Arsenal vs. Barcelona: 5 Things Arsenal Should Do To Win the Match
Next week Arsenal take on Barcelona in the Knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. Both teams will be desperate to win the match and take an advantage going to the second leg, which will be played at the Nou Camp.
Last season Arsenal played Barcelona in the quarterfinals only to lose 6-3 on aggregate. Arsenal drew the first game 2-2 after coming back from two goals down thanks to Walcott’s impact as a substitute.
In the second leg, Arsenal were missing close to seven key players and were run ragged by Lionel Messi. The Argentinean wizard scored all four of Barcelona’s goals as he put up one of the best individual performances of the past decade. Barcelona would win that match 4-1.
This time Arsenal are less affected by injury than last time around and will be looking to gain revenge by beating the Catalan giants.
But it is easier said than done. Right now Barcelona are the best team in world football with some of the best players in the world. Arsenal have a daunting task on their hands if they are to upset Barcelona.
It is possible that Arsenal may cause an upset, and here are certain things that they should look to do.
Do Not Concede Early and Get Off to a Solid Start
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Last time at the Emirates, Arsenal got off to a miserable start and although they never conceded in the first half, they were run ragged by Barcelona.
During the first 15 minutes, Barcelona created a wave of chances and pushed Arsenal into the back foot. Had it not been for some inspired goalkeeping from Manuel Almunia, Arsenal could have easily been three goals behind.
When Arsenal take on Barcelona this time around, they have to ensure that they get off to a good start. Arsenal should not let Barcelona dominate the game. Once Barcelona starts to dominate they will dictate the tempo and speed of the game, which can work against Arsenal.
Once Barcelona gets into their rhythm, it is very difficult to stop them.
Arsenal will have to get off to a solid start, and an early goal will go a long way in calming down any nerves. Even if Arsenal don’t score a goal, they have to ensure that they don’t concede. If Arsenal concede, it will be very difficult for them to win the match. They will be forced to attack and Barcelona can rip them apart on the counter.
Gael Clichy To Have a Great Game
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Last time around in this corresponding fixture, Gael Clichy had a fantastic game and gave Messi very little space and time on the ball. As a result Messi failed to impose himself in the first leg. He was forced to move to the right wing in the hope of finding some luck there.
In the second leg, Messi ran riot and as a result Arsenal ended up losing 4-1. Messi is right now the world’s best player, and if he is given the time he can wreck havoc. Gael Clichy will start for Arsenal on the left and his main duty will be to close down Messi as soon as possible.
Gael Clichy is an extremely talented player, but he tends to have lapses in concentration that often prove costly for his side. In such a fixture, he just cannot afford to make mistakes. He is capable of putting in solid and good performances, and that is going to be essential if Arsenal are to win the clash next Wednesday.
Be Prepared To Defend and Close Down the Players Quickly
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Many times when under a lot of pressure, Arsenal tend to crumble. This season they have shown much more resilience, especially in defense. But Arsenal still seem to lack that bit of steel and perseverance in defense that is so essential to win against the big teams.
Barcelona are one of the world’s best attacking teams if not the best, and they are bound to have spells in which they will attack and pile on the pressure. Arsenal cannot win this game by playing the beautiful game alone. They have to incorporate a bit more steel, and need to defend in numbers.
Arsenal will need to close down the players quickly and close out the supply line to the likes of Messi and Villa. Laurent Koscielny is most likely to start and his anticipation will be crucial if Arsenal are to win the clash.
Arsenal cannot crumble and collapse like they did against Newcastle. They will have to get dirty if necessary and defend in numbers. Arsenal have not often done that this season, but if they are to win, the defense is going to be extremely crucial.
A clean sheet must be a priority for Wenger because of the away goal rules.
But the fact that Djourou may not be playing makes it all the more daunting for the Gunners.
Play Their Natural Game and Go for the Win
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In the last slide, it was stated that if Arsenal were to win, they would need to defend. That is essential. But that does not mean that Arsenal will fail to play their passing style of football.
It is a must that Wenger goes for the win. Arsenal’s chances of winning are slim at the Nou Camp and Arsenal should look to apply all the pressure on Barcelona in the return leg. A draw or loss can seriously jeopardize Arsenal’s chances of progressing into the next round.
Many people have called for Wenger to adopt the strategy used by Mourinho and defend and then look to score on the counter. But Arsene Wenger should stick to his policy and play Arsenal’s natural game.
Right now the likes of Fabregas, Van Persie are in great form, and on their day Arsenal can score against any team. Arsenal have got in a certain ruthlessness in their game, which can make their passing style all the more effective.
This season when their star players have been fit, Arsenal have been a joy to watch, and yet their ruthlessness has been there for all to see.
If Arsenal bury their chances properly, their passing style can be extremely effective and can lead them to victory.
Also, this would make the clash a treat for the neutrals.
Theo Walcott To Rip Apart Barcelona's Back Four
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Last season Arsenal were losing 2-0 to Barcelona, but they went onto draw the match 2-2 and showed great heart and passion. But what made the difference?
The introduction of Theo Walcott.
The much-maligned winger showed his potential and caused mayhem in the Barcelona defense with his passing.
Over the summer, he has developed as a player and with his decision making. On Wednesday he is most likely to start, and this season he has shown that he is not just an impact substitute. Ten of his 11 goals have come when he has started and he has been extremely effective.
Eric Abidal is most likely to start against the Gunners. In the recent England vs. France friendly, Walcott used his searing pace to great effect at times and tormented Abidal. He will have to do very much the same thing this time around but on a more consistent basis.
The quality of Walcott’s balls into the box have improved tremendously and he has formed an impressive partnership with Van Persie. The two of them have developed a great chemistry and one of the main reasons has been the improvement in Walcott’s game.
Like he showed in the Chelsea game, Walcott can play in the big matches, and if he can use his pace to good effect Arsenal can create plenty of goalscoring opportunities.
Conclusions
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Even if Arsenal do manage to put all this into action, it is still a very difficult task to beat the Catalan giants especially considering their form.
But this Arsenal squad is packed with talent and can do it. Whatever happens, this is going to be a great clash.
