So, attention now turns to the Champions League and our second round tie vs Monaco. So lets have a look at the French side...
Strengths
The midfield. Toulalan, Kondogbia and Moutinho. All able to put up a fight, making Monaco a very good defensive side.
Weaknesses
The midfield. The aforementioned three are not the most creative players. Just 4 goals between them this season, and a mere 4 assists. Moutinho will be the most likely to trouble us, but their attacking flair comes from the two wide attackers.
Champions League record this season
Played 6, won 3, drawn 2 and lost one.
But the telling stat is that in the 6 games they managed just 4 goals. Qualification came on the back of having the best defensive record in the group stages, conceding just once.
Ligue 1 form
Like in the CL, it is all about defence. Sitting in 4th, they have scored the least number of goals of the top half of the table. In fact 13 teams have outscored them, and another 2 (including one in the relegation zone) have equalled their 26 goals in 25 games.
Their last 8 games have ended 1-0, 1-0, 0-0, 1-0, 1-0, 0-0, 0-1, 1-0.
A fantastic defensive record of 1 goal conceded in 8 games, a less impressive 5 goals scored.
Top Scorer
Dimitar Berbatov, with 6 in Ligue 1 and 0 in CL in 23 appearances.
Dangerman
Hard to tell, with such a lack of potency, but left winger Yannick Ferreira Carrasco has contributed 4 goals and 6 assists in the league and Champions League.
Conclusions
Monaco will a bloody tough team to break down!! This is a game where we have to take our chances. Keep a clean sheet and take a couple of goals advantage to France and we should be happy. Anything else will be dangerous.
Monaco?
posted on 22/2/15
Anyone else agree that Gibbs should regain his place?
posted on 22/2/15
Just seen that Toulalan is suspended. Wonder how that will affect their plans.
posted on 23/2/15
comment by Arshavin's Legacy (U10307)
posted 12 hours, 28 minutes ago
Anyone else agree that Gibbs should regain his place?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I would play him. Monreal has been solid for the last few weeks but he looked a little off the pace at the weekend. Gibbs had a great game in the FA Cup and overall he might offer more going forward if Monaco decide to park le bus. I think it's a good time to bring him back into the starting lineup.
posted on 23/2/15
"I would play him. Monreal has been solid for the last few weeks but he looked a little off the pace at the weekend. Gibbs had a great game in the FA Cup and overall he might offer more going forward if Monaco decide to park le bus. I think it's a good time to bring him back into the starting lineup."
Agreed.
posted on 23/2/15
If we can't beat an average side like monaco then Wenger should just leave right now
posted on 23/2/15
And if we can?
posted on 23/2/15
If we can then we have every chance of winning the champions league with the squad we've got - stranger things have happened
posted on 23/2/15
Top Scorer
Dimitar Berbatov, with 6 in Ligue 1 and 0 in CL in 23 appearances.
------------------------------------------------
Ominous
posted on 25/2/15
comment by (▀̿Ĺ̯▀̿ ̿) (U13531)
posted 2 days, 7 hours ago
Top Scorer
Dimitar Berbatov, with 6 in Ligue 1 and 0 in CL in 23 appearances.
------------------------------------------------
Ominous
----------------------------------------------------------------------
posted on 25/2/15
comment by Tu Meke Santi (U3732)
posted 3 days, 2 hours ago
Don't forget, this is arsenal we are talking about here. Don't underestimate our ability to fück up even the simplest situations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------