Gunners Have Been Ruthless in Champions League Group Stage
Arsenal have qualified for the last 16 of the 2023/24 Champions League with one game to spare. They have been ruthless in the group stage of the competition, particularly at home where they have defeated PSV Eindhoven 4-0 and Lens 6-0.
In their final group game at the Emirates Stadium, Mikel Arteta’s side hit five goals past their French opposition to put the game to bed early. There were six different goalscorers in the game in what was a strong team performance.
Arsenal Fans Will Be Dreaming of Going All the Way
Given how well the season is going domestically and in Europe, Arsenal fans can be forgiven for dreaming of the Gunners going all the way in the Champions League this season. Victories over Manchester City, Sevilla and PSV, all with clean sheets, indicate they have to be considered as contenders in the Premier League and Europe.
In the online sports betting, Arsenal are 8/1 to lift the Champions League trophy this season. Those are great odds with Bwin given the Gunners have wrapped up the top position in the standings, meaning they should get a more favourable last-16 tie than had they finished in second place.
Arsenal have only once reached a Champions League final before. They did so in 2006, losing to Barcelona 2-1 at the Stade de France in Paris. This is the first time they have reached the knockout stages in Europe’s premier competition since the 2016/17 campaign.
The challenge for Arteta in the second half of the season is to manage his squad around the big Champions League evenings. That is not something he has had to worry about in the second half of the campaign since arriving in North London. He may get the opportunity to add to his squad during the January transfer window.
Gunners Among Leading Clubs in Europe Again
This season was Arsenal’s return to the Champions League after a six-year absence. They are back among the big teams in Europe, so a lot of credit must go to Arteta for that achievement. Their biggest rivals for the trophy this season are likely to be defending champions Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side lifted the trophy for the first time last June, and they have comfortably progressed from their group again.
Arsenal have had some great clashes with Bayern Munich in the Champions League era, and the German giants are in the mix for the trophy this season. They have been prolific in front of goal since England captain Harry Kane moved there in the summer.
After recording a 100% record through their opening five games in Europe this season, 14-time European champions Real Madrid have also made a strong start to their campaign. Carlo Ancelotti’s side lead the way in La Liga in Spain, and they have the semi-final or better in the last three seasons of the Champions League.
Arsenal’s final game of their group comes against PSV in Eindhoven. The 16 ties then begin on the 13th of February, and they will take place over two legs.
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