5 things Arsenal must do to win the Champions League

With every new season comes a new glimmer of hope, and for Arsenal the Champions League is always an area of emphasis. As it stands, it is the only trophy Wenger has not won since taking over at Arsenal, with the defeat to Barcelona in the 2006 final the closest he’s ever come. Wenger and his men found out last week who they would be facing in this year’s group stage, and should fancy their chances at progressing into the knockout round for the 18th consecutive time. From there, its about consistency and commitment as Europe’s elite come to battle.

Arsenal should enter the competition with nothing to fear, and could really make a run at the trophy if they put a few things right. Have a look at the five things Arsenal must do if they wish to lift the Champions League crown. The ability within the squad and the potential for success is evident, it is now time to show the world.

 Reinforcements needed

First things first, Wenger should use the little bit of time he has before the window closes to improve his squad before the competitions starts up. If he can manage to bring in that proven goal scorer that many have called for, it will make Arsenal all the more formidable and twice as deadly. A potent number nine would instantly make Arsenal one of the favorites, and could make the difference in those tight games.

 Win the group

Most pundits would tell you there are numerous advantages to winning your Champions League group, the main one being your placement in the knockout stages. Finishing first means you will face one of the runners up from another group and most of the time dodge one of the big boys. While some would argue that you can’t run forever and you must face the best eventually anyway, it really does make a difference. Arsenal haven’t managed to top the group since the 2009/10, in which they marched all the way into the semi-finals. They haven’t made it past the quarterfinals since then, having faced Barcelona and Bayern Munich in four of the last five seasons. Speaking of Bayern Munich, the German giants join Arsenal in group F alongside Dinamo Zagreb and Olympiacos, so topping the group will be easier said than done. I reckon 10 points from a possible 12 against Zagreb and Olympiacos and 3 points from a possible 6 against Bayern should do the trick.

 Protect the house

One of Arsenal’s achilles heels in this competition lately has been away goals, with it proving to be the deciding factor in three of the last four seasons. Last season’s 3-1 loss at home to Monaco in the first leg in the round of 16 meant Arsenal were up against it in the second leg, while the same can be said against Bayern Munich and Barcelona two and three seasons prior. I’m not suggesting Arsenal park the bus at home, but it would be worth taking a more conservative approach at times to prevent leaking away goals. One is usually not the worst thing in the world, but we cannot afford two or three.

 Make it count

Just as conceding away goals has harmed us, missing away goals have harmed us as well. In fact, missing goals in general can prove deadly as so often these big ties are decided by just one goal. Arsenal have to be more clinical in front of goal, and take the chances when they come. When things get difficult, that one goal, sometime against the run of play could be just what’s needed to tilt the tie in your favour. Look no further than last season during Arsenal’s 3-1 loss to Monaco when Olivier Giroud spurned quite a few chances. He is not to blame for the overall performance on the day, but the match could have ended 3-2 or even 3-3. Seeing as how Arsenal went on to win the second leg 2-0 and narrowly miss out on a place in the quarter finals, one more goal would have done the trick.

 Have no fear

Last but certainly not least, Arsenal should enter each and every game with no fear and the utmost confidence. There is no side in the world Arsenal cannot beat when they are on their game, and Arsenal should bring this belief in the competition. Defeats over Bayern Munich and Barcelona in recent years should go to prove that, and Arsenal shouldn’t fear anyone. Although Petr Cech is the only member of the squad to have won the cup, there is enough experience in the side in this competition to be able to navigate any and every thing thrown in our direction.