3 reasons why Arsenal could stun Bayern Munich at The Emirates
On Wednesday night, <Arsenal welcome Bayern Munich to the Emirates Stadium in what will undoubtedly be a tight, nervy affair between a pair of European heavyweights from two of the most distinguished leagues in the world.
Yet, the first leg of this last 16 tie seems to be all but concluded as most bookies, fans and commentators have already decided it’s a done deal. Pep Guardiola’s side will arrive in London, do what they do so well, and Arsenal will essentially give in. The first leg will belong to the German and European champions and the tie will be done.
Not exactly.
A possible chink in Bayern’s armour
Although over their past three games in Germany, <Bayern have amassed a staggering eleven goals while conceding none, and currently hold a number of defensive records in the Bundesliga, the assumption that their back-line is water tight is one a tactician like Arsene Wenger is unlikely to make.
For if Guardiola were to stick with the general line-up that has seen him do so well this season, which would entail keeping Philipp Lahm at central midfield, it would then mean keeping Rafinha at right back and giving Arsenal a fantastic target to aim for as they run towards the Bayern goal.
Levekusen Action Areas vs Bayern (H) – Bundesliga 2013/14There are few examples of Rafinha’s faults due to the fact that Bayern concede so few goals in Germany, but if we were to take the example of <Bayer Leverkusen’s mode of attack during a 1-1 draw earlier in the season it’s fair and rather evident to deduce where they focused their attack.