Arsene Wenger
Unbroken 20 years UEFA champions league qualifications is by no yard a mean achievement. It is even more significant when this is compared side by side with the records of other major European clubs in the elite competition. The only snag is that it is just not enough to qualify for the league; it is much more important to win it. And this is what Arsene Wenger has been unable to achieve through his career till date and may end up hurting him if he eventually bows out without managing it!
Conversely, one finals in 20 years of consistent appearance in the big league also hints of poor performance. There are no two ways about it; Arsenal could have and should have won at least one European Cup under Wenger. The fact that they haven’t manage to do it reflects (negatively) on the studious French than on the team itself for a lot of reasons.
One, Arsene Wenger had and is enjoying unparalleled support from the board and a huge base of fans. He had almost limitless powers to do and undo. Long serving, well paid and loved; he superintended the construction of a new stadium f the Gunners and the appreciation from all and sundry knew no bounds. However, a new ground without storied accomplishments soon fades into insignificance.
The demand has never been louder for Wenger and his troop to come good. Drifting in and out of title races domestically and internationally has left unhealable sores in the mouths of many. Only Wenger and his players hold the magic balm. Would they try and apply to assuage pains?
As Arsenal travels to Germany to confront the super power of Bundesliga, Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Round of 16 of the UEFA champions league; many nurse a sense of apprehension that ‘the end of expedition’ is here again. While it shouldn’t be that despairing, recent memories of misadventures have numbed every sense of optimism.
‘Take a cue from PSG’; please do and reenact the semblance of their heroics against their Spanish foes. Echoes of myriads of voices edging Arsenal to push the barriers of broken attempts against Bayern Munich at this level and make one count this time around.
The fourth time in this stage
This is the fourth meeting at this stage in 11 years and the Bavarians had come out on top in the past three. It is time for Arsenal to reorder that record and get on the driving seat towards the quarter 9jafans
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Match News
Ospina starts ahead of Cech. He was in goal for the six group matches and acquainted himself well. At least, Arsenal topped their group – an unusual occurrence. Yes, sarcasm meant!
Wenger, who is banned from the touch lines domestically will be in the dugout in Munich but same may not be true of Mesut Ozil. The mercurial German midfielder look to have lost touch. Having failed to score any goal or create major impacts since December last; questions are being raised about his form.
Culled from BBC SPORTS.
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