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Arsenal’s Six UCL Group Games Analyzed

By Finn Laister-Smith

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Match Day 6 – Athens

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This is the game Arsene Wenger must regard as the crucial game in the group. Even if everything goes according to plan for him, he will lose one game at least against Bayern.

If he loses two matches against Bayern, he will be three points above Olympiakos at the least, and probably five at the most.

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The tiebreaker system in the Champions League is results between teams. If Arsenal win against Olympiakos in London they will hold the better hand, but if they lose, it could come down to goal difference, which is never a safe option.

The Greeks have won this fixture 1-0, 2-1 and 3-1 in the past three meetings in Athens. Arsenal must be extremely tactical about how they approach this match, because simply using his regular team will not suffice.

Arsenal will need to remain responsible at the back, as well as defend correctly on corners and free kicks. Two of the six goals they conceded in those three games were from set pieces. If Arsenal commit too many men forward, they may find themselves undone by some route one passing and a good finish.

Tactical Change?

This may be an incredible demand of someone like Arsene Wenger, but a different formation from the 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 might be a brilliant piece of tactical tinkering. There is nothing wrong with attacking against Olympiakos, but attacking predictably will be their downfall.

Something with two strikers could be an option for Arsenal. Playing Sanchez or Walcott with Giroud and a midfield four including two wide midfielders mights stump Marco Silva completely.

Frankly, anything is better than the standard approach. As we have seen, it doesn’t work against Olympiakos consistently, and they can’t afford to slip up.

Olympiakos Player To Watch: Ariel Dominguez

If Dominguez gets space to roam freely and has a great game, he could undo Arsenal’s Champions League hopes all by himself. He is playing in the Greek league, but he still has tremendous technical ability.

He creates the most chances of anyone in their side, and needs to be stopped by somebody in the Arsenal team. Whether it is Francis Coquelin, or Aaron Ramsey, or Koscielny and Mertesacker, he must be halted in his playmaking efforts.

Arsenal Player To Watch: Petr Cech

The Czech giant is a new keeper at the Emirates, and though David Ospina is still at the club, Cech’s Champions League experience will probably be the deciding factor of him starting this fixture.

Somebody like Cech is much more capable of commanding a back four than David Ospina, who is simply a brilliant shot-stopper. Cech can stop shots as well, but his organization of the defense may prevent those shots from being taken.

If he can keep Arsenal’s shape solid throughout the match and organize them correctly on set pieces, they will be much better off than without him. They may even be able to record a win.

PREDICTION FOR MATCH DAY 6: Olympiakos 1-1 Arsenal

If there’s anything I have seen over the years as the avid Arsenal fan I am, it is that they complete most of their goals – but only just. I can see this one going right down to the wire, but I have faith that the cannons will not misfire in this CL group stage.

Next: Arsenal XI Still Unsolved After Newcastle Win

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