Just when everyone expected Arsenal to show up at the Allianz Arena, put out 11 players and get laughed out of Munich, the Gunners managed to put on a brilliant performance in front of thousands of Munich fans who were left confused, yet relieved that the German side still went through.
If someone had thrown out the idea of the Gunners being the first team to defeat Bayern at home, while keeping a clean sheet, no one would buy into it. But, to the surprise of many, Arsene Wenger's side bounced back with a very solid defensive performance, along with a final five minutes which could have seen Arsenal pull off what many believed to be impossible after the first leg defeat.
The Gunners will return to league play on Saturday as they will visit the Liberty Stadium for the second time this season. On January 6th, the two teams met in the fourth round of the FA Cup, with Danny Graham providing late heroics for the Swans, forcing a replay at the Emirates.
Arsene Wenger will not have to worry about Danny Graham hurting his side this time around, but keeping Michu at bay will be tough as always.
The Spanish forward netted two goals in a matter of minutes late in the match when both sides met at the Emirates, leaving Arsenal fans in complete disbelief and disappointment.
Many called for Wenger to be sacked, or for him to resign, but the French manager still remains confident in his work.
Having started Lukasz Fabianski in Munich ahead of Wojciech Szczesny may have been proof that Wenger is prepared to do what ever he needs to do, to make sure his side secure a Champions League spot next season. If that means having to keep Thomas Vermaelen on the bench as well, then so be it.
After making somewhat of a statement on Wednesday, Arsenal will now need to get past a Swansea side that has caused them some issues this season. The Gunners will also have to do it without the services of Jack Wilshere who is out with an ankle injury, as well as Bacary Sagna and Kieran Gibbs who are out with slight knocks.
The hosts are currently 9th in the Premier League, but only seven points separate them from Arsenal. A victory on Saturday could bring them within six points, although the Gunners have a game in hand.
Michael Laudrup's side already confirmed a place in next season's Europa League having won the Capital One Cup, so finishing off the year on a high will be the Danish manager's main priority. What a better way to bounce back from their latest defeat to West Brom, than with a victory at home against Arsenal.
Previous Meetings
01-16-13 Arsenal 1-0 Swansea City (FA Cup)
01-06-13 Swansea City 2-2 Arsenal (FA Cup)
01-12-12 Arsenal 0-2 Swansea City
01-15-12 Swansea City 3-2 Arsenal
09-10-11 Arsenal 1-0 Swansea City
Prediction
It has become a habit that when Arsenal fans finally start to believe that the squad is finally reaching its potential, they fall apart. Playing with limited pressure in Munich may have given Wenger's side an injection of morale and confidence that Laudrup would not have wanted, but it remains to be seen if Arsenal can use their latest victory in their favor.
Swansea lost to West Brom last weekend, but that could be attributed to a bad call which saw a goal disallowed for the Welsh side. Back home in front of their fans where they have not lost since December 8th against Norwich, should give the Swansea players some confidence.
Mikel Arteta stated that this Arsenal side needs to take advantage of their latest victory and use it in the best possible way. "It has to give us confidence but we must keep our feet on the ground as well because we haven't been at the consistency level that is required," he said.
So with that said, if Arsenal can go into Saturday's match confident and knowing that they can come out of the Liberty Stadium with the full three points, it may be very possible. But, if they fall back into the routine of starting matches poorly, Swansea will take advantage of them.
Will Wenger opt to bring Wojciech Szczesny back into the squad, or will he have seen that Fabianski deserves another shot as the starter, given his performance in Munich?
Is Thomas Vermaelen going to watch from the bench once again? Allowing Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny to solidify their place in the Arsenal starting XI?
On paper, Arsenal should be able to win this match, but the Liberty Stadium is not always the kindest of environments in these situations. It will all depend on how up for the match the Arsenal players are and how much they believe in themselves.
Swansea City 0-1 Arsenal
