laitimes

How did Arsenal beat Bayern Munich? Arteta's three midfield options were crucial

author:Football tweets

- One Minute a Day to Know About Football -

How did Arsenal beat Bayern Munich? Arteta's three midfield options were crucial

Arsenal suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa, but Mikel Arteta's side didn't have time to bask in their grief.

Because they are about to embark on a journey to Munich to face Bayern Munich in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

The first meeting at the Emirates Stadium last week saw the teams draw 2-2 and the intensity of that match was breathtaking.

In the absence of away goals rules, Arsenal still retain their hopes of progressing to the semi-finals.

The defeat to Aston Villa puts Arsenal at a disadvantage in the race for the league title!

Now, Arteta needs to lead his side to a hearty victory in Germany to rekindle the fighting spirit and boost confidence.

How did Arsenal beat Bayern Munich? Arteta's three midfield options were crucial

Today, in an open training session at the Sobha Realty training base, the reporter found that the Arsenal players were all in full force and showed good competitive condition.

Despite a few minor injuries to Sunday's game against Aston Villa, Odegaard and Bukayo Saka continued to train with their team-mates.

The captain was forced off with an injury in the closing stages of the game against Villa, which undoubtedly put more pressure on Arsenal's defence. Soon after, Arsenal conceded two more goals and lost at home.

How did Arsenal beat Bayern Munich? Arteta's three midfield options were crucial

Timber is also back in action in north London, and although he is yet to play for the Under-21s, Arteta explained that he was "just a few steps away" from playing in a competitive game for the second time this season.

Saka, meanwhile, is recovering as he trains with his team-mates in preparation for the upcoming games.

He was a key target for Bayern in the first leg, but he recovered from injury with tenacity.

Judging from the pre-match training, Arsenal's players are full of energy and seem to be ready to face Bayern Munich.

How did Arsenal beat Bayern Munich? Arteta's three midfield options were crucial

However, in the midst of this fierce battle, the choice of midfield will be a crucial part of the outcome. Bayern Munich have the likes of Goretzka and Reimer, but there is no shortage of alternatives.

And Muller's return may also add a touch of uncertainty to the game, after all, the absence of Gnabry and Koeman has undoubtedly brought some uncertainty to Bayern's lineup.

Facing such a challenge, Arsenal will have to plan carefully, and to that end, we take a deep dive into the three midfield combinations that Arsenal could adopt to deal with the upcoming Bayern Munich game.

How did Arsenal beat Bayern Munich? Arteta's three midfield options were crucial

Rice, Kai Havertz, Odegaard

Arteta's handpicked trio has been the subject of controversy after the match with Aston Villa. Because it was after Odegaard left the pitch that Arsenal's goal was conceded.

This means that these three players are unbeaten when they are on the pitch, and they are the better team in the first half.

If Kai Havertz continues to be featured, many fans are convinced that he should play up front. He can only show his talent when he is closest to the goal.

Because against a team like Bayern Munich, it is undoubtedly wiser to have two midfielders with stronger defensive qualities.

After all, Bayern often show more dominance at home, and having such a solid midfield configuration will undoubtedly be more suitable for Arsenal's tactical needs.

How did Arsenal beat Bayern Munich? Arteta's three midfield options were crucial

Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard

Combining Rice, Odegaard and Jorginho in the starting line-up will undoubtedly satisfy our thirst for two deep midfielders.

Jorginho's excellence this season, whether it is against a giant like Liverpool or his consistent performance in other key competitions, has won the unanimous recognition of fans and coaches alike.

It's just that in the tough game away at Manchester City, he did struggle a little bit. In that game, he attempted to pass the ball 15 times, but only 10 were successful, largely because City's dominance kept him out of the rhythm of the game for most of the time.

Bayern Munich are also a team with a strong possession of the ball and could possibly pose the same challenge to Jorginho. So, should the team continue to opt for Jorginho as the heart of the midfield when possession is likely to be restricted?

How did Arsenal beat Bayern Munich? Arteta's three midfield options were crucial

Rice, Partey, Odegaard

Choosing Thomas Partey to start may have been a wise and courageous choice.

In that game at Aston Villa, he was given a precious rest to recharge for the upcoming battle at the Allianz Arena. Playing alongside Declan Rice once again, two powerful midfielders will be expected to bring new energy to Arsenal.

Since returning from injury, the Ghanaian star has shown a positive comeback on the field. His passing, steady and sharp, is he ready for such a heavyweight game as a starter?

At this critical juncture, Partey's advantage is clear. Compared to the other two candidates, he is the most rested and has a better physical reserve.

What's more, the Champions League experience he accumulated during his time at Atletico Madrid will become an indispensable force for Arsenal in this game.

Boss Mikel Arteta needs to make a smart choice at this crucial juncture. Let's hope that Arsenal can create their own glory at the Allianz Arena.