When Arsenal let slip a 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund during their first Champions League clash, there were many accusations that Arsene Wenger’s side was naïve. But I never jumped on that particular bandwagon.
Yes, Arsenal ended up losing 2-1 thanks to a smart Robert Lewandowski finish, but that result was somewhat undeserved. Whilst Dortmund ran their usual high-energy, high-pressure game, Arsenal had wrestled control from the Germans and were creating all the chances.
In a Champions League group consisting of Napoli, Marseille and Dortmund, points are going to be hard to come by. The Gunners saw 3 points dangled in front of them and went after it. If Santi Cazorla’s shot had nestled in the back of the net, rather than pinging off the crossbar, things would have been oh so different.
As it happens, Arsenal flew forward and got caught out on the break. Sometimes moves break down and teams get pulled apart quickly. It happens. But it happened to Arsenal because they were going for it. They believed they could get a result.
And as it happens they could. The result may have arrived in the second Dortmund game, but there you are.
Arsenal have come on leaps and bounds this season, but the second Dortmund game really stood out. This could be the game that really pulls the Gunners into contention for silverware. It was a very different game to Arsenal’s recent game against Liverpool.
It was a tough game where Arsenal were second best throughout. Dortmund gave the Gunners’ midfield no time on the ball, kept things congested and controlled possession. They also created the best chances. But Arsenal did what Dortmund did in the first leg. They stayed compact at the back, kept possession wherever possible and took their chances whenever they arrived. In short, they played smart.
And that’s why they won 1-0 in Germany.
This was one of few examples of Arsene Wenger not sticking to his base ‘all-out attack’ footballing philosophy. The Gunners adapted to their opposition and reaped the benefits. If they can keep doing this throughout the season, there’s a good chance they’ll walk away with some trophies.
I can’t help but feel the Gunners have come of age. They finally have the backbone, ability and smarts to succeed. Let’s see if they do it.
What’s your take? Can the Gunners win something this season?
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