The Difference In Europe

Arsenal's form has been somewhat indifferent this season, with performances fluctuating between competitions.

However, compared with recent seasons, Arsenal have been formidible in the Champion's League eliminating two of the tournaments favorites, Real Madrid & Juventus.

So what is Arsene doing so differently previous campaign's that has made such a difference??

Simmy8_2000 thinks he knows.

The start of the Wenger days at Arsenal signalled the start of a new era, fast 1 touch, European style football was on the Menu at Highbury from day one.

This, you would think would have suited the Champions League 'style' of football, but it didn’t. Arsenal became a major force on the domestic side but, like many of our French cousins couldn't defend to save their lives in Europe.

We were, for a time the best team in England and even in Europe but STILL we failed to get beyond the Champions League quarter finals. Why was this I hear you ask? Well for some time people put it down to Arsene's tactics, then they blamed the players, claiming that they were not up to big occasions. Although this season it has become apparent that it was in fact neither and both.

The 4-5-1 formation used by Arsenal drew a huge amount of criticism from pundits, that same formation has been a revelation in Europe this season allowing us to keep the ball, defend well and catch teams on the break. This formation might bring us more stability and a bigger presence in midfield but it isn’t the favourite formation of our talisman Thierry Henry, although I think he will put up with it!

In short, we can bombard teams with our stylish football in domestic games but not in Europe where we need stability. Both the manager and the team have raised the bar at the club this season and long may it continue.

Simmy8_2000

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.