At a Glance:
- Arsenal were held by Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
- A controversial refereeing decision overshadowed the game at the Wanda Metropolitano.
- James McNicholas has revealed that he’ll be ‘incredibly confident’ about Arsenal’s chances of progressing into the final if one thing happens.
Arsenal return to North London in a strong position in their Champions League semi-final tie, having secured a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday night, and James McNicholas is subsequently tipping Mikel Arteta’s side to progress into the final.
Viktor Gyokeres’ emphatic penalty gave the North Londoners the lead on the stroke of half-time, before Julian Alvarez equalised shortly after the break, also from a spot-kick. The awarding of the Alvarez penalty caused a stir, although this uproar paled in comparison to what ensued later.
Referee Danny Makkelie controversially overturned a spot-kick he initially awarded Arsenal, after a lengthy VAR check and some egregious antics from Diego Simeone and his players. Regardless of these frustrating refereeing decisions, Arteta will feel largely positive heading into the second leg.
- READ MORE: ‘Buck up his ideas’ – Jamie O’Hara sends stern warning to Arsenal star after Atletico Madrid clash
Gunnerblog says Julian Alvarez injury could cost Atletico Madrid against Arsenal
Arsenal were impressive in the first half in Madrid, controlling Simeone’s team through their aggressive pressing and structured possession play. However, things unravelled in the second half for Arteta’s team, as Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann’s influence grew.
The Argentine, in particular, was able to drop in between the lines and impact the game more frequently, disrupting Arsenal’s control. However, the Gunners managed to wrestle back control in the latter stages, and this coincided with Alvarez being substituted.
The former Manchester City striker was replaced by Alex Baena in the 77th minute, and he appeared to limp off in the process. While Simeone seemed somewhat optimistic about Alvarez’s potential availability ahead of next week when speaking to the media after the game, it’s certainly possible the striker isn’t fit enough to play at the Emirates.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, James McNicholas (aka Gunnerblog) claimed Alvarez’s possible absence in the second leg should make Arsenal considerable favourites to progress.
“Alvarez went off with what looked like an injury tonight,” he said.
“Atleti’s threat really diminished after that. If he’s not fit for the second leg, I’d be incredibly confident of Arsenal’s progression.
“We are very close now to a second Champions League final in the club’s history. The first in 20 years. It’s so close we can almost touch it, and what a tremendous position that is to be in.”
Arsenal should sign Julian Alvarez after Champions League masterclass
Arsenal have been heavily linked with Julian Alvarez, and it’s easy to see why Andrea Berta is so enthused about the player after his performance against the Gunners on Wednesday.
Alvarez was outstanding against Arsenal. His pressing was relentless and effective, his link-up play was immaculate, while he constantly found ways to get shots off and impact the game in the final third.
| Club | Matches | Goals | Assists |
| River Plate | 122 | 54 | 31 |
| Manchester City | 103 | 36 | 19 |
| Atletico Madrid | 105 | 49 | 17 |
| Argentina | 51 | 14 | 3 |
Arsenal lack a player with Alvarez’s best attributes. They need a focal point to lead their attack, both from a pressing and a technical standpoint.
If the 26-year-old is available for a somewhat reasonable price, the Gunners should do everything in their power to land him.
