Champions League Matchday 2: Arsenal's Defensive Woes Continue, AC Milan Solve Striker Problem

The second round of the UEFA Champions League saw action return with a series of pivotal matches that showcased both strengths and weaknesses across Europe’s elite teams. In particular, Arsenal’s defensive struggles have raised questions about their ability to maintain a solid backline, while AC Milan’s forward line appears to have found new life with the arrival of fresh talent. As these two storied clubs continue their campaigns, there are clear trends emerging that could define their European journeys this season.

Arsenal's Defensive Issues Begin to Pile Up

Arsenal, coming off a disappointing 0-0 draw against Atalanta in their first Champions League group-stage match, have shown worrying signs at the back in their recent fixtures. The Gunners, under manager Mikel Arteta, have conceded five goals in their last three matches, a stark contrast to the defensive solidity that was a hallmark of their play earlier in the season. Even teams from lower divisions, like League One’s Bolton, have found ways to breach their defense, exposing vulnerabilities that Arteta must urgently address.

In the first round of the Champions League, Arsenal's clash with Atalanta was a drab affair, with few clear-cut chances for either side. The only real moment of excitement came when Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya pulled off a spectacular save to deny Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui from the penalty spot. Retegui had an opportunity to score on the rebound, but his header lacked both power and placement, allowing Raya to make a second, crucial stop.

While Arsenal managed to escape Bergamo with a point, the match highlighted potential cracks in their defense, particularly with the persistent fouling in dangerous areas. Thomas Partey’s shirt pull on an advancing Atalanta player just outside the penalty area was a controversial moment, as many felt the foul could have warranted a free kick instead of allowing play to continue.

After the draw against Atalanta, Arsenal’s problems have only grown. Their defensive lapses were on full display in a recent Premier League match against Manchester City, where they were fortunate to escape with a draw. City had been forced to shuffle their lineup due to injuries to key players in midfield and defense, and Arsenal took advantage of the situation to grind out a result. However, the performance did little to inspire confidence, with Arsenal’s defense looking increasingly fragile as the match wore on.

Arsenal’s struggles at the back have coincided with the integration of new left-back Riccardo Calafiori, who joined the club this summer. While the Italian defender has started Arsenal’s last three matches, his performances have been inconsistent. In one match, he left the pitch with cramps, while in the other two, he picked up yellow cards that hampered his effectiveness. It’s clear that Calafiori still needs time to adjust to the fast-paced, physical nature of English football.

Meanwhile, their Champions League opponents, Paris Saint-Germain, are dealing with their own issues. PSG narrowly edged out Girona in the first round with a 1-0 win, courtesy of an own goal, but it was far from a convincing performance. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, PSG struggled to break down Girona’s defense, and head coach Luis Enrique grew visibly frustrated on the touchline as he rotated through his attacking options without success.

Injuries have also hampered PSG’s early season, with star goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma missing the last three matches due to injury. His replacement, Russian goalkeeper Matvei Safonov, has been decent but not spectacular, conceding two goals in his last three appearances. Safonov was a €20 million signing from Russian Premier League side Krasnodar, and given the geopolitical challenges of signing players from Russia, PSG’s ability to secure his services was seen as a significant coup. However, with Donnarumma expected to return soon, Safonov’s run in the starting eleven may be coming to an end.

For Arsenal, their recent run of form will be a concern as they face a PSG side looking to build momentum. Arsenal’s squad depth may also be tested, with several key players carrying knocks from recent Premier League encounters. While Arsenal’s team chemistry might give them an edge over PSG, the fatigue and injuries from a congested fixture schedule could negate those advantages. Both sides are likely to be playing at less than full strength, which could lead to a tightly contested match.

AC Milan Find Their Strikers

While Arsenal’s defensive woes are grabbing headlines, AC Milan is enjoying a much-needed resurgence up front. After several seasons of struggling with an aging and inconsistent strike force, Milan made two key signings over the summer that have revitalized their attack. The acquisitions of Tammy Abraham from AS Roma and Álvaro Morata from Atlético Madrid have given manager Paulo Fonseca the firepower to compete on multiple fronts.

Milan’s first Champions League match this season was a disappointing 3-1 home loss to Liverpool. However, the Rossoneri responded in style, bouncing back with a crucial victory in the Milan Derby against Inter, ending a six-match losing streak against their city rivals. Last weekend, Milan continued their good form with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Lecce, scoring all three goals in the first half and conserving energy for their upcoming Champions League tie against Bayer Leverkusen.

One of the most important tactical changes that Fonseca has made since the Liverpool defeat was to swap out the underperforming central defender Strahinja Pavlovic for Matteo Gabbia. The young Italian center-back put in a solid display in the Derby win, and he will retain his place in the starting lineup against Leverkusen.

But the real story for Milan has been their transformation in attack. After veteran striker Olivier Giroud left the club, many fans were worried about who would step up to fill the void. Enter Abraham and Morata, two experienced forwards who have hit the ground running in Serie A. Both strikers are not only capable of leading the line but also contribute to Milan’s pressing game, dropping deep to link up play and create space for the midfield.

Abraham, in particular, has adapted quickly to his new surroundings. The English striker offers a powerful aerial presence and is capable of running the channels, stretching opposing defenses and creating opportunities for his teammates. His partnership with Morata has shown early signs of promise, with the two complementing each other’s playing styles. Morata’s intelligent movement and ability to bring others into play have been instrumental in Milan’s improved attacking fluidity.

Heading into their clash with Bayer Leverkusen, Milan will feel confident that their strikers can get the job done. Leverkusen, the reigning Bundesliga champions, kicked off their Champions League campaign with a resounding 4-0 win over Feyenoord. However, since that victory, their form has taken a dip. Leverkusen has struggled in their domestic league, conceding three goals to Wolfsburg and looking second-best for much of their recent draw with Bayern Munich.

Despite their struggles, Leverkusen remains a dangerous team, particularly when playing at home. Milan, however, will be buoyed by the fact that they are coming into the match with a fully fit squad and a significant advantage in terms of rest. Leverkusen expended a lot of energy in their stalemate against Bayern, and that fatigue could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the match.

Fonseca has made it clear that he intends to rotate his squad to manage the workload of a congested fixture list, but key players like Rafael Leão and Sandro Tonali are expected to start. Gabbia will continue in central defense alongside Fikayo Tomori, while Abraham and Morata will once again spearhead the attack.

While Milan may have stumbled out of the gate in the Champions League, their domestic form suggests that they are on an upward trajectory. With their new strikers settling in and the defense looking more solid, Fonseca will believe that his team has what it takes to secure a positive result against Leverkusen and push for qualification from the group stage.

As the Champions League rolls into its second round, both Arsenal and AC Milan face crucial tests. For Arsenal, defensive stability is becoming an increasingly pressing concern, while Milan’s rejuvenated forward line has them poised to make a deep run in Europe. The contrasting fortunes of these two teams highlight the fine margins that can define success or failure in the Champions League.