As the Champions League semi final second leg beckons at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is expected to roll out a series of tactic...
As the Champions League semi final second leg beckons at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is expected to roll out a series of tactical alterations to subdue a resilient Atletico Madrid side. The tie is delicately balanced at 1 1 following the first leg in the Spanish capital, and the Gunners now hold the lion's share of advantage with home support behind them. Arteta, who has been forced to juggle his squad due to injuries and fatigue, is likely to hand starting berths to several fringe players who must give a good account of themselves on the grandest continental stage. At the end of the day, the powers that be at Arsenal know that a place in the Budapest final against either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint Germain is at stake. Atletico, under the ever shrewd Diego Simeone, will not roll over; they are a formidable unit that thrives on defensive organisation and swift counterattacks. The Nigerian international and Super Eagles talisman, Victor Osimhen, though not involved in this tie, will be watching keenly as his compatriots in the Arsenal ranks seek to make the nation proud. In the scheme of things, this match could define Arsenal's season, and the Emirates faithful are expected to create a cauldron of noise. GoalZaza understands that Arteta is leaning towards a more direct approach, utilising the pace of his wide forwards to stretch the Atletico backline. The Spanish side, however, boast a stalwart defence led by the experienced Jose Maria Gimenez, and they will look to absorb pressure and strike on the break. For the viewers in Lagos and Abuja at bustling viewing centres, every tackle will be greeted with roars and every near miss with groans of agony. The tension will be palpable as fans clutch their bottles of malt and soft drinks, shouting instructions as if they were in the dugout themselves. When the referee's final whistle blows, whether in joy or sorrow, the discussion will spill onto the streets well into the night, with arguments about missed chances and heroic saves dominating the airwaves.
