Chronicle EditorLONDON. – Arsenal have a gilt-edged opportunity to kick a self-destructive Champions League soccer habit when they host Paris St Germain tonight knowing victory will seal top spot in Group A.The north Londoners have fallen in the last-16 in each of the past six seasons and during that period only once did they finish first in their initial group.
Their punishment for finishing runners-up on the other five occasions was harsh, twice being drawn against Bayern Munich and twice against Barcelona, losing all four ties, while even when fortune did favour them they succumbed to Monaco. Even if they do beat PSG, who are level on 10 points with the Gunners, tonight the spectre of a horror draw against Bayern or Barcelona would still exist. Neither of those two clubs are guaranteed top spot in their respective sections and could lurk as runners-up but unless Arsene Wenger owns a crystal ball he can only assume that finishing top will be rewarded.
Ultimately, luck of the draw will play its part but an Arsenal victory would maintain the positive vibe of their campaign to date and fire out a message to their rivals. Wenger said tonight’s match is like a cup final. “We need to be serious offensively and defensively,” he added. “Both sides will be solid defensively. PSG like to have possession, we like to have possession. The first round (a 1-1 draw at the Parc de Princes) was a very open and a good game. I hope that will be the case tomorrow night (tonight).”
Asked about the importance of topping the group. “It would be important,” Wenger said. “We have created momentum but have been stuttering a little bit at the moment. We want to strengthen that momentum again with wins.”
The Gunners will be out to put one over the French champions, whom they held 1-1 in Paris, as both struggle for top spot in Group A, the pair having already booked passage to the knock-out phase. The Londoners could look to Olivier Giroud, who rescued a point from the bench at Old Trafford, to spearhead their attack after Alexis Sanchez played through hamstring trouble. When asked whether he is thinking of playing Sanchez or Giroud against PSG, Wenger said: “They are different styles of players and that dictates a different style to us and shape, as well as the form of players at the moment. It’s a mixture of many ingredients.
“My job is to select and decide and that is the same every week.”
How much of a problem is the absence of Hector Bellerin right-back?
“It is a problem because we would prefer Bellerin is ready to play but as well it’s an opportunity for the players who come in.” Giroud came off the bench to score against Manchester United on Saturday but has seen his starting opportunities limited.
“I have only good players,” Wenger said. “Every week I leave top players on the bench and rotate. Olivier was out injured for a long time and is ready now. He is not forever on the bench. He will play games and start sometimes like everyone else.”
Asked whether the France striker will start against PSG, Wenger said: “I have not decided yet.” As Arsenal drew with Manchester United to leave them fourth in the Premier League, PSG warmed up for Wednesday with a fourth straight win, 2-0 over Nantes, as they chase down French leaders Nice.
Today’s UEFA Champions League Fixtures (all 9:45pm unless otherwise stated)
Group A: Arsenal v Paris Saint Germain; Ludogorets Razgrad v FC Basel
Group B: Besiktas v Benfica; Napoli v Dynamo Kiev
Group C: Bor Monchengladbach v Manchester City; Celtic v Barcelona
Group D: FC Rostov v Bayern Munich (7pm); Atlético Madrid v PSV Eindhoven – Reuters.
Online Reporter