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Arsenal Defeat in Zagreb On Match Day 1 Not As Bad As It Seems
In recent years it seems as if Arsenal’s season has to include games like the defeat they suffered to Dinamo Zagreb in Champions League match day one. The Croatian champions took a 2-0 lead after 60 minutes and the game ended 2-1, with Theo Walcott scoring for the Gunners fifteen minutes from time.
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The away leg in Croatia was never going to be an easy game, but the standard of play from the North London boys was far too low for an opening performance in Europe. The possession was – as usual – hugely in Arsenal’s favor, but they could not turn it into goals and Dinamo took full advantage of their wastefulness.
The Gunners’ attackers and midfielders only registered three shots on goal as a group, and two of those were from Alexis Sanchez. Granted, Sanchez is the best attacking player Arsene Wenger has at his disposal right now. But everybody in the side must be more clinical when given a great chance in front of goal.
Even though in an individual context this game is a terrible result, it might not be the end of the world in the grand scheme of the Champions League. When Bayern Munich is in one’s group, it is assumed that the best finish you can get is second place. If Dinamo steal points from Olympiakos as well, the consequence of a loss in Zagreb is far less damaging.
On paper there are no teams in the same ‘tier’ of European football. This could mean that draws are less likely between sides than in a group with four evenly matched sides. The result today speaks otherwise. But if Zagreb can beat Arsenal at home there is every chance they could pull of a similar feat against the Greeks.
A trip to Athens could also be a problem for the Gunners as it has been in the past, but if they beat Olympiakos in the home fixture on match day two it will be split down the middle. That means that beating Bayern at home is essential if Arsenal want any gap in points between themselves and the Greeks. Olympiakos lost 3-0 at home to Bayern and they pose even less of a threat at the Allianz Arena, but Arsenal are a better overall team than Olympiakos.
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A slow start in Europe is less than perfect, but it is manageable as long as the form comes back. Europe is not won with physicality, but rather technical, well crafted play. Arsenal’s midfield must find a way to replicate Francis Coquelin’s defensive stability without him – like they could not against Dinamo – and also be ready to utilize their intricate skills. Some of the Gunners’ best attacking moves come against weaker opposition in the Premier League, and they must be ready to approach every game with that freedom and confidence.
One win and one loss to both Dinamo and Bayern Munich is acceptable from this point on. The Olympiakos match in Athens could prove crucial to the tie, but as long as Arsenal win at least three of their remaining matches the Dinamo result will prove a small setback.
Next: Arsenal v. Dinamo Zagreb Player Ratings