Arsenal’s promising season has quickly unraveled, leaving the Champions League as their only realistic shot at silverware. Once in contention across multiple competitions, the Gunners have suffered setbacks in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and Premier League, raising concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level.
Mikel Arteta’s men were dumped out of the FA Cup by Manchester United, squandered their Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle, and have struggled in the league, with a recent 1-0 home defeat to West Ham and a goalless draw at Nottingham Forest all but ending their title ambitions.
Now, Arsenal must turn their attention to the Champions League, where they face a tricky last-16 tie against PSV Eindhoven. While the Dutch side has endured a rough patch—losing their last two matches and keeping just one clean sheet in 14 games—Arsenal’s own attacking woes remain a major concern.
With limited attacking options, Arteta may turn to 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who could make an impact in the knockout rounds. Nwaneri, who became Arsenal’s youngest-ever Premier League debutant in 2022, is 33/10 to score, while PSV’s experienced striker Luuk de Jong—playing his 50th Champions League match—is 27/10 to find the net.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa will also be in European action as they take on Club Bruges in Belgium. Former Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio has been in fine form since joining Villa in January, linking up well with Marcus Rashford in attack.
With Arsenal’s season at risk of slipping away, a strong Champions League performance is now a necessity rather than a bonus. Can Arteta’s side rise to the occasion, or will their struggles continue on the European stage?