After finding it hard to at least work out magic in front of our opponents, Arsenal though enjoying the habit of leaving games late, have been able to restore confidence into the team as well as the fans, with a string of attacking flares in the attacking third. With Sanchez the architect, the engineering work has seen him work out a magnificent piece of art, reason no team wants to face the inform Chilean.Sanchez who has 10 goals to his name, with just 15 starts for the club, among them being seven league goals in eight matches, has steadfastly established himself as one of the most talented forwards in the world. His work rate has forever been on every pundit's lips and Arteta has likened his tireless efforts to those of a bull.
Asked whether his team mates are surprised by Sanchez's superb run of form, Arteta answered, "I don't think we're surprised at the level of his performance,"
He found it hard in the first few weeks, but now he's found the confidence and level he needs."
"The way he is contributing to the team and the group as well is very good.It makes our job easier having a player in his form, scoring goals." the captain said, highlighting his joy in playing alongside the former Barcelona star due to his defensive contribution too.
"The way he looks after the players around him, the hard work he does is something we need to highlight. The goals and tricks and flicks are highlighted, but we need to remember the work."
Arteta added: "But he's a bull. He wants to go against the wall every time. He wants to get better and better, all the time. I'd rather play with him than against him."
The big question however is: will the Gunners falter at the door step on their way to the knockout stages?
Wenger's men welcome Anderlecht, a team they miraculously edged out with the final minutes of the game, a fortnight ago to Emirates. Arsenal needed Sanchez experience to help keep his team's hopes alive with a match winning performance. Gibbs scored Arsenal goal of the month for October, with three minutes left before substitute Podolski smashed home the winner moments later to seal a vital win at Brussels.
With a win all but sealing our spot in the knockout stages, while hoping that Dortmund; who have had a bad run of form in their domestic league won't lose against Galatasaray, these kind of matches give me chills more than when we are playing against Bayern with ten men.
Arsenal have had a tendency of faltering at this decisive moments in the past, just when we more than sure we've sealed our fate. Am simply hoping Karma doesn't catch up with us, in front of our esteemed, passionate fans. But all that could only depend on Wenger's selection.Arteta and Flamini's partnership has worked miracles, with the gunners yet to concede since he two stepped on the pitch together this term.
Contrary to last term's miss communication and poor reading of the game, the two make shift defensive midfielders have formed a solid defensive wall, which in return has given Chambers and Gibbs the freedom to dart forward and as a result, yielded two goals and an assist between the two full backs in the last three games.
Start Podolski, rest Alexis and let Ramsey and Cazorla enjoy the flow together! To be honest, Ramsey's inclusion on Saturday changed our tides, and with Flamini giving the Welsh man the freedom to roam around, Ramsey opened up Burnley's defence with his technical talent and super cordination with Sanchez and Cazorla, at the centre of the park.
With Ramsey now fully fit, he deserves a starting berth and if Cazorla can up his game tonight, I don't see why the woodwork rattling Podolski wouldn't score a double playing alongside the two!
Podolski has endured much pain on the bench even with his satisfying performances, but it's time the manager gave him the chance to prove he really deserves to be left on the bench.
Good news is that Walcott is back to full fitness but before he can start to earn some few games under his belt, at least let Podolski kill these teams off.
sitting second in group D, I'm hoping the team will Diffuse Anderlecht and believe that we won't have another Gunner limping out; now that we are establishing ourselves both in the league and in Europe, after a rocky start to the season.
Most heart warming news today is that the club are set to open contractual talks with Walcott, and with the pacy England international set to have 18 months left on his contract come December, this will be a major boost if the 25 year old commits past 2018.
MATCH FACTS
*This was the first time since November 2003 (v Inter Milan away) that Arsenal have scored two goals in the final five minutes of the same Champions League game.
Only one of the previous 13 Champions League meetings between teams from *Belgium and England have been won by the Belgian team (11 English wins, one draw).
*No English side has failed to score in a Champions League game against a Belgian opponent before (13 games).
*Anderlecht suffered their worst defeat in Europe against an English side: 0-10 against Man united in the European Cup preliminary round in 1956/57.
*The
Gunners’ joint-biggest win in Europe came against a Belgian team,
beating Standard Liège 7-0 in the Cup Winners Cup in 1993/94.
*Lukas Podolski has scored in six of his nine Champions League appearances for Arsenal,
including in four of his last five apps in the competition.
*Anderlecht have conceded a goal in 11 successive Champions League games, letting in 28 goals overall (2.5 a game).
My predicted lineup: Szczesny should start after serving his suspension with Chambers, Per,Monreal and Gibbs to defend him. Sanchez,Cazorla,Ramsey and Ox should control the midfield while Welbeck continue to lead the attack.
My prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Anderlecht (Sanchez,Podolski,Welbeck)
@bryoshavin
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