Mikel Arteta must get his Arsenal team selection right for tonight’s Champions League showdown against Bayern Munich.
Arsenal face a tough test up against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night.
The Gunners need to find a way to win this second-leg encounter of their Champions League quarter-final clash with the German giants. With the aggregate score level at 2-2 after the first-leg, only a win will do for either side.
To get the victory they crave, though, Mikel Arteta’s side must be far more efficient in the final third than they were against Aston Villa on Sunday. The North London club created a hatful of chances in the first half against the Midlands outfit, as Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard dazzled with his creativity, but they were unable to find the back of the net.
Arsenal were then sucker-punched by a late double from the visitors, condemning them to a first Premier League defeat of 2024, and severely denting their title hopes.
Mikel Arteta must face up to Leandro Trossard issue
The Gunners’ attacking line-up didn’t really click against Aston Villa, as Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard had been brought into the starting XI.
Jesus frustrated Arsenal fans with his efforts of leading the line, whilst Trossard was guilty of missing a gilt-edged chance from close range.
Trossard has been described as the best finisher in the Arsenal squad, but his clinical touch deserted him at the vital moment against Unai Emery’s side. Other flaws in the Belgian’s game also became clear.
Trossard has proven himself to be an incredibly effective substitute. However, when starting games, he often struggles to impose himself.
Why Gabriel Martinelli can be Arsenal game-changer v Bayern Munich
Against Bayern Munich tonight, Arteta ought to hold the former Brighton man in reserve in case he is needed to make an impact off the bench. In Trossard’s place, Gabriel Martinelli ought to be brought back into the starting XI for this outing at the Allianz Arena.
The £180,000-a-week Brazilian has not had the best of seasons in front of goal, but his attributes can make him a real danger to Bayern Munich. As the home side, Thomas Tuchel’s men are likely to try and take the game to Arsenal.
The Gunners will likely have to sit deep, keeping a compact shape, and look to hit the hosts on the break. This is where the “explosive” Martinelli could prove to be the difference-maker for Arsenal.
The 22-year-old winger has electric pace. If Arsenal can release him on the counter-attack, he has the capacity to strike faster than any Bayern Munich player could stop him. Martinelli can also be relied upon to track back diligently to do his defensive work.