William Saliba’s ongoing injury woes have added to Arsenal’s recent challenges, leaving the team grappling with his absence on the field.
This setback was keenly felt during their latest match against Aston Villa, where the Gunners unfortunately allowed a two-goal lead to slip away, resulting in a draw. The frustration was palpable among the players and fans alike, as the team struggled to maintain their early advantage.
Manager Mikel Arteta didn’t hold back in expressing his disappointment with the defensive performance. He pointed out that the backline was not meeting the high standards the team has set for itself. This criticism comes at a crucial time, especially considering Arsenal’s impressive record in the UEFA Champions League over the past season. Since last season began, the Gunners have kept seven clean sheets at home in the Champions League, showcasing their defensive prowess on the continental stage.
However, recent performances have raised concerns. In their last nine matches across all competitions, Arsenal’s defense has only managed to secure one clean sheet. This dip in form has certainly put pressure on Arteta and his coaching staff to find solutions and reinstate the solidity that once defined their backline.
Despite these defensive challenges, there is a silver lining for Arsenal as they approach their Champions League fixtures. The team remains optimistic about stabilizing their performance in the competition. Their focus is on tightening their grip on a top-eight position, an essential target that could see them progressing further in the tournament. Arsenal’s current Champions League record is commendable, with no goals conceded from open play this season, highlighting their defensive capabilities when everything clicks.
Adding to their confidence, Arsenal boasts the most home wins in the Champions League since last season, tallying seven victories on their own turf. These impressive home performances create a daunting prospect for their upcoming opponents, Dinamo Zagreb, who will be visiting to challenge the Gunners.
Dinamo Zagreb enters the match as the underdogs, and it’s easy to see why. They are currently battling to secure a spot in the knockout play-off positions, a task that has proven difficult over recent months. This match marks Dinamo’s first competitive game in a month, a break that arguably came at a beneficial time. Prior to their winter hiatus, Dinamo struggled significantly, winning only one of their last eight matches across all competitions.
In response to their poor form, Dinamo Zagreb made a significant managerial change. Nenad Bjelica was replaced by Fabio Cannavaro, the Ballon d’Or-winning Italian defender. Cannavaro’s appointment brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the team. His primary objective is to guide Dinamo to their first-ever away victory against an English side in the Champions League, a milestone that has eluded the club thus far.
Under Cannavaro’s leadership, Dinamo Zagreb might carry a quiet confidence into this match. The team has enjoyed success in their last two road matches in the Champions League, a stark contrast to their previous 25 outings where they secured only one win. This recent improvement could prove crucial as they face a formidable Arsenal side.
Among the players to watch, Bukayo Saka’s absence is notable for Arsenal. Saka has been instrumental in their Champions League campaign, contributing to 14 of the team’s 30 goals over the past two seasons with eight goals and six assists. His absence opens the door for Gabriel Martinelli to step up. Martinelli has an impressive record, with Arsenal remaining unbeaten in the last 38 matches whenever he scores, including 32 victories and six draws.
For Dinamo Zagreb, Sandro Kulenović is a key player to monitor. He has already netted three away goals in the Champions League this season, placing him just behind Jamie Gittens in the pre-round rankings. Should Kulenović find the back of the net once more, he will tie the club’s all-time record for away goals in a single season of major European competition, adding extra motivation for his performance.
A notable statistic for Arsenal fans is the team’s recent form in the Champions League. They have won their last two matches by margins of two or more goals. Interestingly, this marks the first time they have achieved such a streak in three successive games within the competition, highlighting a potential area for improvement as they look to maintain consistency.
As Arsenal prepares to face Dinamo Zagreb, the blend of seasoned performance and emerging talent will be on full display. Arteta’s strategic adjustments and Cannavaro’s revitalized approach will set the stage for an intriguing clash. Fans can expect a match rich with tactical nuance and individual brilliance, as both teams strive to advance their respective Champions League ambitions.
In conclusion, while Arsenal faces internal challenges with injuries and defensive lapses, their strong home record and strategic focus in the Champions League provide a solid foundation for upcoming matches. On the other side, Dinamo Zagreb’s recent managerial change and improved away form add an element of unpredictability. This encounter promises to be a captivating battle, showcasing the resilience and skill of both teams as they navigate the high-stakes environment of European football.
World Time Zones
| Europe | GMT |
 London | 20:00 |
| Edinburgh | 20:00 |
 Madrid | 21:00 |
 Lisbon | 20:00 |
 Berlin | 21:00 |
 Paris | 21:00 |
 Amsterdam | 21:00 |
 Rome | 21:00 |
 Belgrade | 21:00 |
 Sofia | 22:00 |
 Warshaw | 21:00 |
 Tirana | 21:00 |
 Istanbul | 22:00 |
 Kyiv | 22:00 |
 Moscow | 22:00 |
| North America | GMT |
 New York, New York City | 15:00 |
| Texas, Dallas | 14:00 |
| Utah, Salt Lake City | 13:00 |
| California, Santa Clara | 12:00 |
| Alaska, Anchorage | 11:00 |
 St. John’s | 17:00 |
| Halifax | 16:00 |
| Toronto | 15:00 |
| Winnipeg | 14:00 |
| Edmonton | 13:00 |
| Vancouver | 12:00 |
 Mexico City | 13:00 |
| South America | GMT |
 Sao Paulo | 16:00 |
 La Paz | 15:00 |
 Lima | 14:00 |
| Australia | GMT |
 Perth | 03:00 |
| Eucla | 03:45 |
| Darwin | 04:30 |
| Adelaide | 04:30 |
| Brisbane | 05:00 |
| Sydney | 05:00 |
| Asia | GMT |
 Mecca | 22:00 |
 Kabul | 23:30 |
 Karachi | 00:00 |
 New Dehli | 00:30 |
 Dhaka | 01:00 |
 Jakarta | 02:00 |
 Singapore | 03:00 |
 Kuala Lumpur | 03:00 |
| Africa | GMT |
 Accra | 19:00 |
 Porto Novo | 20:00 |
 Casablanca | 20:00 |
 Johannesburg | 21:00 |
 Cairo | 22:00 |
 Nairobi | 22:00 |
Where to watch Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb Live Stream and on Satellite TV?
[Click on the TV name to go to the official link]
SuperSport Premier League (Afr),