Arsenal: Why I still have hope in reaching the Europa League final

The final whistle of Arsenal’s home tie with Atlético Madrid brought with it a sense of what could have been. After a second viewing, it gave me hope.

The painful bit

When Lauren Koscielny pushed up, I winced. As Koscielny tried to clear or control the ball (really, I don’t know what he was trying), I groaned. Watching David Ospina try to second guess the Atleti striker’s intentions, I gasped. Typical Arsenal.

I’m ashamed to say I laughed as Shkodran Mustafi slipped and the net bulged. The laugh was involuntary because I couldn’t believe what I’d seen. Again, so Arsenal.

After the game, I made a mug of tea and began to read the views of the Arsenal community on Twitter. No surprises. Disappointment, over the top anger and some pride too. Then I decided to rewatch the game.

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Arsenal’s energy

The red card impacted the game, but we were already at the races. So often we have seen Arsenal start at a snail’s pace. Last night we showed an intent to play at a high tempo and keep the opposition pinned back.

Our energy levels were a throwback to some of our best performances in recent years, bringing to mind the 3 – 0 wins at the Emirates against Manchester United and Chelsea.

Who impressed for Arsenal

Danny Welbeck was great, particularly in the first half. Nacho Monreal played his part too, either with an overlap or passing option when the way forward was blocked. Mesut Özil would have been proud of Welbeck’s early ball for Alexandre Lacazette’s chance after five minutes.

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Welbeck also crafted a chance for Jack Wilshere and had his own chance that he might have done a little better with. In the second half, Welbeck found space a little harder to come by, but his running and intent were always difficult for the defence to contain.

Lacazette missed a good chance made by Welbeck after five minutes. The striker should have worked the keeper, but the miss didn’t impact his confidence. He constantly offered himself with his back to goal and looked for space in the channels.

Arsenal needed someone to step up. Despite facing two superb and tough as nails centre-halves, he began to win the physical battle. For 15 minutes our striker became the dominant force on the field. The leap and determination for the goal were outstanding. Credit to Jack Wilshere for the cross.

Hector Bellerin was the 2015 version of Hector Bellerin. He picked his moments to come forward well. His passing was crisp and his crossing was first class. He caused a lot of problems for the Atleti defence. Where has this version been? I don’t know, but this was the fullback he needs to be.

Credit to Atleti

After the sending off, Atleti got their shape with two banks of four and gradually settled into the game. Despite going down to ten men, they kept their shape well and worked as hard as you’d expect from a side coached by Diego Simeone.

In Diego Godín they have a defender who would improve any team. He loves to compete and sets the example for others.

Griezmann had two or three half chances, but when the big chance came along he was clinical.

Jan Oblak was put under pressure but held firm, making no mistakes of note. Oblak made two great fingertip saves too.

Hope for Arsenal

Arsenal can win this tie. Much has been made of Atleti’s strong home record, but we are a better team than most of La Liga.

Lacazette and Welbeck will be crucial at the Wanda Metropolitano. In Moscow against CSKA, Welbeck showed he can get be an important outlet and goal threat. Lacazette has to get more involved away from home. When he repeats his home form he will be a huge threat.

If we can match the intensity we showed in the first leg, then this gives me hope that we can turn them over in their own backyard.

Next: 5 Things Learned Against Atletico Madrid

We certainly won’t have as much of the ball, but we’ve shown that we can hurt them. And that’s enough to make me hopeful of another great Arsenal European night.