Arsenal face challenge of Monaco as UCL resumes

   After long winter break, UEFA Champions League resumes with R16 ties. But I don't care for other matches besides the one that involves Arsenal who will play Monaco in their bid to reach the Quarters for first time in five years.

   Such has been the hard luck of the Gunners that they have drawn Bayern and Barca twice and AC Milan once in the last five seasons. And when they threw away 3 goal lead to Anderlecht at home in 3-3 draw, their hard luck seemed to continue with their opportunity of topping the group and drawing a possibly weaker opponent being vaporized.

   But it turned out to be a blessing in disguise as luck favoured them. With all due respect to Monaco, we are damn happy with the prospect of facing them instead of the heavyweights like Real, Atleti, Barca or Bayern. Given the form in which Wenger's Men are performing, they are fancying their chances and are confident of progressing to the next round.

   Since their defeat against Manchester United in November, their record stands 15 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw. In that period they have played 9 times at the Emirates Stadium winning on every occasion. Such has been their form that they have scored within 30 minutes in 9 consecutive matches and scoring at least twice in 8 of those. Prior to the opening day loss at Southampton, they were on a similar run with two goals in each of the 6 matches. But scoring was hardly an issue in this season.

   The main problem has been the defense. This department in particular was rocked by injuries throughout the first half of the campaign with Wenger deploying almost all the possible combinations. Now the situation is much better than previously experienced with Debuchy being the only sidelined defender. And we are better equipped with Chambers and Bellerin doing more than just deputizing him at the moment. Plus the signing of Gabriel Paulista in the transfer window has provided the much needed depth which was found wanting in the early weeks of January. All in all, it looks like things are going great in the camp.

Alright that's it. Will be back tomorrow with updates from Wenger's presser. Until then.