The draw for the Champions League Group Stages have only just been announced under an hour ago and I've already seen fans writing you off saying you are going out.
You have the capabilities to beat all of them teams in that Group and I do feel you can finish Top of that Group with the right performances. I don't feel you are going to need to put in absolute 'Championship Winning' performances in every games. Just a performance that 'gets the job done'. Maybe an exception for Dortmund.
The toughest team in that Group is Dortmund which we may have to see a solid Champions League performance that is worthy of beating a Top Team. But I'd hardly say they are a Barcelona or Bayern Munich sort of test really. They will be tough and the toughest team you'll have but their not the 'Unbeatable' side in Europe really. Even if they do have a good CL record from last season, that's all history.
Napoli probably your 2nd toughest test really with Marseille close behind. But Napoli have just lost their talisman Cavani who influenced that side to the position they finished last season. No doubt they aren't a 1 man team and not saying their going to be an easy ride either, but have a little faith in Wenger's men, your team is better than theirs IMO.
And last but not least, Marseille. Not so far behind Napoli in the ranks and they will provide a tough test as well but I'd hardly say their a 'Champions League force' really and they aren't a team to look out for this season. You've got a good record against these in the CL.
You've just got to have a little faith in your side. They are all tough opposition but it is the CL, it provides the toughest teams in Europe (so to speak). But it's not as if your Team is way behind the Ranks of them 3. It will be a tight Group at first glance, but I can see Arsenal topping it with solid display's.
Arsenal being written off
posted on 29/8/13
If we play to our best we can win the group.
I think we'll finish a close second to Dortmund, though.
posted on 29/8/13
Analysis:
Last season Arsenal qualified from the group stage with 10 points, 2 less than Schalke. One point more than Olympiacos.
The Arsenal squad now only comprises of 20 players.
Tougher group and too small a squad to realistically be at its best competing in the league and the CL.
Add to that the general feeling of negativity surrounding the club, Arsenal are not best placed to qualify from this group.
posted on 29/8/13
You won't agree but Napoli under Rafa are dark horses, he's not the best league manager but he's top notch in Europe, his coefficient for his time in England with Liverpool was one of the best in Europe and he is a master at two legged ties, the games might be stale and lack action at times but he gets results
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I do agree with what you are saying. Not saying none will be tough teams to play against home and away, but still can see the quality Arsenal have surpassing them really. But they will all be tight games.
You will surpass Napoli.
Don't think reinvesting is needed. The current squad you have (like I've stated) can win you the Group I feel. Reinforcements would be useful though, don't rule that out.
yeah, but Arsenal are going out.
No signings, against Europes elite?!
Au Revoir.
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Europe's Elite!?!? Marseille? Are you kidding me? 1 good season in the French Division last season proves nothing to when they finished 10th the Season before.
posted on 29/8/13
The Marseille twitter handle is running the hashtag #groupedelamort.
posted on 29/8/13
Marseille are hardly the toughest team you'll face.
posted on 29/8/13
All depends on our signings until Monday.
posted on 29/8/13
Gunnerthru, Like I've said though, even without reinforcements at the moment, I still feel you can go through although don't rule them out, always useful.
posted on 30/8/13
Europe's Elite!?!? Marseille?
it doesn't matter if Arsenal go through the group stages.
When you come up against the Elite teams, i.e your Madrids, Munich, Man Utd, Chelsea ETC, then Arsenal will be shown again how weak they are.
so you laugh away at Marseille...
Pretty sure Arsenal are getting laughed at too!
posted on 30/8/13
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posted on 30/8/13
Like Jenius said though. You've come close on numerous occasions to beating the bigger teams. It's almost like complacency in the first tie against them that lets you down because you always fall too far behind at that point.