Former Arsenal manager George Graham has told talkSPORT how he believes
the Gunners can record a surprise result against Barcelona in the Champions League.
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| George Graham’ |
Arsene Wenger’s men host the in-form Spanish giants for the
first leg of their last 16 clash on Tuesday night, and there is little
expectation that the Gunners can record a result.
Barcelona have blown away teams this season with their ‘holy
trinity’ front three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar,
but Graham believes Arsenal have what it takes to stop the high flying trio if
they stick to the right game plan.
The Gunners stunned Bayern Munich with a steadfast defensive display
to claim a 2-1 victory in the group stages earlier this season, and ex-boss
Graham believes a similar display could just see Wenger’s men claim another
shock win.
Speaking on the Alan Brazil
Sports Breakfast, he explained: “It’s very difficult for Arsenal to
change.
“On the ball Arsenal they’re as good as many other team in
England. They play lovely attractive attacking football. The problem is, for me, that off
the ball they’re just above average.
“Their philosophy under Arsene Wenger has always been an attacking and
passing-based game, which is very attractive and has brought a lot of rewards,
but I think when you’re playing against the top, top teams you’ve got to go in
with a certain plan.
“I would definitely drop off when Barcelona have the ball,
which is very unusual for Arsenal, especially at home. They need to make the
unit very tight so there is no space in between the lines.
“Pressing high wouldn’t play to Arsenal’s strengths. I think
they’re better dropping off quite deep so the Barcelona players don’t get the
space and the time and then they’re coming onto ten outfield players, and not
just the back four.”
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