Arsenal has qualified for the champion’s league 17 times in a row, however they have never won. In the past 8 years they haven’t really challenged in the competition either. So could this be the year we see Wenger finally win? Arsenal has the quality and depth (given that no more players pick up any long term injuries) to win the prestigious piece of silverware all Arsenal fans have been waiting for so long. We saw a glimpse of Arsenal’s potential last year in the first leg against Bayern Munich. Arsenal were dominating the first 15 minutes of the game and even managed to get a penalty. Özil stepped up and unfortunately missed. From that point it all went downhill, the moral and spirit of the team disappeared like a vampire in a mirror. Moral seems to be a very big problem when it comes to facing the big teams. Arsenal will start a game strong and one little mistake which leads to an opposition goal and the team falls apart. It’s like they don’t have the self-belief that they can overcome a one goal deficit and be able to win the game. Confidence has been a major issue with the Arsenal teams of the past.
This season however it seems the team, after a not so great first half of the season, have regained their confidence and self-belief in their own skill. If Arsenal are able to address this problem they’ve had about their confidence in big games it will benefit them greatly. The addition of Alexis Sanchez has added to the fire power up front. Alexis’ work rate during games is outstanding and seems to have rubbed off on the team. The players seem to be more willing to fight and are playing much better. As well the introduction of Coquelin into the first team, as Thierry Henry has said, offers the defence protection. This gives the forwards the confidence to attack without the worry of being hit on the counter. With the protection sorted the team can focus on attacking and with the brilliant inform Cazorla and Özil, goals should be flying in.
However attacking football is not the only thing Arsenal are capable of. They showed against Manchester City their ability to defend and stay disciplined, which could come in handy against the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern. There are players coming back from injuries as well, which gives the squad depth. This could be the year we see Arsenal lift the Champions League trophy. If Cazorla and Özil continue their brilliant form and Sanchez continues being Sanchez the attacking power of Arsenal might be hard to match. With that being said, the Gunners must stay disciplined in the back like they were against City. They cannot afford any slip ups because against the European elite it will cost you dearly. But by all means Arsenal has the quality and depth to go all the way and make their fans go into a state of euphoria. It’s all down to their mental preparation, desire and discipline.
This season however it seems the team, after a not so great first half of the season, have regained their confidence and self-belief in their own skill. If Arsenal are able to address this problem they’ve had about their confidence in big games it will benefit them greatly. The addition of Alexis Sanchez has added to the fire power up front. Alexis’ work rate during games is outstanding and seems to have rubbed off on the team. The players seem to be more willing to fight and are playing much better. As well the introduction of Coquelin into the first team, as Thierry Henry has said, offers the defence protection. This gives the forwards the confidence to attack without the worry of being hit on the counter. With the protection sorted the team can focus on attacking and with the brilliant inform Cazorla and Özil, goals should be flying in.
However attacking football is not the only thing Arsenal are capable of. They showed against Manchester City their ability to defend and stay disciplined, which could come in handy against the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern. There are players coming back from injuries as well, which gives the squad depth. This could be the year we see Arsenal lift the Champions League trophy. If Cazorla and Özil continue their brilliant form and Sanchez continues being Sanchez the attacking power of Arsenal might be hard to match. With that being said, the Gunners must stay disciplined in the back like they were against City. They cannot afford any slip ups because against the European elite it will cost you dearly. But by all means Arsenal has the quality and depth to go all the way and make their fans go into a state of euphoria. It’s all down to their mental preparation, desire and discipline.