After a prolonged absence, Arsenal is poised to make their highly anticipated return to the Champions League tonight. With their history in the competition marred by heartbreak, the Gunners are now seeking redemption under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta.
Having last participated in the Champions League back in 2017 and not progressing beyond the round of 16 since 2010, Arsenal’s faithful are cautiously optimistic about their prospects. Under the legendary Arsene Wenger, Arsenal secured nearly 20 consecutive qualifications for the tournament but endured more disappointment than triumph in the prestigious competition. Now, with Arteta at the helm, expectations are high for a fresh start.
In a recent interview on Sky Sports News, former Arsenal striker Paul Merson shared his insights, suggesting that Arteta’s Arsenal could pose the most substantial challenge to current champions Manchester City among all the teams in the competition. Merson views Manchester City as the favorites to triumph over any opponent in the knockout rounds over two legs. However, he highlighted Arsenal as the potential dark horse.
I think the danger would be Arsenal, I would say. I just think Arsenal’s group is strong,” Merson declared. “I believe when it comes down to the crucial moments, over one leg, that could be Manchester City’s vulnerability because anything can happen in 90 minutes.”
While Arsenal has been granted a relatively favorable group comprising PSV Eindhoven, Sevilla, and RC Lens—avoiding the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich—they are well aware that nothing can be taken for granted in European competitions. Arsenal’s checkered history in Europe may serve as a reminder of the challenges they could face, although the team now boasts players with experience in finals, including Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kai Havertz, and Jorginho.
If Arsenal successfully advances to the knockout stages, their prospects against Europe’s elite clubs may appear more favorable than in years past. In previous encounters against powerhouses like Bayern Munich and Barcelona, Arsenal often found themselves at the mercy of stars like Lionel Messi and Arjen Robben. Today, the Gunners possess their own emerging superstars in Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, making them an adversary that many top clubs would prefer to avoid, just as much as Arsenal would prefer not to face them. With the potential to perform at their peak against formidable opposition, Arsenal has reason to believe that they can make a deep run in this year’s competition.
