The mood in the Arsenal camp was very positive after they were paired with a relatively weaker side having finished second in their group in the first stage of the competition. Many thought Arsenal could finally break the voodoo and make it to the Quarter-Final of the competition, having failed to do so in recent years.
However their overconfidence resulted in their own downfall with Arsene Wenger's men being at the receiving end of a crushing defeat as Arsenal lost 3-1 to the French side. This makes life very difficult for the North London club, however stranger things have happened in the Champions League and Arsenal must not give up hope as yet. Here are five ways Arsenal can overcome the deficit and make their way into the next round.
Play Olivier Giroud
The Frenchman had a night to forget in the first leg as he failed to convert a few easy chances which heaped pressure on his side. However that performance must not overshadow his recent form, based on which Arsene Wenger must once again put faith in the 28 year old.
Giroud has scored 13 times and assisted three goals in 16 starts in all competitions. He was incredible during Arsenal's 3-0 win over West Ham last time out and was involved in all three goals. His performance displayed all his attributes which are not only restricted to goal scoring abilities but also his tendency to hold up the ball really well and link up tremendously with his teammates. On Tuesday, the Frenchman will have to put forth a similar performance if his team is to get anything out of the match.
Beware of counter attacks
Monaco demolished Arsenal on counter attacks last time out and it is important that Arsenal remain cautious at the back. Conceding any further goals will put the match well out of the reach for the Gunners and will make the task even more difficult than it already is.
Francis Coquelin who has been immense for Arsenal this season will have to play his role with aplomb. The 23 year old has been a revelation for Arsenal since returning from his loan spell and must ensure that he puts his play breaking abilities to good use.
Full backs should be more vigilant
Arsenal full backs have often been criticised for failing to adhere to their defensive duties and in the first leg their team had to pay the price for it. Both Kieran Gibbs and Hector Bellerin were found guilty of failing to track back which made Arsenal vulnerable defensively.
Nacho Monreal has featured more often than expected for Arsenal this season and might be a more fitting choice for the second leg. The Spaniard has been very impressive this season and compared to Gibbs is the more conservative option, however that might suit Arsenal.
Santi Cazorla must be at his best
The former Malaga man has been at the centre of everything good for the Gunners and Arsenal mostly play well whenever Cazorla is on song. He was not very effective in the first leg but he must ensure he steps up his game for the return leg.
The Spaniard's expansive capabilities make him a huge asset for the club. He can pick out incisive passes to create goal scoring opportunities and can also shoot from both feet which makes him a huge threat in front of the goal. Cazorla must ensure he puts his abilities to good use and helps his team in clinching a place to the next round.
Remain calm
Arsenal must ensure they remain patient throughout the course of the match and stick to the game plan. It is very easy to lose your calm during such situations but the players must bear in mind that any indiscipline might result in a sending off which might further hurt their chances of making it to the next round. It was Wojciech Szczęsny who made life difficult for the Gunners by getting himself sent off, when the Gunners were knocked out by Bayern Munich last season. Arsenal players must ensure there is not a repeat of that.
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