Gritty Gunners can pass Bayern test, says Wenger

LONDON- Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal have no reason to fear Bayern Munich as they prepare to face the Champions League holders in the last 16 first leg tonight.

Just 12 months after they crashed out of Europe’s elite club competition at the hands of the German giants, Wenger’s team have an opportunity for revenge after being drawn to face Bayern at the same stage.

Arsenal were outclassed in the first leg last season as Bayern, who were then managed by Jupp Heynckes, cruised to a 3-1 victory in north London.

But the Gunners responded with a shock 2-0 win in the return game and came close to competing a stunning fightback before bowing out on away goals.

Winning in Munich proved a major boost for Wenger’s side, who had lost their way at that time but finished the season strongly and have maintained their impressive form for much of the current campaign.

Yet Bayern, now coached by former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, are arguably an even more formidable force this season than they were last year, when they won the Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup.

The Bavarians will swagger into the Emirates Stadium on a 46-match unbeaten run in the Bundesliga.

They lead the German top-flight by 16 points, allowing them to focus fully on retaining the Champions League crown they won against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley last year.
But Wenger remains optimistic and the Gunners manager is confident the experience of last season’s encounters will stand his players in good stead as they seek to end Bayern’s reign as holders.

“We will be in a better condition hopefully, because last year was after the disappointment of losing against Blackburn in the FA Cup, to play Bayern three days later it was very difficult for us,” he said.

Trophy drought
While Bayern have swept aside all challengers under Heynckes and now Guardiola, Arsenal’s trophy drought has stretched into a ninth year.

Still, the Gunners’ French midfielder Mathieu Flamini sees no reason for his team-mates to go into the tie with an inferiority complex.

Citing Sunday’s gritty 2-1 FA Cup fifth round win over Liverpool as proof of Arsenal’s improved spirit and mental strength, Flamini said: “What I will say about this season is that I see a great commitment, I see everyone working very hard on the pitch and helping each other.

“We know it won’t be an easy game because Bayern are a very strong team, but we are Arsenal, we have big ambitions.“We will do everything to qualify for the next round in the Champions League.”

Arsenal will be without suspended Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta, but Bayern have more significant absentees.

France winger Franck Ribery is sidelined after buttock surgery, while Swiss forward Xherdan Shaqiri suffered a thigh injury in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Freiburg. Elsewhere, Clarence Seerdolf’s Milan host Atletico.

Previous meetings
Bayern won on away goals after the sides drew 3-3 on aggregate at the same stage last season. The Germans also won 3-2 on aggregate in the 2004/05 last 16 and won 1-0 at home, and drew 2-2 in London, in the second group stage in 2000/01

Today’s fixtures
Arsenal vs. Bayern (SS3, 10.45 pm LIVE)

Milan vs. Atletico (SS5, 10.45 pm LIVE)