Just two weeks ago, Arsenal did what no other club has dreamed of doing this season. They beat Bayern Munich. After 12 wins in a row, it was Bayern's first defeat in a major competition this season.
The German champions will be out for revenge as the sides line up for a return fixture in the Allianz Arena. For Bayern, a win is all but imperative if they are to top the group.
Pep Guardiola's side are a formidable force at home in this competition. They won all six of their home ties in the Champions League last season, scoring 22 goals in the process. That said, Arsenal have a good record in Munich. They won 2-0 in 2013 and fought to a dignified 1-1 a year later.
Perhaps then, the stage is set for another shock in Germany on Wednesday evening.
Are Arsenal long-ball merchants now?
During Tuesday's press conference, Guardiola remarked on several occasions that Arsenal would 'play long balls to Olivier Giroud'. Despite the headlines, it is unlikely the Catalan meant it in a pejorative way.
Bayern themselves have resorted to the long ball quite often this season when faced with teams who defend with a compact high line. The ploy saw Jerome Boateng grab two assists from inside his own half against Borussia Dortmund last month.
Both Wenger and Guardiola know the virtue of the cultured long ball. Arsenal sat deep enough and marked well enough to nullify that threat at the Emirates, but it remains one of Bayern's key
Up gunners we will make another history tonight by beating Bayern
ReplyDelete