Could this finally be the Gunners’ year?
Things are looking fairly rosy at the moment for Arsenal fans and Arsene Wenger, coming off the back of their 2-1 away win against Crystal Palace the Gunners sit 3rd in the Premier League, have a favourable draw in the Champions League and are still in this year’s FA Cup.
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Here are five reasons the club could win Europe’s top trophy this season:
Momentum is vital
The vast majority of sides challenging for Champions League glory are fighting on more than one front. Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid were both chasing the Copa del Rey and La Liga title while also battling it out for the Champions League.
Arsenal will go into their last 16 tie against AS Monaco with a place in the FA Cup quarter-final secured and a chance, albeit a distinct outside chance, of the Premier League title. Even without the league title fight, they look like they will be in the top four and these successes will only help their European campaign.
They are accustomed to the competition
Arsene Wenger has led the side into 17 consecutive Champions League competitions so everyone down to the tea-lady should be well versed in the continental competition. The Gunners can have no excuses of players being overawed by the occasion as they have had plenty of dress rehearsals.
While Wenger’s side has never won the Champions League, they have come agonisingly close, losing 2-1 to Barcelona in 2006.
Silverware breeds confidence and more trophies
Arsenal finally won their first trophy since 2004 last season after beating Hull City in the FA Cup final, getting the monkey off their back once and for all.
The Community Shield soon followed and with tails up at the Emirates, the Gunners will fancy themselves in any competition they play in at the moment.
Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean looks like an inspired piece of business by Arsene Wenger, having scored 17 goals so far this season and assisted seven.
Sanchez also won La Liga title and the Copa Del Rey during his time at Barcelona, so has experience of major honours which could be important in seeing his side over the line.
They play the right style of football
Arsenal are well known for their passing style of football, having scored some unbelievable goals as a result, and there is very little chance in Arsene Wenger surrendering this for anything.
If Champions League success is to be realised for the Gunners, they will need to keep playing this style and hope their ability will help it flourish.