Troy Deeney Questions Arsenal's Champions League Credentials
Troy Deeney has praised Arsenal's resilience but expressed significant doubts about their ability to win the Champions League this season. The former Premier League striker believes Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich would eliminate Mikel Arteta's side in European competition.
Arsenal's Path to the Quarter-Finals
Arsenal secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a 3-1 aggregate victory over Bayer Leverkusen. After a tense first leg that required a late Kai Havertz penalty to avoid defeat, the Gunners delivered a commanding 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium in the second leg. Goals from Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice sealed their progression, though Deeney observed that Leverkusen often appeared the superior team during the tie.
Deeney's Critical Analysis
Speaking on CBS Sports, Deeney acknowledged Arsenal's winning mentality but highlighted defensive vulnerabilities. "They're winning football games, 100%, but they gave Leverkusen a lot of chances in terms of breaking through the lines and getting out wide," Deeney stated. He noted that while Arsenal's center-backs excel against crosses, different tactical approaches from future opponents could expose weaknesses.
When asked directly about Arsenal's Champions League prospects, Deeney was unequivocal: "If you ask me right here, right now, do I think Arsenal win the Champions League? I would say no." He elaborated that despite Arsenal's consistent results, they lack the convincing dominance expected of potential champions.
The PSG and Bayern Munich Threat
Deeney specifically identified PSG and Bayern Munich as teams capable of ending Arsenal's European campaign. Current Champions League holders PSG demonstrated their formidable attacking power by demolishing Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate in the round of sixteen. Bayern Munich, meanwhile, established a commanding 6-1 lead over Atalanta ahead of their second leg.
"Do I think they beat PSG? No. Do I think in a two-legged game they beat Bayern Munich? No," Deeney asserted. He acknowledged Arsenal's group stage victory over Bayern but emphasized that knockout football presents different challenges over two legs.
Arteta's Transformative Impact
Despite his criticisms, Deeney recognized the significant progress under Mikel Arteta's leadership. "They have this horrible, steely nastiness to get over the line under Mikel Arteta," he observed, contrasting this resilience with the more vulnerable teams of Arsene Wenger's later years. This mental fortitude has been crucial in Arsenal's domestic and European campaigns.
Arsenal's Immediate Challenges
Arsenal now face Sporting Lisbon in the quarter-finals after the Portuguese side's remarkable comeback against Bodo-Glimt. Beyond Europe, Arteta's team maintains ambitions for a historic quadruple, beginning with Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Manchester City. The Gunners enter that match with a nine-point lead over City in the Premier League title race, while their rivals recently suffered Champions League elimination by Real Madrid.
Deeney's analysis presents a paradox: Arsenal continue to achieve results while leaving observers wanting more convincing performances. As the Champions League reaches its decisive stages, the Gunners must demonstrate they can overcome Europe's elite to silence critics like Deeney and secure their first continental crown.
