Arsenal: Champions League A Help And A Hindrance

Arsene Wenger has stated that Liverpool’s and Chelsea’s lack of Champions League football helps them. Arsenal’s squad is capable of handling those demands.

The first North London derby has come and gone and with it, perhaps as many questions as answers. We are none the wiser regarding both Arsenal’s and Tottenham’s title credentials, the performance of Granit Xhaka has raised some uncertainty regarding the starting eleven and now with the international break underway, we will have to be patient in waiting for answers.

The match itself was dominated by the tactical side of the game. With Mauricio Pochettino opting for a three at the back system, an approach that he has not used previously at White Hart Lane, and one that greatly surprised his opponents on Sunday, much of the remainder of the match, after the opening period of dominance from Spurs, centred on the Gunners’ ability to decipher and dismantle a stubborn Spurs setup.

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In the latter stages of the first half, they were certainly able to do so, with Theo Walcott becoming more prominent off the right wing and Mesut Ozil beginning to dominate the game in central areas. However, Arsenal’s control of the game slipped in the second half, and fitness concerns certainly arose. When asked about the possibility of this being caused by European football, comparing it to the European-less Chelsea and Liverpool, Arsene Wenger admitted there is a slight advantage for his Premier League rivals:

"“It’s a bit easier to prepare for the games because you do not have the intensity of a Champions League game, but if you ask them, both would like to play in there so you cannot complain about that. There’s a little physical advantage, for sure, when you play after the European weeks, but you have to live with that and I wouldn’t say that it is an excuse. Even if we are in front, it’s a small difference after 11 games – it’s very tight.”"

Champions League football is a real blessing. There isn’t much better in football that a hotly contested, European night of football, with the theme music blaring throughout a vociferous stadium and the crowd sat on edge in eager anticipation of the coming battle. However, while it may be wonderful to experience, it can also come at a hindrance.

The vastly differing performances of Leicester City from last season to this are a clear indication of the tolls of the Champions League throughout a long and demanding season. The form and fitness of Chelsea and Liverpool is another clear example of the advantage that these clubs have over Arsenal.

Next: Arsenal Vs Spurs: Combined Starting XI

However, that is part and parcel of club football. The packed schedule is what makes it so fascinating, so enthralling. It is why clubs hoard the best players. Rotation is becoming a real issue with so many demanding games in such short periods of time. Wenger must now take responsibility for the fitness of his players and look to utilise the large squad that he has assembled to the best of his ability and the benefit of the club.

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