How Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal Squad Can Win The UEFA Champions League
If the Gunners were out of the UCL race, a Premier League title would be much more attainable. They wouldn’t be playing extra matches and could focus all their efforts on domestic competition. As with the Premier League, the defense will be a deciding factor if Arteta can pull off the unthinkable. Raya continues his stunning play in the UEFA Champions League. He’s only conceded six goals in 13 games, with eight clean sheets.
The second leg against Atletico Madrid is this week, and after a controversial call that ultimately decided the match, the Gunners return to North London tied at 1-1. Since away goals are no longer a factor, this is a winner-take-all game. Arsenal have been exceptional at The Emirates, and Atletico has struggled on the road, giving up nearly a goal more than at home in Madrid (2.8 goals vs 1.9 goals). Arteta’s Arsenal squad will come out with a fire lit under them after the non-call. Havertz and Odegaard are expected to play, adding a cherry on top of an ice cream Sunday that doesn’t seem to be melting under the heat of competition.
If Arsenal advance to the final in Budapest, they will face either PSG or Bayern. These are the two highest-scoring teams in the tournament, at 43 and 42 goals, respectively. Even though Bayern got shelled by PSG in the first leg, they can still advance. Arsenal defeated Bayern in the league phase of the UCL back in November, only allowing a single goal. Harry Kane has been otherworldly in the tournament, scoring 13 goals in 12 games. The Gunners brought him back down to earth in their matchup, shutting him down and proving they can hold him and his teammates in check.
If PSG advances, it becomes a little more personal. The French giants knocked Arsenal out of the semi-final last year, so Arteta’s squad will be looking for revenge. Even though Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Vitinha, and Ousmane Dembele are dangerous, they’ve conceded 21 goals in 15 matches, four of which came in one game. They’re also beatable.
Most of the Gunners’ goals are scored in the second half of matches, indicating they make successful halftime adjustments. They’ve scored 88 goals inside the box, so they’re extremely patient and wait for the perfect opportunity to strike. Putting 30 goals into the back of the net from set pieces means they make the most of the chances given. Areta has built a squad with depth in the rotation, consisting of Zubimendi, Gyokeres, Piero Hincapie, and others. This is how they can stay fresh against PSG or Bayern.
Can A Dream Become A Reality?
The common thread here is defense, and that’s what makes this season feel so different from those in recent memory. If Arteta’s Arsenal squad can continue their effort on the defensive end, they have a great chance at grasping the Champions League Double. The draw between Everton and Man City worked in Arsenal’s benefit because they widen the goal difference gap, which may end up being the deciding factor in who wins the league. Chances are, it’s going down to the last day of the season, meaning the Gunners must keep the defense in top shape, get healthier, and find consistent creativity within the offense.
The only obstacle keeping Arsenal from winning these titles is Arsenal. The fans are witnessing deja vu, and who can blame them? At this point, they’d probably settle for either winning the Premier League or the Champions League, as the title drought continues to grow. Some argue that winning one league over the other is more important, but that diminishes the value of the respective competitions. A player, coach, and organization always want to win, regardless of the opponents, leagues, or adversity. That’s what determines who goes down in the record books: doing something few have achieved, or merely becoming just another imitator with a dream.
