ARSENAL HAVE WORK CUT OUT

Stats make rotten reading for Arsene Wenger's men

STATS YOUR LOT - Arsene Wenger (left) is up against the statistics when his side meet Alex Ferguson's United on Tuesday

02/05/2009

THE odds are stacked against Arsenal as they dream of making the Champions League final for the second time in four seasons.

Arsene Wenger's men are hoping to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Manchester United at the Emirates on Tuesday night, but the stats weigh heavily in the visitors' favour.

Since 1992, the Gunners have never overturned a first-leg defeat in the Champions League, while in their entire European history they have emerged victorious just once in five attempts after losing the first -eg of a knock-out game 1-0.

The last time they found themselves in this situation was at the last 16 stage in 2006-07 when they lost 1-0 at PSV Eindhoven and could only draw 1-1 at the Emirates, thanks to Alex's late equaliser.

Manchester United fair better after leading 1-0 in European ties - winning two of four second-leg games played, with both victories coming in European Cup/Champions League matches.

The Gunners suspect back-four will also have to perform much better in keeping Cristiano Ronaldo at bay. The World Player of the Year has had more shots at goal than any other player in this season's competition - 43 - with 26 of these efforts coming from outside the box.

On such strike bounced off Manuel Almunia's crossbar at Old Trafford on Wednesday - one of three efforts that have come off the woodwork from Ronaldo this season.

In comparison, Arsenal's most potent goal threat in the competition has been Robin van Persie, who has had just 21 shots in comparison, with three of these coming from outside the box.

But if there is one stat that Arsenal fans can cling to, it's their record against United since boss Arsene Wenger started locking horns with Sir Alex Ferguson. They current boast 15 wins a-piece, but one of them is going to take a very substantial advantage come the final whistle on Tuesday night.

All statistics compiled courtesy of the Castrol Index. Click here for more details

Your comments

This article has 6 comments

I HAVE BOOKED MY HOTEL IN ROME COMON YOU GUNNERS SHOW THE WORLD HOW GOOD YOU ARE

By Yusuf NEVZAT.. Posted May 4 2009 at 2:13 PM.

at least it won't take you long to get home on tuesday night. i suggest you get the tube cos you're a typical man united fan living in london.

By Peter.. Posted May 3 2009 at 11:32 AM.

The whole world will be shock to see how that arsenal will knock out Man u very easily.....liverpool beat them 4-0......and Arsenal is much better team than liverpool...the first leg was fake ....arsenal middlefield were playing out of position and where asked to do something else.
please do not read the press or listen to the pundits they all say the same boring things ....wait and see by yourself...

By ttango.. Posted May 3 2009 at 5:08 AM.

i think wenger is to blame for this mess because of his transfer policy,until he change his policy before arsenal can progress,he would have be one the best coach in the world if he buy experience player.

By big john.. Posted May 3 2009 at 1:55 AM.

I am an arsenal fan but I do not think our suspect back four will stop utd scoring so I think we will go out on away goal!!

By kia.. Posted May 3 2009 at 1:16 AM.

It's in the bag for the mighty reds. M.U.F.C Champions of planet earth!!

By Lee Knights.. Posted May 2 2009 at 11:54 PM.

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