UCL – What We Learned – Arsenal 3 Dinamo Zagreb 0

UCL – What We Learned – Arsenal 3 Dinamo Zagreb 0

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A clinical first half saw Arsenal coast to a 3-0 win against Dinamo Zagreb and keep their Champions League hopes alive.

The Croatian side set up to frustrate Arsenal, sitting very deep and attempting to constrict the space for Arsenal’s attacking weapons. However, their negative tactics were undone by two poor turnovers of possession, allowing the Gunners to punch through the defence in an instant and score through Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. The latter scored a second late in the match to secure the result, which forces a showdown in Greece on the final matchday for a place in the round of 16.

Big two shine for Arsenal

Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez have been the two Wenger signings that have boosted the club in recent years and with their Champions League hopes in the balance the two skilful attackers found the breakthroughs required.

The crucial first goal was a result of a brutally efficient movement up the field, covering half the pitch in a matter of seconds following a poor turnover by Dinamo. Sanchez was given a one-on-one opportunity on the left flank, and the Chilean used that extra space to pick out the run of Ozil, who produced a diving header that Olivier Giroud would have been proud of.

That lovely piece of play broke the resolve of Dinamo and Sanchez was able to get his name on the scoresheet just moments later, profiting from a smart interception from Nacho Monreal. While both Sanchez and Ozil made direct impacts on the scoreboard, their presence was often felt in defence as well, showing great desire to harass Dinamo’s players and win the ball back in their attacking half.

The second half was a much more measured display from Arsenal designed to consolidate their lead, but Sanchez made his presence felt as a central striker following Olivier Giroud’s withdrawal. The Chilean broke the offside trap perfectly to score his second of the match and put the result beyond doubt, but also had a strong penalty shout waved away.

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Ozil continued his fine form

Champions League hopes remain alive

The  Gunners’ chances of qualifying for the knockout stages needed a hand from Bayern Munich, which they duly received as the Bavarians routed Olympiakos 4-0 in Germany. The result, in conjunction with Arsenal’s win, sets up a mouth-watering clash in Greece on the final matchday.

With two Premier League fixtures against teams from the bottom five until then, Arsenal should be able to enter the match with a rested lineup as they look to secure a two-goal win over the Greek side. Despite having a superior goal difference, second place in the group can only be secured if Arsenal have a better head-to-head record against Olympiakos – a 1-0 win will not do it. At the bare minimum, a 4-3 result would send the Gunners through, but 2-0 would no doubt be what Wenger is aiming for.

It is certainly an achievable result based on this performance, but it is always difficult to tell which version of Arsenal will turn up on the day.

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Zagreb bow out with a whimper

A repeat of their heroics in Croatia would have secured at least third spot in the group for Dinamo Zagreb. However, they were thoroughly outclassed by a more experienced Arsenal lineup. The occasion required a disciplined performance from the visitors, but trivial errors in possession saw them deservedly punished and it is no surprise that they will not be playing European football in the New Year.

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