Arsene Wenger has urged Arsenal to make the most of their qualities when they meet Barcelona in the Champions League this week, and insisted that this is the Gunners’ best chance of seeing off the Catalan giants.
“It’s our best chance now, no matter how big the chance is. We have to take it and have a go at them,” the French coach began, as reported by The Sun.
“In these big games with the first tie at home, we can’t be stupid. Many times we’ve won away and at home we’ve conceded,” he continued.
“We have to find a good balance between defending and attacking.”
Barcelona are the reigning European champions, and remain the outright favourites to retain their title following a dominant showing in the competition to date and a sublime run of form in La Liga.
After this weekend’s 2-1 win away at Las Palmas, and with Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid both dropping points, the Catalan giants have taken a firm grip on top spot in the Spanish table.
Luis Enrique’s side currently sit on 63 points after 25 matches, eight points clear of Atletico and nine ahead of Real.
In the Champions League, Barca picked up 14 points from a possible 18, and scored 15 goals, more than all but two sides in the opening round of Europe’s premier club competition.
Arsenal, by contrast, limped into the second round despite picking up only three points from their opening four matches.
Defensively, they have improved since the addition of Petr Cech, and currently have the second best defensive record in the Premier League after rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
However, against the likes of Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar, their new-found resolve will be severely tested.
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