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Arsenal’s Champions League Record Will Come To An End
By Nasra Osman
If you had asked any Arsenal fan about how many points we would have after playing two games in the Champions League, the consensus would probably be six points. And yet, after their clashes with European minnows Dinamo Zagreb and Olympiakos, Arsenal shockingly have a resounding zero points to show for them.
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Zero.
One cannot be so naive to think that Arsenal have never had their fair share of woeful results on European nights. They’ve struggled in the past, but this time, the lack of results are unprecedented. Arsenal have never lost their two opening games in the Champions League. That is, until Tuesday night’s encounter with Greek opponents Olympiakos. Once again, the Gunners proceeded to crash and burn against a familiar foe that seem to have their number.
The loss is a curious case, considering the fact that Arsenal did not have a disastrous performance similar to the one in their defeat at Zagreb. They started well, seemingly with a pep in their step. Perhaps their passing was not as fluid as we know it can be, but it seemed as though the players picked their passes well with a satisfactory degree of accuracy. They enjoyed an astounding 70% of possession, and had eighteen shots, with 9 of them on being on target. All of that and only 2 goals to show for it.
With the astounding result at Zagreb, one would think that Arsenal would make it their prime mission to come away with a win, and stake their claim to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League. Olympiakos are no pushovers. But there is no reason why Arsenal shouldn’t beat them. Man for man, they have the superior team and the superior coach. However, they lacked the superior mentality. This ultimately turned out to be crucial in this fixture considering the Greek side’s fortitude.
As much as it pains me to say this as a fan, I can’t help but think that Olympiakos has subsequently sealed Arsenal’s Champions League fate with their victory. Some will say that that would be a pessimistic mindset, but in fairness, it is just me being realistic. Arsenal face a daunting home and away stretch against none other than Bayern Munich, the team that has ruthlessly knocked them out twice previously in the round of 16.
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Realistically speaking, there is little reason to believe that Arsenal can escape with a substantial number of points from those two games, given their lackluster performances against Zagreb and Olympiakos. If they cannot get it done against those two, then there is just no way that they can defeat a team that is expected to go all the way.
In saying that, the chances of Arsenal reaching the knockout round this season are slim to none. Based on their results thus far, you would deduce that they have dug a hole that is simply too deep to dig themselves out of. Arsenal’s hopes of keeping the streak alive went up in flames with that result. Arsene Wenger’s record of 17 consecutive round of 16 appearances went with it.
Next: Arsenal Drop Must Win Against Olympiakos