Mission... Impossible?

As Arsenal go into their Champions League tie with AC Milan tonight, it's worth remembering no club side has ever managed to overturn a 4 goal deficit from the first leg. If the Gunners are to reach the Quarter Finals of this season's competition, then they must make history.

It's easy to remember how outclassed Wenger's men were in Milan three weeks ago, but let's not forget; the game came at a time when confidence and team morale was at an all time low. Arsene's army are very much 'a confidence side' and after that oh-so-remarkable comeback against bitter rivals Tottenham, and a victory at Anfield at the weekend, the Gunners are in resurgent form. Wenger himself was recently laced with the manager of the month award - a suprise to many; none more so than the Frenchman himself.

Kieran Gibbs told Sky Sports that in games like this, "You really enjoy it" and it's easy to see where the Englishman is coming from. Arsenal have nothing to lose. They are a wounded animal, playing for pride, and playing to prove a point and restore themselves in front of their home fans.

Sure, AC Milan are four goals up. Going forward they're amongst the best in the world. The likes of Robinho and the mecurial Zlatan Ibrahimovic can score at any time; just ask Wojceich Szczesny. One away goal effectively finsihes the tie with Arsenal needing six. But it's Milan who have it all to lose tonight.

Arsene Wenger has said that if his side can pull of this remarkable turnaround,
it will be the greatest achieveent of his managerial career. With eleven first team players missing through injury, it will certainly be an uphill task for the man they call 'The Professor' but with 31 goal Robin van Persie (18 in his 17 home matches) in his ranks, surely anything is possible.

When looking for crumbs of comfort, it may reassure Arsenal fans that the two most astounding comebacks of Champions League history have come against tonight's opponents, AC Milan.

The 2005 final in Istanbul, with Liverpool conquering a three-goal half-time deficit to become European champions, and in similiar circumstances just one year earlier.
Deportivo La Coruna, 4-1 down from the first leg at the San Siro, with a 4-0 second leg victory to progress at the expense of an Italian side containing the likes of Paolo Maldini, Kaka, and Andrei Shevchenko.