Can Arsenal show Chelsea how it is done?

Arsenal’s frustrating first leg at the Emirates was massively disappointing for the fans, as they expected much more from the team. Monaco was seen to be one of the weakest sides left in the Champions League. It looked to be a kinder draw than recent seasons. Nevertheless, the Gunners still needed to turn up, which they did not.

Arsenal’s fierce London rivals Chelsea were knocked out of the cup on Wednesday, with French side Paris Saint-Germain the side to go through. Chelsea’s negative play and the controversy that surrounded the game certainly portrayed the Premier League in a negative light. Arsenal will aim to overturn their 3-1 defeat at the hands of Monaco in the coming week. They will have to plan and implement tactics that enable them to be balanced. They will have to be cautious at times and ensure that they do not over commit. This time they will also have to take their chances on goal when they get them.

Certain players did not have their best game against Monaco, this included Santi Cazorla and Alexis Sanchez. These two players will have to play well if Arsenal is going to have any chance of going through to the last eight. Fans may also be hoping that January signing Gabriel will be back for this second leg at the Stade Louis II, as vice-captain Per Mertesacker has looked pensive and mistake-prone all season.

It remains to be seen whether the Gunners will represent the Premier League in the next stages of the Champions League, but their football is usually a lot more entertaining and free flowing than their London counterparts Chelsea.