#2 Ludogorets do the early running
After a 6-0 hammering to the Gunners in the reverse tie, the Bulgarian side seemed ready to make amends as they raced to an early 2-0 lead.
That proved to be a false dawn as Arsenal took control of the game, recovering from their disastrous start to find their familiar rhythm. One of the visuals during the game was the Arsenal bench covering themselves with blankets due to the cold. They might as well have taken the time to catch up on their forty winks as total domination by the Gunners prevailed, thereafter.
Arsenal coach, Arsene Wenger, when questioned about the dismal start, replied appropriately, “We were caught cold”. However, there are some positives for the Bulgarian side as this was the second time that Ludogorets managed to score more than once in the Champion’s League.
With the Gunners defence all over the place in the opening quarter, Ludogorets painfully reminded the Gunners of their defensive frailties. Taking advantage of some lazy defending for the first goal and chaotic defending for the second goal helped raise hopes of an upset, but that was not to be.