Arsenal just received a boost in the Champions League courtesy of a former transfer target of Mikel Arteta’s.
The Gunners will be confident to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League, carrying a six-goal lead into the round of 16 second leg.
Arsenal beat PSV Eindhoven resoundingly in the first leg, scoring seven away from home to set the tie up sumptuously at the Emirates.
While Arsenal’s work being all but done is a boost ahead of the quarter-final, it’s not only what Arteta’s squad have achieved that has handed the North Londoners a boost in the competition.
Arsenal target Willian Pacho stars against Liverpool
Given how much trouble the round of 16 has caused Arsenal in the Champions League over the years, the 7-1 win over PSV was a real confidence booster.
The Gunners’ only hope at silverware this season is in Europe, with the Premier League in Liverpool’s hands.
On the subject of Liverpool, Arsenal received good news in the Champions League before their second-leg clash, as the Reds were knocked out of the competition by Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal beat PSG during the league phase, something their Premier League rivals weren’t able to do, with the French side too strong for Arne Slot to get the better of.
One of the shining lights of the contest at Anfield was defender Willian Pacho, who shone against Liverpool’s front line, making 11 defensive contributions in 120 minutes of action.
The 23-year-old’s performance was applauded by many, possibly even Arteta, who is a fan of the centre-back.
Arsenal were linked to Pacho during the summer transfer window, eyeing the Ecuador international before he signed for PSG, even enquiring about the player.
While the defender instead signed for PSG later in the window, Arsenal have still been able to benefit from Pacho’s brilliance.
Champions League boost for Arsenal
Having played a significant part in PSG’s win at Anfield, Pacho has subsequently handed the Gunners a boost in the competition.
That’s because Arsenal have never beaten an English club in a UEFA tournament, with the last being the unforgettable defeat to Chelsea in the 2019 Europa League final.
By eliminating Liverpool, the Gunners have a boost in the competition given their history though, Aston Villa remain alongside Arteta’s squad.
Pacho may not have signed for Arsenal but, the defender did the North Londoners a favour with his performance at Anfield, as he was singled out as one of PSG’s ‘outstanding’ performers on the night.
Thierry Henry issued the praise when reacting to the game on CBS, lauding Pacho’s contribution.
“Vitinha, the way he controls the game and defends, it’s a different sport. It’s a different sport. Joao Neves, Nuno Mendes, Pacho at the back — they were all outstanding,” the Arsenal legend said.
For now, Arsenal will focus on their round of 16 second-leg tie, with an even greater challenge to come as either Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid await in the quarter-final.
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