Arsenal welcome Atletico Madrid to the Emirates on Tuesday for a massive match with a spot in the Champions League final on the line.
May has begun, and with it comes the final phase of the season and everything left to play for in the Premier League and Champions League. After an awful April, the Gunners kicked off their May run with a resounding 3-0 victory over Fulham at home in the Premier League. It was the most dominant performance by Mikel Arteta’s side in some time, and not a moment too soon.
Questions about Arsenal’s pedigree came thick and fast during their poor run in April, and Saturday’s performance was an impressive response in the face of mounting criticisms.
You couldn’t have asked for a better performance ahead of Tuesday’s decisive second leg. Diego Simeone’s side was ramped up in the first leg in front of an oppressive home support with the crowd in full voice for a full 90 minutes. If the atmosphere at the Emirates on Saturday was any indicator, the Arsenal fans will be eager to return the favor, especially after a contentious result. The ovation at halftime as the Gunners entered the locker room up 3-0 was simply astounding, and the agonizing nerves that permeated the stadium in recent matches were absent during the emphatic result.
There’s no need to belabor the importance of this match. We all know how massive the opportunity is. Arsenal’s history in Europe has been marked by an endless string of frustration that every player and supporter is hungry to see come to an end. With a chance to reach their second ever Champions League final, can the Gunners capitalize on Saturday’s result and earn a berth in the finals 20 years after their first, and only, appearance?
Here are three talking points ahead of Tuesday’s match:
Know the Enemy
Atletico Madrid come to the Emirates for the second time this season, this time with raised stakes and rested legs.
During the weekend, Diego Simeone was able to do what every team left in the Champions League bar Arsenal have done when he rotated his entire starting XI for their match at Valencia. A youthful side earned a 0-2 win on the road while the key players were left on the bench or given late minutes.
Simeone is as pragmatic as they come and will hope that the extra rest proves the difference. Arsenal’s tough schedule has led to a war of attrition at key positions, and the Argentine manager enters Tuesday’s tilt knowing that many of Arteta’s players will have been running on fumes for the last month.
The Emirates was the site of one of Atleti’s biggest defeats this season when the Gunners played them off the pitch in the second half to the tune of 4-0 in October. That result feels like a lifetime ago, and the circumstances will have changed significantly since then. Last week’s 1-1 nail-biter will have breathed some belief into the visitors as they return to the scene of their humbling defeat looking to exact some revenge and secure their spot in the final.
Injuries & Suspensions
Saturday’s result was excellent in more ways than just the scoreline. Key players were able to rotate early, and the Gunners managed to finish out the match without any additional injuries. That’s a win all around.
Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard are both pushing to be fit by Tuesday according to Arteta. Either would be a big boost with Arsenal vying for a spot in the final.
OUT: Mikel Merino (foot), Jurrien Timber (groin/hip)
DOUBT: Jurrien Timber (groin/hip) Martin Ødegaard (knee), Kai Havertz (muscular)
Predicted Lineup
Attack: Martinelli, Gyökeres, Saka
Following an immense performance at the Emirates, the attack will look to repeat that same level on Tuesday.
Viktor Gyökeres had his best match in some time on Saturday. Two first half goals and an assist earned him deserved Man of the Match honors. He was playing on a different level than we have seen recently and looked like the striker we all hoped he would be.
A lot of that can be chalked up to his supporting cast. Bukayo Saka returned to the right wing for his first start since his recent injury and was sublime. His assist for Gyökeres’ opener was vintage Saka, leaving the Raul Jiménez on ice skates before placing a pinpoint low cross for Vik to tap in. He followed that up with a near-post finish with Vik setting him up to return the favor.
On the left, it’s a bit of a tossup. Leandro Trossard looked good on Saturday, chipping in an assist for Gyökeres’ second goal and having a previous one chalked off for offside. The fact that he played a full 90, though, gives reason to believe that he is likely spelled by Gabriel Martinelli, who was an unused sub. Leo is no longer a “70+ minutes every three days” sort of player, and Martinelli has enjoyed a lot of success in Europe this season. Martinelli’s defensive work-rate could prove itself vital against a rested Atleti side.
Midfield: Rice, Zubimendi, Eze
Better late than never, right?
The midfield was given a shot in the arm with Myles Lewis-Skelly making a start over Martin Zubimendi, and the Hale End grad lit up the pitch. His fresh legs and fearless play allowed Arsenal to progress the ball and play more front-footed en route to a dominant 3-0 win.
That being said, I still cannot help but think that Arteta will start Martin Zubimendi. Is it the right call in such a major match? That’s tough to say. Zubi has been quite good all season, but it’s been clear that the wear and tear of his first season in England has hampered him. His experience likely gives him the edge, but I’m not sure too many folks would be upset to see Myles get a start after Saturday.
Declan Rice remains evergreen in the midfield. He looked as sharp as ever on Saturday and even got a rare rest when subbed off for Zubi. Opposite him, Eberechi Eze stepped back into the midfield for Martin Ødegaard and didn’t look any worse for the wear. With the captain’s availability once again in doubt, it’s safe to assume he takes the 10 if Ødegaard is not yet fit.
Defense: Calafiori, Gabriel, Saliba, White
Arsenal’s defense kept Fulham quiet all match long on the weekend. It was the sort of display you want to see with a title on the line, and they delivered.
Riccardo Calafiori’s return was excellent, as he created his usual chaos going forward. The fact that he played the entire match is a strong indicator that he is ready to reclaim his starting spot. Piero Hincapie is another candidate for the left after a series of solid displays, but with so much on the line, it would make a lot of sense for Arteta to start Cala for 60 before bringing in Piero to close out the match.
On the right, Ben White was much more secure than recent displays. Having Saka ahead of him helped, to be sure. His fitness remains a source of constant concern, but he is a warrior.
Gabriel and William Saliba were imperious once again, especially Saliba. His ability to absorb and relieve pressure is unrivaled, and he progressed the ball with confidence. Gabi is the emotional leader at the back and plays every match like his life depends on it.
Keeper: Raya
David Raya notched his 17th clean sheet of the PL season after a largely uneventful match. It’s always nice when your keeper is hardly tested. His distribution will be a key component to help the attack unlock a resolute Atleti defense.
This season’s Arsenal have been through all of the highs and lows imaginable. Missed opportunities, injuries, big wins, and everything in between have punctuated a season chock full of potential. April tried its best to derail it, but through it all, the Gunners are still here, standing on the verge of an historic season for a club whose past is decorated with champions and legends but missing that one, massive piece of European silverware. Tuesday will be one of the last crucibles along their path to greatness, and they have certainly earned their shot at glory. If they can stand tall and play at the level they shown time and time again this season, then a deserved trip to Budapest awaits.
WHO: Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid
WHAT: Champions League semifinal 2nd leg
WHEN: Tuesday, May 5th, 3:00pm EST/12:00pm PST/8:00pm GMT
WHERE: The Emirates Stadium, London
HOW TO WATCH: Broadcast live on CBS. Streaming on the Paramount+ app.
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