The pressure is off
With home advantage, a 2-0 aggregate lead and arguably the finest manager in world football, Bayern understandably begin the second leg as overwhelming favourites to progress.
But Arsene Wenger should privately be pleased with Arsenal’s status as underdogs. The Gunners head to Bavaria with the pressure off and even their most optimistic travelling fans believing a win is unlikely.
Arsenal proved last season at the Allianz Arena that they can shine when they’re not expected to win, and without the weight of expectation on their shoulders, the visitors can take risks and play their slick passing game to full effect.
With a semi-final with Wigan to look forward to, the FA Cup remains the club’s best route to a trophy so Wenger should reassure his players that there is no great pressure to win in Germany. An Arsenal team playing that way could surprise everyone.
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