Could Arsenal win the Champions League?

Arsenal’s defensive solidity, tactical depth, and hunger fuel their Champions League ambitions, but is that enough?

Arsenal is one of the most successful clubs in English domestic football history. Its impressive trophy cabinet includes 13 First Division/Premier League titles, the 3rd all-time behind Manchester United and Liverpool. Arsenal is also the most successful club in FA Cup history, winning football’s oldest cup competition a record 14 times.

Perhaps even more impressive than just trophies is Arsenal’s unique achievement of winning the English top-division Premier League undefeated. The Arsenal ‘Invincibles’ from the 2003-04 season is the stuff of legends, when the Arsenal team went the entire league campaign undefeated, amassing 26 wins along with 12 draws. It’s a unique achievement which will stand the test of time as being among the greatest single-seasons any club has ever had in European football. Indeed, the club has left an indelible mark on English football.

Which makes Arsenal’s lack of any real success in European competitions across their entire history even more baffling. The 1993-94 UEFA Cup-Winners’ Cup, won under the tutelage of legendary Gunners’ manager George Graham, remains the club’s only major piece of silverware in European football. It’s complimented by a paltry ‘Inter-Cities Fairs Cup’ victory (considered the predecessor to the UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League), back when 2nd-rate European competitions weren’t considered major honours.

When Arsenal almost reached the European summit in 2006, being beaten at the last hurdle by the legendary Barcelona side of Ronaldinho and Eto’o, Gunners’ fans around the globe would’ve been expecting a swift return to the Champions League final. Fast forward 19 years, Arsenal has only been to the semi-final stage once, back in 2008-09.

Where the greatest manager in Arsenal’s history Arsene Wenger failed, current Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta could succeed. Arteta, over the last 4 seasons, has slowly built a side capable of competing for European football’s top-honor. Indeed, Arsenal now have the potential to win the UEFA Champions League within the next three seasons. With a solid defensive foundation, tactical flexibility, and a growing European experience, Mikel Arteta’s side have all the tools to compete at the highest level.

Solid Defensive Base

The centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães is considered one of the best in Europe. Arsenal have maintained a strong defensive record over the past three seasons, conceding fewer goals than many of their domestic rivals.

Despite a shaky start to the current Premier League campaign, Arsenal continue to prove their defensive solidity. Over the last couple of seasons, Arsenal leads the league in the fewest “big chances” conceded, averaging 1.5 per match. They also rank third in big chances created, with an average of 3.3 per game.

During the 2023-24 season, Arsenal’s defensive resilience was evident. They conceded just 29 goals at an average of 0.8 per game, keeping 18 clean sheets across 38 matches. This defensive strength provides a strong platform for their attacking players to thrive.

The physical and technical profiles of their defenders are crucial. Arsenal’s backline features athletic, strong, and versatile players such as Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurrien Timber. Their ability to play multiple positions and contribute in wide areas makes them an unpredictable force in possession.

Emirates as a Fortress

Arsenal’s home form has been a key factor in their resurgence. The Emirates Stadium has become a fortress, with only a handful of teams managing to secure results there over the past two seasons.

Since the start of the 2023-24 campaign, only West Ham and Aston Villa have won at the Emirates in the Premier League, while Liverpool and Newcastle secured cup victories. Arsenal have defeated Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham at home, demonstrating their ability to compete with the best.

On European nights, the Emirates provides an intimidating atmosphere. Teams have struggled to cope with the intensity brought on by an electric atmosphere. This was clearly evident when Paris Saint-Germain visited earlier in the season. Facing a relentless sea of North Londoners singing their heart-out for 90 minutes, the French champions faced difficulties building any sustained pressure against the Gunners, being beaten 2-0 comfortably.

Excellence at Set Pieces

Arsenal’s set-piece proficiency has been a key component of their success. Under the guidance of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, the team has become one of the most dangerous in Europe from dead-ball situations.

Since the start of last season, Arsenal have scored 26 goals from corners, averaging a goal every 16 corners—more than any other team in the Premier League and across Europe’s top leagues. Their precise delivery, particularly from Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, makes defending set-pieces a nightmare for opponents.

Gabriel Magalhães has been instrumental in Arsenal’s aerial dominance, frequently finding the back of the net from well-delivered corners. Teams such as Manchester United have struggled to cope with Arsenal’s movement in the box, whereas more aggressive defensive setups, like Chelsea’s, have attempted to counteract their threat with physicality.

This set-piece efficiency will be crucial in Arsenal’s Champions League campaign, especially against sides that rely on defensive solidity. Set-pieces also often win you the game, especially during tight encounters.

Proficiency at Counter-Attacks

Counter-attacking efficiency is a key attribute of successful European teams. Arsenal not only excel at stopping counter-attacks—thanks to strong defenders and midfielders such as Declan Rice—but also pose a significant threat when transitioning quickly.

With pacey attackers like Saka (currently injured), Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard, Arsenal have been deadly on the break. They have scored 11 goals from fast-breaks since the start of the 2023-24 season, highlighting their ability to exploit space in transition.

Arsenal’s offensive approach is built on a blend of counter-attacks and controlled build-up play. Their 4-3-3 formation allows them to create overloads in midfield, enabling swift transitions from defence to attack.

During build-up play, midfielders adjust to form a 3+2 structure, opening passing lanes for progression. Intelligent runs from Rice and Saka disrupt defensive lines, creating space for incisive passes.

This tactical flexibility enables Arsenal to break down low-block defences while also being lethal on the counter. Their ability to switch play and exploit wide areas adds another dimension to their attack, making them a well-rounded offensive unit.

Experience from Last Year’s Heartbreak

Arsenal’s Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich last season was a painful lesson. Despite Bayern’s own evident struggles last season, they managed to edge past Arsenal with a 3-2 aggregate victory. The German side’s experience proved decisive, particularly in the second leg at the Allianz Arena.

However, this setback will serve as a valuable learning experience. Arsenal are playing in their third consecutive European season under Arteta, and their squad includes Champions League winners such as Jorginho and Kai Havertz, who lifted the trophy with Chelsea in 2021.

Havertz, despite facing criticism, has improved his numbers compared to last season. His experience in high-pressure European fixtures will be crucial as Arsenal aim to go deeper into the tournament.

Areas for Improvement

While Arsenal possess many of the qualities needed to win the Champions League, there are still areas that require improvement.

Lack of a Clinical Striker

Arsenal lack an out-and-out No. 9—an instinctive finisher who can convert chances consistently. Their system prioritises control and link-up play, but without a reliable goalscorer in the box, they miss opportunities to kill off games.

With Gabriel Jesus injured and Bukayo Saka sidelined until March, Arsenal’s attacking options are stretched thin. Although Martinelli, Havertz, and Trossard provide versatility, none are natural centre-forwards. A proven goalscorer is needed to capitalise on the numerous chances Arsenal create.

Historically, elite European teams have had prolific strikers to rely on. Arsenal must address this issue in the transfer market if they are to challenge for the Champions League.

Lack of Experience Against Europe’s Elite

Despite their domestic success, Arsenal are yet to claim a statement victory against Europe’s biggest clubs in recent years. While their performances have been commendable, they have struggled against experienced European giants like Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.

In contrast to the days of Thierry Henry dominating at the Bernabéu or the San Siro, this Arsenal team still needs to prove its ability to compete away from home in the knockout rounds. Their home performances have been strong, but replicating that form on the road is essential.

Pundits have questioned Arsenal’s lack of European pedigree. The team had not played in the Champions League for six years prior to the 2023-24 season, and their squad remains relatively inexperienced at this level.

However, Arsenal have consistently defied expectations under Arteta. While critics doubt their ability to go all the way, the squad’s hunger and ambition suggest otherwise.

The Premier League question

Arsenal has challenged reigning Premier League champions Manchester City all the way during the last couple of seasons. However, they have failed to get over the mark.

This season, touted by many as ‘Arsenal’s season,’ has been anything but. With Liverpool seemingly running away with it, Gunners’ faithful have rightfully been disappointed with how the season has panned out thus far.

Until Arsenal get over the line domestically, the Premier League question will continue to haunt them. Afterall, it has been over 20 years since Arsenal were the top-dogs in English football.

A Premier League title would change everything. It would prove to the squad—and to the rest of Europe—that Arsenal can go the distance in high-pressure races. If they can win domestically, they will believe they can win in Europe.

Conclusion

Arsenal’s strong defensive core, home dominance, set-piece prowess, and counter-attacking efficiency make them a formidable force in Europe. Their experience from last season’s disappointment will fuel their desire for success, but addressing their need for a clinical striker and improving their away performances against elite teams will be key.

With the determination and tactical intelligence Arteta has instilled, Arsenal have every reason to believe they can lift the Champions League trophy in the near future. Whether they will remain to be seen—but they certainly have the potential.

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