This is one of the tensest build-ups to a Champions League game that I can remember, but there definitely seems to be a growing belief in the Arsenal camp that they can still win through to the next round. Arsene Wenger, who has been leading the rallying calls, has been describing how Arsenal can produce a ‘special’ result in the principality.
“Doing what we did on Saturday, going until the last second, be patient, play a quality game.” Wenger said. “Focus on the quality of what we want to do and try to do it together. We are in a position where today Monaco is favourite. We can go there and create something special. I believe that we will have the desire to do it and give absolutely everything to do it.”
Wenger has also analysed the stats from the first game, and has pinpointed where the Gunners went wrong. “We knew we were impatient and threw ourselves forward too much, and that we lost our patience and composure.” Wenger continued. “I think we wanted too much to make a difference in the first game and forgot our basics. That means to defend well and attack well.
“We just focused on attacking well. Because it didn’t go in, we opened ourselves up. If you analysed well the numbers – I am used to analysing the numbers – you would revise a bit the assessment of the game. We have got it wrong in the first game. What you want in life is the chance to put it right. We have the opportunity to put it right and we will be ready to give everything to do it.”
I personally don’t think that Arsenal have much choice but to concentrate on the attacking side of the game this time, but he is right that it is equally important not to concede as well. It will be very interesting to see how he lines up his team tomorrow night….
Go for it, Arsene!