Arsenal: from the quadruple to a quandry

Darren Norris
TOMORROW night Arsenal play their 47th and most daunting game of a marathon season. The might of Barcelona, one of the most fearsome club sides ever, stand between Arsene Wenger’s team and a place in the last eight of the Champions League.
The Gunners bring a 2-1 first leg advantage to the Camp Nou but will be without the services of Theo Walcott, Alex Song and long-term absentee Thomas Vermaelen. Though Robin van Persie has travelled, he may need a detour to Lourdes to make a start.
That Cesc Fabregas looks likely to feature is a major boost but Arsenal’s task remains a daunting one.
The fear for Arsenal supporters is Barcelona, stung by their first leg defeat at the Emirates, could run riot, particularly if they score early.
So what do Arsenal need to happen? They require Wojciech Szczesny to have a blinder in goal (possible), Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou to have the games of their lives (unlikely) and Song’s replacement – either Denilson or Abou Diaby to do likewise (highly unlikely). Plus, of course, Messi and co to misfire.
Most importantly, Arsenal need to score, not mathematically but psychologically. Perhaps that is why van Persie has travelled. If the visitors could somehow strike first, it may drive Barca into the sort of full-out offensive that will brak the game wide open.
That will unravel one of two ways - should Barcelona turn on the style and hand out a drubbing similar to that which they inflicted on Arsenal at the Camp Nou last season, the impact on the Gunners will cast a long shadow on the remainder of their season.
Coming on the back of a Carling Cup final defeat to Birmingham and a disappointing goalless draw with Sunderland in the league, a comprehensive defeat tomorrow would shatter confidence ahead of an FA Cup sixth round trip to Old Trafford on Saturday.
The League challenge – despite the draw with Sunderland - remains in their own hands. Manchester United’s latest defeat - their third in five games - underlines the fact that, by their standards, is a poor United side.
Sir Alex must wait, though. Another of those shambolic European away days that Arsenal specialise in (Donetsk, Braga etc), will not only shatter Arsenal’s Champions League hopes, it could possibly shatter their season.  From the quadruple to a quandry - again.

 

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