Arsenal already handed unexpected boost ahead of their next Champions League game
The ink is barely dry on Arsenal's 3-0 win over Lille, and they have already received a boost ahead of their next Champions League fixture. Mikel Arteta's side are two from two in Europe and are yet to concede a goal, but they face one of the most fearsome attacking sides in the world next week - Bayern Munich.
Last season, the front three of Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Luis Diaz combined for a staggering 101 goals across all competitions. Those are truly tantalising numbers, that even a defence as formidable as Arsenal's will struggle to keep out.
However, after Bayern's shock 3-3 draw with Viking FK, the task that lies ahead at the Allianz Arena may now not be quite as daunting. That's because Olise will miss the game through suspension, after receiving a red card against the Norwegian side.
FULLTIME Arsenal get the job done and beat Lille 3-0! What did you make of that performance?
👀 Michael Olise will miss Bayern Munich vs Arsenal The French winger received two yellow cards in very quick succession - first for a foul from behind on Henrik Heggheim and then for chucking the ball into the face of Zlatko Tripic. Olise is widely considered one of the most dangerous attackers in European football right now, andArsenal are said to be monitoring his contract situation.
However, they won't be able to get a firsthand look at him in the blockbuster Champions League tie next Wednesday. Arsenal will face enough challenges at the Allianz without Olise, despite their disappointing result against Viking.
Bayern remain one of the favourites for the competition and their home record in Europe is incredible. They are unbeaten in 39 consecutive games at home during the Group/League Phase of the competition (37 Wins, 2 Draws), extending back over a decade.
MORE ARSENAL STORIES Of course, last season Arsenal beat Bayern 3-1 at the Emirates in the League Phase, so the players will be confident heading into it. However, the Allianz will pose a completely different challenge.
But removing one of their most dangerous players from the equation before a ball has even been kicked is a nice bit of unexpected fortune that title-winning sides tend to benefit from.