The stakes have never been higher for Arsene Wenger. Not since he stepped foot on North London soil has there been match of greater importance. Tonight, the gunners must call upon all their fighting spirits, including the great Hebert Chapman, if they are to have the slightest chance of overturning a deficit inflicted upon them by the World's deadliest club at the moment.
Pep Guardiola is a constant nightmare for the 2006 finalists. From Catalunya to Munich, he has never allowed Arsenal a moment's rest since being squared against each other in recent Champions League seasons. The Barcelona Legend, both on and off the field, has taken the Bavarians from the top to the very top of the beautiful game. There's no stopping them at the moment and no one dares to even try.
But Arsenal being Arsenal have defeated all the top European clubs on their home turf in years gone by. The very best of those performances came at the Guiseppe Meazza on that incredible night in November 2003 when Thierry Henry let out his rage and the result was an unbelievable 5-1 bashing of the blue and black. The gunners left the entire World stunned by the sheer ruthlessness they brought from London to deliver an almost perfect game. Real Madrid, AC Milan and most recently, Bayern Munich can also testify to this fact. Last year, Arsenal grabbed an unlikely 2-0 win at the Allianz after throwing the first leg away at the Emirates. It was too late as they crashed out yet again in the Round of 16.
Guardiola will know better than to write off Arsenal. He has warned his team that the tie is not over yet and it is very true. Another lacklustre display like the one that saw them lose last season will be a great disappointment. For Die Roten, they are currently unbeaten in the Bundesliga and can wrap it up in two or three weeks, as a result of the big margin between first and second. They were last beaten 49 games ago in the League and last weekend, Wolfsburg were on the wrong end of a 6-1 mauling even after the home team scored first at the Volkswagen Arena. It has been a phenomenal run for last season's treble champions since Guardiola took charge. The aim is to become the first team to win the European Cup back to back since the new format started in 1992. Not many people are betting against them.
Arsenal geared up for tonight's encounter in scintillating fashion. Everton were taken to the woodshed by a reinvigorated Mesut Ozil, who hasn't been himself since he failed to convert from 12 yards v Bayern Munich and his beloved pal, Manuel Neuer. He will seek to make amends as not many people get the chance to right their wrongs almost immediately. Bayern may boast of some of the World's finest footballers, but they are well aware who the boss is, when it comes to affairs involving the German National Team. He has to prove himself today or face a barrage of criticism from the Media again. The likes of Clark Witney and Ralf Honigstein did all they could to defend the German superstar, but it is what happens on the pitch that matters. In fairness, Ozil has been vastly non-existent in the big games. He can change all that in a few hours.
PROBABLE LINEUPS-
BAYERN MUNICH
Neuer, Rafinha, Dante, Martinez/Boateng, Alaba, Schweini/Lahm, Thiago, Kroos, Robben, Ribery, Mandzukic
ARSENAL
Szczesny, Sagna, Kos, Per, Vermaelen, Arteta-Flamini, Ozil, Cazorla, Roiscky, Grioud
Javi Martinez is an indispensable player. The monument of a player can play in central defence, defensive midfield and central midfield and he slot into the roles effortlessly well. His combination with Bastian Schweinsteiger last season clipped the wings of some of the World's most revered playmakers (Pirlo, Xavi, Iniesta). Even the self-proclaimed World best Central Midfielder (Arturo Vidal) was pocketed by the duo so comfortably. Toni Kroos touches the ball more than 160 times every game ans his pass completion accuracy, rate and percentage sends shock waves down football watchers' spines. His well taken curling shot was the highlight of the duel at the Emirates. Betting against him today would be one of the most idiotic decisions ever made by anyone. As for Thiago Alcantara, Barcelona made one of the dumbest decisions of this age to let him go. Since arriving the Arena, he has lit up every occasion and brought the best out of all his teammates. His no-look pass to Muller last Weekend exemplified why he is one of the best midfielders of this generation. A Class apart. We know how the rest roll. The 'ROBBERY' gang is back. They way they switch wings, mesmerise wing/full backs cannot be over elaborated. Mario Gotze, fantastic as he is, might have to make do with a place on the bench. Thomas Muller-perhaps the most dependable footballer out there, may also watch from the subs' bench. Let's see what Pep thinks of tonight. The Croatian predator, Mario Mandzukic notched his 50th Buli goal for the Bavarians v his former club. He leads the scorers' chart in the domestic League. This is perhaps his final season as a roten. Robert Lewandowski is coming to town next season. Philipp Lahm has been labelled the most intelligent player to have ever worked under Pep by the man himself. This season, he has played in midfield more than his customary right back role, leaving the vacancy for Rafinha to fill. The exSchalke man has taken his chance with both hands and done very well up till this point. He may likely continue at right back with the fitness of Schweini questionable.
Arsenal possess two of the best centre backs in the World and they have proved beyond doubt that they can continue in that regard. Save for a few calamitous performances, Per Mertesacker and Luarent Koscielny are stalwarts and have so far prevented some of the World's finest players from scoring in recent time. Although, they were nowhere to be found when Thomas Muller stole and guarded a sumptuous Philipp Lahm pass past Lukasz Fabianski to seal the first leg, their performances this term deserve praise and encomiums. Gibbo is unavailable tonight and that may provide an opportunity for club captain, Vermaelen to start from the off. Santiago Cazorla will be hoping to create his own history and Tomas Rosicky's experience and technical brilliance will be very important. Ozil has to sand up and be counted and Giroud must put away his domestic problems and continue scoring the vital goals. In all of these, the vital area for Arsenal to dominate this night is central midfield. Arteta and Flamini have to come up with various ideas/strategies to stiffen the threats of the Bayern midfield. KROOS-THIAGO especially. If they can do as much, then there is a big chance that a miracle will suffice.
Ohireime P Eboreim
Twitter--@ohiskaka1990
