Only three clubs have recovered from such a first-leg deficit in the history of European competitions, but those were back in the 1980s, but Wenger is daring to “dream” and will point to Milan’s loss to Deportivo back in 2004 when they crashed out after holding a 4-1 lead.
Back-to-back wins over arch rivals Tottenham and Liverpool has certainly boosted the feel-good factor at the club. As the Gunners look to complete ‘Mission Improbable, here, Sport360°, anaylses the the three key battles where the game may just be won and lost.
THOMAS VERMAELEN v ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC
Swede Ibrahimovic produced arguably his best performance against English opposition in the first leg, setting up a brace for former Manchester City striker Robinho and also slotting home a late penalty. After returning from a domestic suspension to score a hat-trick in the Rossoneri’s win at Palermo last weekend, Ibrahimovic will be in the mood to add to his brace at the Emirates Stadium when playing for Barcelona two seasons ago. By his own high standards, Belgium international Vermaelen had a poor game in the San Siro and will be out to stay closer to his former Ajax team-mate when they go head-to-head again tonight.
ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN v MARK VAN BOMMEL
With Arsenal seeing their midfield options limited by injury, Gunners manager Arsene Wenger could unleash England Under-21 international Oxlade-Chamberlain in his starting XI. The livewire former Southampton starlet continues to grow with every first-team opportunity, and injected some life into a lacklustre Arsenal performance in Milan when coming on as a second-half substitute. Holland international Van Bommel will be out to cut off any supply line to what is expected to be an attacking Gunners side.
ROBIN VAN PERSIE v THIAGO SILVA
Arsenal talisman and skipper Van Persie remains the Gunners’ most potent threat, smashing another brace in the win at Liverpool to take his tally to an incredibly 31 goals for the season. The Dutch destroyer was starved of quality service in the San Siro, but expect a much-improved supply line from the likes of Theo Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gervinho as manager Wenger goes for broke. Brazil centre-half Silva, arguably the finest in world football, will need all of his speed and athleticism to shackle Arsenal’s dangerman.
