How do Arsenal beat Bayern?

It's a must win game for Arsenal tonight against Bayern Munich. That is, if they want to stay in the Champions League.

So how are they going to beat them? How do they win a must win game?

Well, unfortunately there isn't a full-proof way. Bayern have the stronger squad. Below is a mixture of the two teams and as you can see there are only two players from Arsenal's team and nine from Bayern's. Not only that but the players that have been knocked out by Arsenal's players are far closer in standard to their counterparts than the Arsenal players, who don't make the joint squad, are to their counterparts. 

For the most part anyway. Cech is very close to Neuer, I think. Ozil could get in but only really because he is part of the German contingent and let's not forget Ribery and Robben are injured. 

First and foremost, there is a simple way to beat them. Play well. Despite the fact that they have not made the joint team, a lot of Arsenal players are of a very high quality. Ramsey, Cazorla, Walcott and even Coquelin. 

Walcott's pace can scare anyone and that has to be utilised as it always does. He needs to make that run in behind all day long and since it is likely that Arsenal will have possession very rarely, he has to be an outlet on the counter attack.

Part of the problem is that Arsenal are a possession team. However, Bayern will likely hold the lions share of possession. So the conundrum is deciding whether they concede that fact early or take their chances on holding the ball.

Arsenal have good players in possession but they are not as good at defending. Unfortunately, they don't have many substitutes who can come in and defend solidly for them. However, I would put my trust in the usual starting 11 to defend. They know the importance. 

Arsenal will not be used to being pressed so aggressively and so high up the pitch but it can work in their favour. Cazorla becomes important. Vidal will be all over him but the little Spaniard has fantastic footwork and if he can keep Vidal entertained then he can start to dictate the game when he has the ball. 

It requires patience though, as I have said, he won't have much of the ball. He has to make sure he is not overrun when he receives it. From there he must look to the front 4. Ramsey will likely provide more defensive cover but still loves to get forward. 

The key is to get the ball to the front men quickly. I am not talking route one football either. Ozil often hangs around unmarked on the counter. Utilise that, play the ball to him. Walcott has to go and quickly. Oxlaide-Chamberlain can do the same job and we all know what Sanchez can be capable of. 

It's all about utilising the possession. Since they probably won't have it much they have to work extra hard to use it when they do.

This however, is risky because it means defending deep. Playing high up the pitch and pressing quickly plays into Bayern's hands in many ways. It will be better to soak up pressure and let them knock it around, make it difficult for them to carve an opening. Cech will play a big part in this, coming to collect the ball wherever possible.

It may not be how Wenger sets up, it may not be how he plays but we know how Guardiola plays and we know that his teams keep the ball and close down quickly. The faster that ball gets moved forward, the more joy teams have but it has to be as a unit. 

When Walcott makes his run, players need to support. They will be tired but the midfield and even wing backs need to offer options. If Bayern counter, then Coquelin needs to slow that game down. 

Essentially, there is one overpowering factor and that is that the Arsenal players who don't make the 'joint team', need to step up. They are capable but they don't do it as often. This is a game they must. The better they play, the worse Bayern will play.

While it might sound like I would opt for parking the bus, that's not the case. It's knowing the opposition. They are not going for the drawer they are just focusing their energy to a few fast paced attacks. If it works and they come out 4-0 victors (unlikely I know) no one will complain about parking the bus.

It could come down to luck, but Arsenal have what it takes to beat this Bayern team, they just need to make their chances count.