Arsenal look to find Champions League respite after domestic struggles | OneFootball

Arsenal face Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates Stadium in their penultimate Champions League group-stage match tomorrow.

A win secures them a play-off spot at the very least, but the Gunners must aim higher to take control of their campaign and avoid the additional round.

Mikel Arteta’s side has impressed at home in Europe, maintaining an unbeaten run since their return to the Champions League.

The Gunners have delivered commanding performances this season, including a 5-1 thrashing of Sporting CP and a 3-0 victory over Monaco.

A similar result against Zagreb would not only reinforce their European credentials but also set a club record for consecutive Champions League wins by three or more goals.

However, Arsenal’s momentum has faltered. The 2-2 draw with Aston Villa highlighted vulnerabilities, leaving them six points adrift of Liverpool in the Premier League title race.

With injuries piling up and form dipping, the Champions League could represent their best chance of silverware this season

Victory against Zagreb would not just offer progression but much-needed breathing room. Skipping the play-off round would allow the team to regroup and recharge during a hectic schedule.

Arteta has already hinted at the importance of rest periods, particularly with key players like William Saliba and Bukayo Saka still in recovery phases.

Zagreb may seem a manageable opponent, but their away form demands respect. Wins against Red Bull Salzburg and Slovan Bratislava prove their capability to upset the odds.

However, their inconsistencies – highlighted by a 9-2 drubbing at Bayern Munich – should give Arsenal confidence if they maintain focus and capitalise on home advantage.

Arteta must field a side capable of balancing intensity and control. Ethan Nwaneri and Riccardo Calafiori, returning to fitness, could provide fresh options for rotation.

At the same time, the team must ensure their defensive structure remains solid, particularly given Saliba’s absence.

This match offers Arsenal a unique opportunity to dictate their European destiny while easing the strain on a squad battling on multiple fronts.

With their Premier League hopes wavering, the Champions League presents a chance to turn a promising season into a memorable one. The Gunners must seize it.