As Arsenal prepares for the crucial second leg clash against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Following that disappointing loss to Aston Villa on Sunday the pressure is on for the Gunners to revive their season. Key to their success will be the performance of players selected on the left side of the Arsenal team. Alex Zinchenko and Gabriel Martinelli may have crucial roles to play in Arsenal’s tactical setup.

The recent setback against Aston Villa has raised questions about Arsenal’s title aspirations and ability to get it over the line during the business end of the season in the Premier League. With Manchester City taking advantage Mikel Arteta’s side must quickly regroup to avoid a repeat of last season’s tail off. The Champions League now presents an opportunity for redemption, or at minimum a boost to a now dented optimism from the fans but it won’t come easy against a Bayern Munich side with home advantage.

Alex Zinchenko and Gabriel Martinelli find themselves under the spotlight as Arsenal seeks some sort of response. Zinchenko’s confidence has taken a hit amidst criticism from fans for his general performances but strongly emphasised on the flaws of the defensive aspects of his game. Meanwhile, Martinelli, who seems to still be trying to find his rhythm after returning from injury, holds the key to unlocking Bayern’s defence with his pace and skill.

In the first leg against Bayern Munich, Arsenal’s strategy revolved around exploiting the right flank with Saka’s dynamic runs. However, this left Martinelli isolated on the left hand side, limiting his impact on the game. With Bayern likely to focus their attention on neutralizing Saka, it’s imperative for Arsenal to involve Martinelli more effectively to stretch their opponents’ defence.

To maximize Martinelli’s influence in the second leg, Arteta may need to adjust his tactics. Like I mentioned, last week during the first leg I could see from the stands the play was always directed to the right and would often see Martinelli isolated, trudging up and down the line, arms in the air asking for the ball but never receiving it.  Admittedly Saka was getting so much change out of Alfonso Davies you could forgive Arteta for persevering with that game plan. It may work in our favour if Bayern’s take away from that game is to focus on Saka in the return leg. Underestimate Martinelli at your peril, the young Brazilian in full flight exploiting any inch of space on the left hand side will hurt Bayern. If their tactic is to double up on Saka then it will free up space on the opposite flank.

I know we have a number of options to play left back but I just feel Arteta will still favour the positives provided by Zinchenko’s presence in midfield. Kiwior has likely played himself out of contention due to his troubles in the first leg whilst Tomiyasu still seems to be getting eased back into team and probably isn’t ready to start and complete a whole match.

After the first leg we are far more aware of the dangers posed by Bayern’s wingers. Understandably Gnabry and Coman will not play but Sane Is very much available. I feel Arteta and his backroom staff will have addressed those dangers in the team planning and preparation and if Zinchenko starts he will be well supported and/or more focused on the threat. With his confidence a bit fragile he may well benefit more from the away atmosphere as he focuses on his game and isn’t distracted by groans from the stands he would hear if at the Emirates, we can safely say the away fans out in Munich will be 100% supporting every player and acting as the twelfth man.

I just feel the right side of our team picks itself, we know what it is capable of, Bayern know what it is capable of and so we must ensure we utilise our left. It will take each and every player performing out of their skin but a result in Germany is not impossible. Yes Bayern by their standards will feel their season overall has been a disappointment and now have every egg in the Champion’s League basket and will go all out.  Mikel Arteta can use that to his advantage, play on their psychological doubts that they could blow it all if they lose and capitalise.  Up front I feel whoever is picked as the no.9 will know what they need to do. We had the missed chances that cost us in the end at Villa but lightening wont strike twice. We will score in Munich; they have ERIC DIER AT THE HEART OF THEIR DEFENCE after all.  Time to expose the level of player he is. Come on Arsenal!

Enjoy your day people

This post also features on Gunners Town site which I write for.