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Despite Arsenal’s comfortable 2-0 victory over Middlesborough on Sunday, the truth is it was a poor Boro side and in no way resembles the massive test the Gunners face on Wednesday when they face Manchester United in the first leg semi final of the UEFA Champions League. Although the Champions are stuttering at the moment, they are still considered strong favourites to retain their title and more pundits would favour them over the Gunners to reach the final in Rome.
With Arsenal hitting (and conceding) four goals past Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday and United blowing away Tottenham with a stunning second half display on Saturday, it seems safe to suggest that there will be goals over the two legs.
That may well suit Arsenal as the truth is their defence is looking decidedly shaky in recent games against Liverpool and Chelsea and attack may well the best form of defence. The loss of Andrei Arshavin, one of the key players in an Arsenal shirt recently, is a crucial blow – particularly as the key to exposing United may come from the wings.
An analysis of United’s recent matches shows an alarming number of goals have been conceded from wide areas. Quite what has gone wrong in the heart of a defence, which for most of the season looked like it would never concede a goal again, is a mystery but Arsenal must look to take advantage of that.
Both Aston Villa goals in their 3-2 defeat came from a cross into the box, as did Sunderland’s equaliser at the Stadium of Light and both Tottenham’s goals at Old Trafford on Saturday. The loss of Arshavin and Robin van Persie is a massive blow, as they would have been perfect to get at United’s latest right back, but Arsenal can certainly cope without them.
Key to the Gunners success will be Emmanuel Adebayor who Arsène Wenger will be praying can find his best form. When Adebayor is on form, there are few better at leading the line and his physical strength and aerial ability will be vital against United’s rather shaky looking backline of Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.
I would expect Arsène to deploy a 4-5-1 system with Theo Walcott and Samir Nasri urged to test United’s fullbacks and deliver crosses into Adebayor. With Abou Diaby and Alex Song holding, this would allow Cesc Fabregas to support the Togo striker and make the sort of forward runs which led to his two goals against Boro.
Arsenal may be away from home but the reality is an away goal is crucial if they are to progress to the Final and therefore a balance between attack and caution must be met.
