Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal are genuine contenders to win the Champions League and has urged his players to rise to the challenge in the “most exciting part” of the season. With their Premier League title hopes fading, Europe’s top competition now offers the Gunners their best shot at silverware.
Arsenal are 15 points behind leaders Liverpool with 10 games left, making the Champions League their most realistic chance for a trophy. They are on the brink of reaching the quarter-finals for the second year in a row, leading PSV Eindhoven 7-1 on aggregate ahead of Wednesday’s second leg.
If they finish the job, Arsenal will face either Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid in the next round — but Arteta is convinced his side can compete with anyone left in the tournament.
“We have done a lot and probably the most exciting part is coming up right now,” said Arteta. “We have to make sure tomorrow that we finish the job in the way that we want to, to put ourselves in a great position to go again.
“We have been extremely consistent in the competition. We have been very, very good and now we have to continue. I have full belief as well that we can compete against any team. It is on those days [about] getting the best out of ourselves and controlling every detail, because when you get to those stages, that is what is going to define the moment to go through or not.”
Arsenal’s European form has been impressive, with standout performances in the group stage, and Arteta believes the team has built enough confidence to take on the continent’s elite.
Defender William Saliba echoed his manager’s optimism, insisting the Gunners fear no one as they head into the decisive phase of the competition.
“If we don’t believe or if we don’t dream to win the Champions League, there is no point to play,” Saliba said. “We are here, this season with the new format it was not easy to be qualified. Now we’ve won the first game [against PSV], tomorrow we’ve got a good chance to win a game and to be qualified.”
The Gunners know the road to the final won’t be easy, but Saliba stressed the importance of faith and determination.
“After, there is four games before the final. We can do it, we all believe that we can do it. We have to work and pray as well,” he added. “We are sad when we don’t win a trophy, but we have to keep believing because we are here. We won the first game last week and if we win or draw, we are in the quarter-final — then anything can happen. We have to believe in ourselves, and everyone thinks we can do it.”
With Arteta’s unwavering belief and the squad’s growing confidence, Arsenal fans can dare to dream of a historic run to Wembley.
