Confidence is good; over-confidence is dangerous
The Gunners entered the match riding a wave of heady optimism – entirely justified given their near-perfect form since the 3-1 defeat against Aston Villa way back in August. But, while confidence can do wonders (just ask Aaron Ramsey), there were elements of over-confidence, even cockiness, against Dortmund, with Ramsey’s failed attempt to dribble the ball out of defence ahead of Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s opener the best example. The visitors’ second also came with right back Bacary Sagna stranded way out of position and the result should serve as a reminder that, against the very best, discipline remains essential. Rather than diminish confidence, however, the defeat must serve as a valuable lesson for Arsenal’s improving squad.
Arsenal can compete with the best
Arsenal’s first defeat since 17 August had the club’s detractors immediately pointing out that Arsene Wenger’s side had fallen at the first major hurdle. While you can only beat what’s put in front you, the Gunners’ are yet to face one of last season’s Premier League top four this term, with Napoli and Tottenham, two clubs in transition, their biggest scalps. But the result aside, there was evidence at the Emirates Stadium that Arsenal can compete with the very best this season. They outplayed Dortmund for long periods of the match and Jurgen Klopp even admitted after the game that the result could have gone either way.
Returning players will give Arsenal a wonderful Plan B
With Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain injured, Arsenal have adapted their game to cope without a pacey winger, with a midfield triumvirate interchanging behind Olivier Giroud. With Santi Cazorla back to fitness, Mesut Ozil sublime, and Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey in great touch, it’s hard to see Walcott immediately returning to the first team. But when the England flyer is fit, it will give the Gunners an excellent plan B from the bench – a player who can stretch teams with electric pace. This was change of tact was missed against Dortmund and Cazorla and Serge Gnarby, who both appeared from the bench, were too similar to Ozil, Tomas Rosicky and Wilshere to force the visitors’ to alter their approach.
COMMENTS