Arsenal must prepare for Benfica’s psychological challenge in Women’s Champions League match. Arsenal host Benfica at the Emirates for their Women’s Champions League qualifier, the tie seems heavily tilted towards the Gunners. A compacted first leg away win in Lisbon, a stunning late goal to seal a commanding 5-1 lead, spoke volumes in establishing a clear statement of intent. But this is the moment where a potential psychological issue can rear its ugly head. Arsenal need to ensure that does not happen.
The Complacency Trap
The greatest threat to Arsenal’s continuation in the competition is not the tactical plan from Benfica. But unfortunately, rather an element of complacency. A four-goal cushion can invite subconscious relaxation. The notion that they have already done the hard work. They will enjoy the various aspects of being autonomous in behind the arena for a home team in global sport, despite their opponent’s injury.
Benfica’s Strategy: Disruption and Doubt
Benfica will be relying on disruption, and emotional leverage as their mode of operation. They will try to disrupt Arsenal’s possession, win set plays early in the match, and ultimately seek whichever way they can towards an important early goal to unsettle Arsenal’s confidence. The longer it takes for a frustrated Arsenal side to score, the more that early confidence can translate into irrational nerves. When it is sustained, can transfer the psychological pressure back on to the home side. The crowd will quickly swing from one that is celebrating the starting eleven to tension and anxiety.
A Challenge Between the Ears
All the ingredients should be present as Arsenal must prepare to qualify on their quality alone. Something that’s often referred to, at least abroad, as “football is often played in the mind.” First, if the Gunners conquer the challenge of a potential psychological hurdle, they should be confident that their technical superiority bodes well for a comfortable place in the group stage. The battle isn’t so much against Benfica, but against those moments of potential contentment.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
