Arsenal return to Champions League action on Tuesday night as the Gunners welcome Bayern Munich to the Emirates Stadium.
It is the first time the north Londoners have appeared in the quarter-final stages of the competition since 2010, with the second leg taking place next Wednesday.
Progress past the German giants and a tie against one of Real Madrid or Manchester City awaits.
Really enjoying the moment, this is where we want to be,” Mikel Arteta said in his pre-match press conference. “We’re in a really good position in the Premier League and a really good position in the Champions League.
We have a big task ahead of us against one of the most successful clubs in Europe. That’s the hurdle that we have to overcome and we’re really looking forward to it.
With Arsenal also battling Man City and Liverpool for the Premier League title, it’s vitally important Arteta’s side dominate from the start on Tuesday night and give themselves an advantage going into the second leg.
For that to be the case, a few things will most probably need to happen. 360gist.com.ng takes a look at what a dream scenario might look like.
Keeping Harry Kane quiet
Harry Kane and Arsenal meet again. The striker moved to Bayern in the summer from arch rivals Tottenham Hotspur for around £82million.
While Bayern themselves have been poor by their standards, Kane has been in sensational form.
The England international has scored 38 goals in 37 appearances for Bayern, while he also has 12 assists to his name. He netted once in Bayern’s last match at the weekend, a 3-2 loss to Heidenheim.
For Arsenal to do well against Thomas Tuchel’s side they will need to keep Kane quiet, although that is easier said than done.
Kane has scored 14 goals and set up three in 19 matches against Arsenal throughout his career. Eight of those goals have been penalties.
While Bayern have lots of attacking talent at their disposal, such as Jamal Musiala, Thomas Muller, Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry, Kane is undoubtedly the German side’s main man. Stopping him may just be half the battle.
A commanding lead
The best case scenario for Arsenal when referee Glenn Nyberg blows the full-time whistle on Tuesday night is being in a commanding lead ahead of the second leg.
The Gunners have turned Emirates Stadium into a fortress this season and it’s vital the team use that to their advantage. On top of that, Bayern will not have any of their own supporters inside the stadium as a result of them throwing fireworks onto the pitch in the 3-1 aggregate win at Lazio in the previous round.
Arteta will know that going to Allianz Arena next week will be tricky, so a lead of two, three or four goals could be needed to ensure the Gunners progress to the semi-finals.
Bukayo Saka on Europe’s biggest stage
“A stadium full of Gooners!” Saka told Arsenal’s official website when asked if he was looking forward to the clash against Bayern. “I’m excited, all the boys [are] excited so we need to recover and be ready for Tuesday.”
The clash against Bayern offers Saka the perfect opportunity to show his quality on the world stage. The Hale Ender has contributed to seven goals in seven games in the Champions League this season (three goals and four assists) and he will fancy his chances of adding to those numbers on Tuesday.
Saka has been a huge part of Arsenal’s resurgence in recent years and it would be fitting if he can fire the Gunners into the semi-finals. Don’t bet against him.
