Arsenal have bottomed out for the season with a dismal Premier League draw away to Newcastle United, and need to find a spark against Inter Milan.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
One of the marquee matchups in the upcoming round of Champions League fixtures will undoubtedly be at the San Siro.
North London giants Arsenal travel to Milan to take on Inter.
Both the Gunners and the Nerazzurri are, on paper, among the strongest teams in Europe and realistic contenders to win the Champions League.
Therefore, this Wednesday’s match could be an important bellwether for the competition.
But Arsenal are not heading into the match in the best of form.
For Inter, they have yet to face Venezia in Serie A this evening. But they did manage to recover from their 4-4 draw against Juventus with a routine victory away to Empoli.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have failed to win in the league since the return from the October international break.
There have been a loss to Bournemouth, a draw against Liverpool, and yesterday, yet another defeat against Newcastle.
Arsenal Bottom Out Vs Newcastle – Searching For A Spark Vs Newcastle
It was not just the result of yesterday’s match that was problematic for Arsenal.
The Gunners’ absolutely turgid performance meant that they hardly deserved anything better.
For a team who have grown into a realistic challenger for Manchester City’s throne atop the Premier League in recent seasons, Arsenal looked completely out of ideas at St. James’s Park.
That is, putting it mildly, not ideal ahead of a massive match like Wednesday’s against Inter.
But Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta will be looking to use the shift in focus to Europe as an opportunity.
The Gunners boss knows how far behind his team have fallen domestically.
But against Inter, Arsenal could have the chance to make a statement.
Of course, Inter will be equally up for the match. And on paper, they’ll be as tough of opposition as the Gunners have faced this season.
But, particularly if Martin Odegaard is back from injury, Arsenal will be looking to use Wednesday’s match as a grand stage to demonstrate they’ve finally bounced back.