Synopsis
As the Champions League preliminary stage nears its conclusion, Arsenal's upcoming match against Dinamo Zagreb is critical for their hopes of securing a top-eight finish. Mikel Arteta stresses the importance of a strong home performance to capitalize on their current position.Key Takeaways
- Arsenal is third in the Champions League group stage.
- A win against Dinamo Zagreb is vital for a top-eight finish.
- Securing a top-eight position provides a bye into the last 16.
- Mikel Arteta emphasizes home advantage for crucial matches.
- Dinamo Zagreb struggles with managerial changes and poor performance.
London, Jan 21 (NationPress) With only two match weeks left, the initial league stage of the Champions League is reaching its critical phase, and a victory for Arsenal against Dinamo Zagreb this Wednesday could be decisive. The Gunners currently hold the third position in the 36-team league standings, trailing only Liverpool and Barcelona, having accumulated 13 points from six group matches thus far to firmly place them in the hunt for a position in the esteemed top eight.
Securing one of those spots could be essential in the season’s final outcome. In addition to gaining a bye into the round of 16 and avoiding two extra playoff games involving the clubs finishing ninth to 24th, the elite eight will enjoy home advantage in the second legs of those encounters scheduled for March.
Mikel Arteta highlighted the significance of leveraging their home advantage and aspires for his team to deliver a robust performance in this crucial UCL group stage match. "Up to now, we have performed admirably. We are in a strong position, and now is the moment to capitalize at home. The preparation we have undertaken over the months requires a strong showing against a very capable opponent, and we will aim to achieve that," stated Arteta during a press briefing.
Dinamo Zagreb commenced their UCL journey with a disheartening 9-2 defeat to Bayern Munich - the club’s most significant loss ever, leading to the dismissal of their then head coach Sergej Jakirovic.
Nenad Bjelica made a return as manager four years after his departure, but he lasted only until December after securing just five victories in 15 matches, with only one win in his last seven, which was their most recent competitive game on December 22 - a 3-2 victory over Varazdin. The winter break saw the appointment of former Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro as his successor, who has managed two friendly matches in preparation for their journey to North London.
Despite the heavy defeat in Munich, Dinamo heads into this match week clinging to the 24th and final qualifying position in the table with eight points. A last-minute penalty denied them a win against Monaco, followed by away victories against Salzburg and Slovan Bratislava. They suffered a 3-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund before securing a goalless draw against Celtic in their most recent continental outing.
If Arsenal manages to clinch a top-eight finish, it would be a significant relief as it would result in two fewer matches amidst a congested fixture schedule. The Gunners’ exit from the FA Cup means Arteta’s squad will benefit from a much-needed respite in their calendar. The Spaniard acknowledged the necessity for a break and recalled how a pause aided his squad in the previous season.
"Let’s first accomplish what we need to do, which is always challenging because we’re discussing the Champions League. If we succeed in that, we will surely have the best strategies in place to make the right decisions.
"Yes, a break was very beneficial [last season] given the schedule we faced in the final three months. A break can provide a chance to reset, work on various aspects, and rest certain players, while others return. That would be fantastic," he added.
