Arsenal returning to the Champions League:
It has been a long road back for Arsenal. They had become accustomed to Champions League football under Arsene Wenger, qualifying for the competition for 20 consecutive seasons between 1998 and 2017. However, since Wenger's departure in 2018, Arsenal underwent a transition period as they adjusted to life without their legendary long-time manager.
Finishing outside the top four proved difficult to take for a club of Arsenal's stature. They are one of England's most successful sides, having won the Premier League 13 times and other trophies like the FA Cup a record 14 times. The Champions League is where elite European clubs compete, and Arsenal felt their recent absence was an anomaly, not a sign they had fallen from the upper echelons of the game.
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have rediscovered their swagger and belief. The Spaniard has instilled discipline, organization, and a winning mentality. Last season's fourth-place finish was no fluke - it was a product of Arsenal's improvement under Arteta's stewardship. They are playing with confidence, flair, and cohesion once more.
This summer, Arsenal backed Arteta in the transfer market. They brought quality additions like Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, and Marquinhos. These signings have taken Arsenal's squad to another level. They now have strength, depth, and experience across their lineup.
The early signs are that Arsenal are more than capable of holding their own in the Champions League again. They topped their group in the Europa League last season before an agonizing semi-final exit. That experience will serve them well. And in pre-season, they defeated Chelsea and Sevilla to win the Emirates Cup.
Arsenal's brand of football under Arteta is pleasing to the eye. They press aggressively, circulate the ball crisply in midfield, and look dangerous in attack. Gabriel Jesus' arrival has taken the goalscoring burden off Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Emile Smith Rowe. Martin Odegaard is flourishing in a free role behind the striker.
Defensively, Arsenal appear solid too. William Saliba has cemented his place after returning from loan. Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes are a fine center-back pairing. Zinchenko adds quality and versatility at left-back. Aaron Ramsdale has proven himself as a top goalkeeper in the Premier League.
The Champions League draw was reasonably kind to Arsenal. They ended up in Group A with PSV Eindhoven, Bodo/Glimt, and FC Zurich. On paper, it is one they will expect to progress from to the knockout rounds. A good showing in Europe could set Arsenal up for a serious Premier League title challenge.
After a few years in the Europa League wilderness, Arsenal are raring to showcase their talents on club football's biggest stage again. They look re-energized and reinvigorated under Arteta. This Arsenal side believes they belong among Europe's elite - now they have the chance to prove it.
