Post by Taxigirl on Oct 23, 2003 9:25:55 GMT
Former Arsenal manager Don Howe believes that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will look to his midfield in a bid to solve his side's European conundrum.
A single point from three Champions League games has left Arsenal on the verge of elimination from Europe.
That is in stark contract to the Gunners' domestic form, with Wenger's side top of the Premiership table and the only unbeaten team in the top flight.
But, while many pundits point the finger at a wobbly defence or Arsenal's lack of support for Thierry Henry, tactical expert Howe believes they are looking in the wrong direction.
He said: "Up front, Arsenal rely very heavily on Thierry Henry - no doubt about that - but they scored in Kiev and should have had two or three.
"And I don't think there is anything wrong with the back four.
"I always say that if you are losing matches and you are examining why you are losing them, then nine times out of 10, you look at your midfield.
"I know Arsene was very disappointed with his midfield after the Inter Milan game at Highbury and I still don't think he is getting 100% from them."
Howe, renowned for his tactical acumen, believes the midfield players hold the key to making Arsenal tick, whether domestically or in Europe.
But, while the former Highbury boss feels the club's midfielders need to take control, he also believes Wenger's team is lacking a precious commodity that even Roman Abramovich's Chelsea millions could not buy.
"It's probably as simple as not getting the rub of the green," Howe told BBC Sport.
"In Kiev, in terms of one team attacking, one team going forward and one team trying to create chances and goals, you couldn't play any better than Arsenal.
"They just didn't have any luck - and good players in any sport need a bit of that.
"When luck leaves the top people in sport, they come down to being ordinary."
Howe believes that may change when the Gunners take on Dynamo Kiev at Highbury in their next Champions League fixture, knowing they have to go in search of victory.
And he feels that if anyone can solve the riddle of Premiership meeting Champions League, then Wenger is that man.
"Arsene has got to keep re-examining his midfield. He is a big tape man and he watches football like mad.
"A good performance comes from the midfield players and then they give the overall picture.
"If they get on top the team will play and everyone will be talking about a good performance."
