Ok guys, we got beaten, but it's time to dust ourselves off and march on. The last realistic target we have left is top 4 qualification. This is probably the most hectic and competitive it's been in a long while, so we'll need our best players available until the end. So what do we do, rest our key players against the return leg to Bayern and focus on the Prem, or do we play our best team and seek a respectable result. Personally I would drop our key players - Wilshere, Cazorla, Sagna, Walcott and focus on the Prem. We have little chance of getting anything tangable from the game and we run the risk of injuring our best players, namely Wilshere, who ran his socks off yesterday. We can still play a decent team on the return leg and Bayern will probably take it easier after being virtually through.
We need to put our best team and try to get a result. Regardless. We have to go there and try to win. Even if we do not go through, these are the games where the team is being built and players are being matured. All they need is to go there, put our best team and fight until the last second, and so be it. Bayern gave us a lesson and these lessons are priceless. Any team should cherish the chance to play against a superiour opposition, this is the best way to progress. What we need to focus on is the right team mentality and spirit. We have already rested players to focus on Bayern. We know the result. And apart from that not putting our best team and not trying our best against Bayern would be a massive disgrace to the fans, to the club and to the football. Because this is a great priviledge to play against such a great team. Or you can "rest" your best for the great night of football, "focus" on Aston Villa and keep on being loosers.
Difficult to decide at this juncture. Before the return leg, we have to play Villa at Home, and both Spurs and Everton. If we don't get at least 7 out of those 9 points, finishing 4th might be all but impossible. If things don't quickly improve, by the time we get to March 13th, it all might be academic, anyway.
This is Arsenal Football Club. This is not some small town, middle of nowhere club with a tiny squad struggling to survive. Arsenal are one of the biggest clubs in England, part of the European Elite. Arsenal Football Club should have the squad to compete completely in ALL matches. There should be NO "First Team" of 11 players, but a First Team Squad of 25, all of whom are capable of coming in and playing to almost the same standard. Giving up on the Tie is unacceptable. If the squad is too weak to compete for anything other than 4th in the PL then questions MUST be asked. 4th place was always the "minimum," as described by Arsenal. When did that minimum become the maximum and only attainable achievement with the squad? This is Arsenal. This is ridiculous.
I agree with all your sentiments, but it all comes down to our main goals and aims now. It would suprise me if Wenger dropped his players for the return leg, as he favours the Champions League. But equally so, he values qualification and the revenue it brings.
Nothing is hopeless and you've got to go for it. I don't think you could/should put out a team with an expectation/desire to lose. A club of Arsenal's stature really shouldn't accept that. That said, it will be an absolutely massive ask. This season, Bayern have played 38 games (22 league, 4 cup, 7 Champ L & 5 friendlies), only conceding 11 in total. Bearing in mind you will have to score at least 3 goals - that's one hell of a challenge.......although Chelsea (my club) were given no chance last year in a whole host of games and still came out on top. When Arsenal are really at it, they are a great team. Turn it on from the first second of the match, score early and....who knows?
A big beating in Munich would further damage morale. And you can't risk Munich having an off day (possibly due to complacency) and you not having the players out there to take advantage. Even if you are only playing for pride, a good performance could give you impetus to push on for the last several games of the season. You'd be a laughing stock if you took a second team out there for a beating.
