Champions League: Arsenal have the backbone to stand tall under pressure

Wenger’s side can come through testing encounter in Naples now his players are made of sterner stuff
11 December 2013

Only a mauling similar to that which befell Arsenal on their last visit to Italy will deny them another Champions League knockout appearance and Arsene Wenger resolutely believes his team are a different animal these days.

Milan and Naples may be separated by the majority of the country — 480.5miles to be precise — but the gap between the Rossoneri and the Gunners seemed far wider when Arsenal were hammered 4-0 in the first leg of the last-16 clash in February 2012.

Their collapse was described afterwards by Wenger as a “disaster” and although they restored credibility with a 3-0 win in the second leg, it was not enough to quieten those familiar questions over the team’s mental fragility.

How times have changed. If 2012 was a year of uncertainty and insecurity, then 2013 has become one of conviction and determination.

It all began with March’s victory at Bayern Munich that was insufficient to remain in Europe but did so much for Arsenal’s self-belief.

Tottenham were overhauled to secure a fourth-place finish in the Premier League and this season they have won 11 of 15 games to stretch five points clear at the top of the table.

Professionalism has replaced complacency thus far. Concentration will be key in the Stadio San Paolo tonight where a fiercely partisan crowd will try to roar the home team onto the victory Napoli need to guarantee qualification.

Arsenal know only a defeat by three goals or more combined with a Borussia Dortmund win in Marseille would leave them in the unfortunate position of exiting the competition on 12 points.Such is Napoli’s firepower, a goal glut is within their abilities but only if Arsenal produce an abject display akin to that in the San Siro.

Wenger believes his team have come a long way since then. Indeed, so does Rafael Benitez, who was sufficiently moved to label his opposite number the best manager in the Premier League; Wenger reacted with the caution of a man who as recently as August found himself the subject of catcalls from a section of his own support. “I take it as a compliment but I don’t take it too seriously as well, as I never knew what it means to be the best,” he said. “I think you can say that for all 20 coaches in the Premier League. We have battled against each other for a while now.

“How our season has gone so far is that we have a good defensive record and a good offensive record as well. The attitude of the players is absolutely focused, ambitious and that is what pleases me very much.

“That shows the players want to do well until the end of the season.”

Arsenal’s inability to retain that focus when the prizes are in sight has been their undoing in previous years.

The signs look good this time around but they are entering an important period, with their Champions League fate decided tonight before games against Manchester City and Chelsea test their League credentials. “This game is certainly [decisive] as it is to be in the Champions League or not,” said Wenger. “The two other games not definitely, as we are five points ahead and overall the championship is a marathon. We will be in the race no matter what happens. We will show our strength, hopefully.”

A 14th consecutive last-16 appearance would extend a remarkable record but there is an additional emphasis on securing top spot given the complexion of the other groups.

A point would confirm their advance in first place but anything less could see them finish second with their potential opponents one of Real Madrid, Paris St-Germain, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid with Barcelona the other option assuming they defeat Celtic at the Nou Camp. “Our priorities are quite simple,” said Wenger. “It is important first to qualify, if possible on top. But for me the most important thing is to qualify. If we can finish top, it is even better.

“Benitez is very experienced, is a very intelligent manager so I know he will prepare his team well.

“The only way we can counter that is to be at our best and put in a good performance as an average performance will not be good enough.”

Bacary Sagna and Lukas Podolski were left behind to continue their convalescence in London while it is believed Wenger is considering handing Theo Walcott his first start since returning from an abdominal injury last month.

There could be a temptation to rest players given the fact that victory is not essential but, mindful of ensuring the right attitude continues to permeate through his squad, Wenger insists he will not have one eye on the forthcoming double-header against their Premier League rivals. “I cannot afford to do that,” he said. “When you play so many games, sometimes in one game you have a feeling the legs are a bit tired, but sometimes the game after they surprise you again and everybody has recovered.

“At the moment we have a stable squad. In some positions I rotate more than others where the stability is important. But overall we have no major signs of fatigue.”

Avoid a repeat of the Milan debacle and their Champions League hopes will be in good health, too.

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