Arsenal’s next test will be against PSG in the Champions League and it won’t be easy, but they can learn from Monaco’s recent win against the Parisians.
PSG are not exactly used to losing, but they were handed a fairly telling loss against Monaco and another draw against St. Etienne just before they kick off the Champions League against our very own Arsenal. It is the Monaco loss that tells us the most.
PSG controlled two-thirds of the possession, but it proved futile as Monaco was able to striker quickly and conclusively.
The Gunners have to learn from Monaco and how they were so able to disband of the French powerhouse.
As mentioned, PSG are a team that is used to controlling possession. So are Arsenal. And it’s not like Wenger is known for his ability to mix things up tactically, but that’s essentially what I’m hinting at here.
The Gunner’s may very well be able to go toe-to-toe in the possession department with PSG. They could even win that way, their quality is definitely on par with PSG’s and there is little reason to think that that alone won’t carry Arsenal.
But with the new counter-attacking scheme that we have seen, why not utilize such tactics and simply absorb what PSG throw at us?
Monaco utilized a solid defensive scheme and were able to strike quick on the counter with minimal dancing and dinking. They just launched the counter, pressured a moving defensive unit, and put the ball in the net. Their midfielders fired ten longballs, another key to their success.
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Wenger can absolutely mimic that. With Alexis at full fitness and Walcott likely opposite him, Wenger would be wise to send Ozil, Xhaka and Cazorla back out there. These three knock the mechanics to picking out the long ball and after winning back possession, it will be up to them to spring the runs of their team mates to let them stretch their legs.
Lucas Perez may be a wise start, but I don’t see Wenger bypassing Giroud yet again. But that can still be useful on aerial encounters.
The Gunner’s defensive solidity is clear to see. Mustafi brought even more solidity and whether it’s Koscielny, Gabriel or even Rob Holding, this defense can cope with PSG’s roving attack.
Given that the Gunners also boast more quality than Monaco, replicating the result that the two French clubs fought out shouldn’t be overly difficult.
Cavani is not a speed merchant, so tactically, there is no worry of PSG getting in behind. Di Maria has been neutralized by our defense countless times as well.
There is no reason to think that Arsenal cannot cope with the Parisians.
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