Arsenal: The Gunners aiming for third win in as many against AC Milan

Later tonight Arsenal gets to enjoy a two-goal advantage against Italian side, AC Milan. In the first leg of this Europa League tie we witnessed a restored Arsenal team claim victory at the San Siro.

Exactly a week ago, Arsenal was probably at their lowest point and in all sorts of turmoil. The commotion happened directly after the Gunners suffered four losses in a row – at the end of the long run of four games, Wenger’s final loss came against minnows, Brighton.

It was then – where Arsenal TV was on point and delivered excellent coverage of fans asking for Arsene Wenger’s head on a stake, and the club to stop the embarrassment they endured each game. It was the reason before last week Thursday – the Gunners were not favourites between the two side in this important meeting.

However, after the major wake up call was acknowledged by the Frenchman, the team played in a must-win European clash and a Premier League match they were seeking much needed revenge. And what came as a surprise when they played these two fixtures out – Arsenal was far better than first forecasted.

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Beating Milan in their own backyard, while they gloated one of the best undefeated runs in the Serie A, was the best way Wenger and Emirates side could bounce back to winning ways. They followed up their European shocker with a fluent and persuasive victory over Watford.

Who we know did a number on them in the reverse fixture of the Premier League. 

This will be the biggest test following the Gunners’ fixtures prior to this. If they make it three wins in as many – then all is not lost for the North London club, who only have the Europa League competition to save their miserable campaign.

If they do progress it will be the first time, in I don’t know how many years Arsenal will pass the Round of 16, meanwhile their rivals Man United and Tottenham, both got knocked out. Something to savour in a disappointing season with some light at the end of a lonely tunnel.

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/973961267793879040

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What to expect in tonight’s tie between Arsenal and AC Milan

The English club will not be resting on their heels for this one after what happened in their previous European fixture inside the Emirates Stadium. They will be treating this fixture as if they were heading into it with no goal advantage.

The preceding game [Arsenal 1-2 Ostersund] was the the first match Arsenal lost, which caused a snowball effect. It was the start of the Gunners’ series, ‘losing was never a problem’. But now they come back with another test in their unforgiving campaign, and a test where the visitors cannot be entertained, rather be treated as unwelcome guest.

The look about Wenger’s men exhibits confidence and a team clicking together at the right moments, rather than some dotting and others dashing. Two clean sheets on the way and five goals while being so defensively assertive.

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What needs to work in London

The things that have to work for Arsenal so they can avoid another Ostersund.

Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are the Gooners Wenger needs firing on all cylinders. Another player who needs to showup is Xhaka. He goes missing in too many games, high-profile or not, he can create a massive hole in the centre.

If this midfield ticks, the home side will surely take the game away from the visitors with easy. Welbeck will be leading the line with both, Lacazette and Aubameyang out, incapable of being selected.

He hasn’t exactly been Messi returning from injury – but hasn’t put a foot wrong and deserves a start. When these players do the business the results go the right way. This is all they will need to see the return leg out against Milan.

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Since the last time the two met, AC Milan has only played one fixture away and returned to winning ways. This gives them a bit of hope in their journey to the Emirates.

Gattuso’s a man of fighting spirit and that’s exactly what he’s installed into this Milan team. This mindset and attitude has been key to the rebirth of the sleeping giants. It will be a sin to assume the worst is yet to come for AC and they have nothing to say about it.

Going for an Arsenal win but an exciting encounter no doubt, and end-to-end action.

Match time: 20:05 GMT; 22:05 CAT; 15:05 EST
Venue: The Emirates Stadium
Score prediction: Arsenal 2-1 AC Milan