, it would surely lead to serious questions.
i don’t know the boys performance in the league lately show they absolutely do not care about it at this point. 2 draws before our tie with Real didn’t really affect them. Though there is our possibility.
Falling away late in the season and finishing below Manchester City, now where have I seen that before. 🤣😂🤦♂️👍😉