𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

If we pay attention to the data, the likely pattern of tonight’s game becomes clear.

Arsenal have recorded more clean sheets (8) in this season’s Champions League than anyone else with their North London rivals Tottenham — yes, they could play in the Champions League and be relegated from the Premier League in the same season — next best with six.

They also have conceded the fewest goals, just five in 12 matches, have the lowest expected goals against figure (8.54) and have faced the fewest shots on target (33).

Atletico Madrid are near the bottom of the charts on all those metrics but have scored more goals (34) than any team other than Paris Saint Germain (43) and Bayern Munich (42), and have had the fifth highest number of shots (201).

Arsenal also have a creditable tally of 27 goals and actually boast a better xG (25.61) than tonight’s opponents but still, Atleti are at home, so it would be a big surprise if they did not play on the front foot tonight.