Former Liverpool and Arsenal winger Phil Haigh has made a bold claim that Liverpool possess a superior chance of winning the Champions League this season compared to their Premier League rivals Arsenal. This assertion comes despite the Gunners currently enjoying a perfect European campaign, sitting atop their group with a flawless record of seven victories from seven matches.
Arsenal's Impressive European Form
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side have been nothing short of dominant in this season's Champions League. Their latest triumph, a commanding 3-1 victory over Inter Milan at the iconic San Siro stadium, underscores their formidable form. With an impressive tally of 20 goals scored and just two conceded across seven matches, the North London club currently boasts the competition's most robust defence.
This European excellence complements their strong domestic position, where they hold a significant 14-point advantage over Liverpool in the Premier League table. On paper, Arsenal appear to be the team in ascendancy across all fronts.
The Case for Liverpool's European Pedigree
Phil Haigh, however, believes historical context and tournament experience will prove decisive. He points to Liverpool's storied history as six-time European champions, contrasting it sharply with Arsenal's notable lack of success in the continent's premier club competition.
'Liverpool are better in the Champions League,' Haigh stated emphatically during an interview with talkSPORT. 'They've got the pedigree, got the know-how. I genuinely believe they have a better chance than Arsenal because they are six-time Champions League winners. They know what it takes to get there and win it.'
The Crucible of Two-Legged Ties
Haigh's analysis extends to the specific challenges of knockout football. He is convinced that over a two-legged tie, Liverpool's experience and the formidable atmosphere at Anfield would give them the upper hand against Arsenal.
'Over a two-legged game I think Liverpool would beat Arsenal,' he predicted. 'They could go to the Emirates, manage the game effectively, and then bring Arsenal back to Anfield. On a Wednesday Champions League night, with the crowd in full voice, Anfield becomes a horrible place for any visiting team. We've seen what Arsenal have experienced there in the past.'
A Cautionary Tale from Recent History
The former winger also offered a sobering perspective on Arsenal's perfect group stage record, using Liverpool's own recent experience as a cautionary tale. He recalled how Liverpool dominated their group last season, winning every game except one, only to be unexpectedly eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain in the round of sixteen.
'Coming top in the Champions League right now means nothing,' Haigh cautioned. 'It's when you come face-to-face over a two-legged period that truly matters. The group stage is just the beginning.'
The Final Group Stage Showdown
Both clubs face crucial final group matches. Arsenal will host Kairat at the Emirates Stadium, aiming to preserve their immaculate record. Meanwhile, Liverpool welcome Qarabag to Anfield, needing a positive result to secure automatic qualification for the knockout stages and avoid the uncertainty of the play-off round.
While Arsenal's current form is undeniably impressive, Haigh's argument rests on the intangible assets of experience, history, and the unique pressures of Champions League knockout football. It sets the stage for a fascinating potential clash between the Gunners' present momentum and the Reds' historic pedigree as the tournament progresses towards its decisive latter stages.
