It is almost a given that Arsenal will reach the UEFA Champions League knockout stages, but their path to the last 16 could become “problematic” if they fail to beat Galatasaray today.
That was the stark warning from midfielder Santi Cazorla ahead of the clash with the Turkish side at The Emirates Stadium, where the Gunners will bid to kickstart their European campaign after failing to do so at Borussia Dortmund two weeks ago.
“It was a bad game [in Dortmund],” the Spaniard told Arsenal’s Web site. “Now we are fully aware that we are almost obliged to win the next Champions League game because there may be problematic times for us if we don’t so we’d better win. It’s true that Arsenal have a great record when it comes to the group stage. However, all that history doesn’t count now.”
Arsenal got off lightly in their Group D opener, lucky to lose only 2-0 in Dortmund after being comprehensively outplayed for 90 minutes by the Bundesliga side, who already look strong favorites to top the group.
Although a home match against Galatasaray — who have never beaten an English side away — would appear to offer the perfect chance for Arsene Wenger’s side to respond with a handsome victory, things may not be so simple.
Wenger’s squad is at full stretch after a rash of injuries, the most recent of which came in Saturday’s 1-1 derby draw with Tottenham Hotspur, when Michel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey were both ruled out of today’s match.
With Jack Wilshere also a doubt after taking a knock to the ankle, rightback Mathieu Debuchy out for three months and Theo Walcott still not ready to return from a cruciate ligament injury, Arsenal will not be at full strength.
They still have the attacking threat of record signing Mesut Ozil, Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez, who came off the bench against Tottenham after having been rested, as well as Cazorla and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who leveled against Spurs.
Arsenal are in their 17th straight season in the Champions League and not since the 1999-2000 edition have they failed to progress from their group, the season they ended up losing to Galatasaray on penalties in the UEFA Cup final.
Galatasaray, who began with a draw against RSC Anderlecht, have not been anywhere near as reliable, although they did reach the quarters in the 2012-2013 season after a five-year absence. They also reached the first knockout round last season, but have had a mediocre campaign so far.
A 2-1 win over fellow Turkish side Sivasspor on Friday was only the second win in six this season for Cesare Prandelli’s side.
They will enjoy noisy support in north London, home to a large Turkish population and Prandelli said his side must not have an inferiority complex, despite Arsenal never having lost to a Turkish team over 90 minutes.
“We need to play our own game, always and regardless of where we play, with our heads held high,” he told Turkish media.
Camerooon defender Aurelien Chedjou said all the pressure would be on Arsenal as “we all know Dortmund and Arsenal are the favorites in the group, but there is always room for surprises.”
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