Arsenal to Benefit From New Champions League Rule After Inter Milan Win
Arsenal are powering towards the Champions League knockout stages with a huge advantage under their belt, thanks to their flawless run of form and a new UEFA rule that gives top-placers a real leg up in the crucial ties that lie ahead – home advantage is a massive boon to sides who qualify in first place.
The Gunners just delivered a stunning 3-1 thumping of Inter Milan , at the San Siro on Tuesday night, and that extends their unbeaten league form to a perfect seven wins from seven.
That result practically guarantees Arsenal at least a second place finish and gives them a clear shot at the benefits that go with that – under the revised format, it’s a very good thing to be second best.
Gunners Unbeaten Run – Seven Wins and Counting Still
Mikel Arteta’s side are unstoppable in Europe this season – they’ve taken the top of the 36-team league phase table with 21 points to their name, and that’s coming from just seven matches.
Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Inter saw Gabriel Jesus strike twice in the first half (just after 9 minutes and again just before 31 minutes) sandwiching an equaliser for the hosts from Petar Sučić (17′).
Then substitute Viktor Gyökeres really sealed the deal with a fantastic late strike (83 minutes) – that just keeps Arsenal’s European run intact.
Also Read: ‘Compared to Other Teams’ – Cristian Chivu Gives Honest Verdict After Arsenal Beat Inter 3–1
With a whopping +18 goal difference, the Gunners have a nice cushion – they’re six points clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who have 15 points from seven games, and Bayern Munich are also on 15 points, but that was from just six games.
Even if Bayern grab both of the three points they have left to play for, then they’d have to rely on some pretty unlikely results – including Arsenal losing their final match against rock bottom team Kairat.
Why Finishing Top 2 Matters: The New Champions League Home Advantage Rule
The revamped Champions League format has always want to reward high league-phase finishes and now it’s going to make a real difference.
Teams making it into the top 4 get to play the second leg of their round of 16 and quarter final at home (if they make it that far).
For the top 2 teams , this home field advantage stretches all the way past the quarter finals to the semis too.
And it’s a big deal for elite teams like Arsenal – this change gives them a huge edge:
- If they can put in a strong performance away from home in the first leg, they can defend it in front of their rowdy Emirates crowd.
- And if they need to make a comeback it’s going to be a whole lot easier for them to get it done in front of their own fans rather than in some hostile away stadium.
Arsenal showed that at the San Siro – they absolutely tore it up and proved they rise to the occasion, making these second legs at home a huge prize.
What’s Next for Arsenal
On the next up on their agenda is the massive Premier League clash against Manchester United at the Emirates this Sunday. Then they’ve got one more league game at home against Kairat next Wednesday and they’ll be looking to sign off with another 8 wins under their belt.
Qualification was a done deal and finishing 2nd has been locked in for ages – and all that means is Arsenal are perfectly set up for a deep Champions League run this season.
Ola Arsenal! They are looking almost untouchable at the moment.
Arsenal to Benefit From New Champions League Rule After Inter Milan Win