Why Arsenal will make it through their Champions League group.
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Arsenal will be confident of once again making it through the Champions League group stage, despite having drawn Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in what is a tricky draw for the Gunners.
Turkish champions Galatasaray, now under the management of Italian World Cup boss Cesare Prandelli, and Belgian side Anderlecht are the Gunners’ other opponents, after they narrowly saw off Besiktas in qualifying.
Here are five reasons why we believe that Arsenal will qualify:
Already played Turkish opposition
A trip to Istanbul to face one of the big Turkish clubs is always a tough proposition – but Arsenal will have been served well by the fact that they have already traveled to face Besiktas during qualifying for the group stage of the competition. The Gunners earned a 0-0 draw on their trip to Besiktas and would view that as a good result on their next posting to Istanbul.
They know what to expect from Borussia Dortmund
Arsenal faced Jurgen Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund in the group stage of last season’s competition, losing at home but picking up a famous win at Signal Idun Park, and will be confident of improving that record this time around. Dortmund are undoubtedly tricky opposition and a fine side, but Wenger will be confident of outthinking Klopp after being given last season as an audition.
A solid central defensive pairing
One of the keys to being able to safely navigate the Champions League group stage is a solid defensive set-up, which particularly comes into play away from home, something that Arsene Wenger will feel that he has in the shape of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny. The duo are likely to be one of the most settled and consistent pairings in the competition and should be vital to Arsenal’s progression.
The goals of Aaron Ramsey
Aaron Ramsey may have been, somewhat harshly, sent off during the first leg of Arsenal’s qualifying victory over Besiktas, but his performances from midfield will be key to their chances of making it out of the group. Ramsey scored the winning goal in their famous win at Borussia Dortmund last season and the Welshman’s propensity to score crucial goals is likely to be vital for Arsenal in the Champions League, if he can settle a couple of otherwise tight games.
They always make it through
Arsenal’s record in the Champions League under Arsene Wenger is nothing short of remarkable, with the Gunners having made it out of the initial group stage in 14 consecutive seasons. They are likely to feel confident of continuing this model of consistency, with the group this year seemingly easier than the one which they navigated last season, despite the clear challenge posed by Dortmund, Galatasaray and Belgian champions Anderlecht.