Champions League: Analysing British Hopes of Winning

Arsenal How can Arsenal hope to win without Robin Van Persie? Well, the answer goes by the name of Santi Cazorla, a player of immense skill and minute stature comparable to his Spanish compatriots Xavi and Ineista. His acquisition has rapidly quietened the discontent regarding the departure of last year€™s top goal scorer, although Van Persie€™s eventual destination to Old Trafford may come back to bite Wenger€™s domestic hopes. The acquisition of Cazorla late in the summer transfer window has ushered in a raft of new Gunners, including the mercurial Lukas Podolski and promising Olivier Giroud, who have gelled seamlessly with their new teammates. It is no wonder some say that the current crop of players could eventually rival the undefeated Invincibles of the 2003/04 season. Certainly, they share the same qualities in attack, but with the added boon of a competent defensive unit this squad has all the hallmarks of a quality Wenger side. However, Wenger€™s teams have sometimes lacked the typical hard-edged British fight of the George Graham era and this could hamper hopes of breaking their 7 year search for silverware. The Gunners can no longer rely on Van Persie€™s goal threat so a collective team ethic has emerged to compensate the loss. And with a promising group of young players like Ramsey, Wilshere (when fit), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gibbs and Jenkinson the future looks bright for Arsenal. Right now this team has the potential to match any team in terms of possession. The key word here being potential, but they have started well in the group stages and look to have a smooth transition into the knockout rounds. Of course, the true test from will come from the likes of Barcelona or Real Madrid and may be too overwhelming for the youngsters in the squad. Wenger hopes to counteract this and has cleverly surrounded this relative new blood with seasoned professionals, such as Arteta, the aforementioned Podolski and the giant centre back Mertesacker, who are at the peak of their careers. This blend of youth and experience culminates in a team that exudes pace, but also a tactical discipline which has not always gone hand in hand at the Emirates. Although relatively unproven this Arsenal side is surely a team that everyone wishes to avoid in the elimination rounds. Prediction: Of all the British teams in Europe Arsenal could be the strongest contenders to come home with the trophy. They are more solid at the back than previous years and are playing well, very well in fact. On their day they can and have beaten the likes of Barcelona. If they avoid Real Madrid then anything is possible. It would be a perfect antidote to the cries of anti-football levelled at both the English National team and club sides emanating from some bitter European neighbours.