Arsenal know that a point against a struggling Girona will be enough to qualify automatically for the last-16 of the Champions League.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been strong in the Champions League initial league phase, having only lost once at the San Siro against Inter Milan.
Arsenal have the defensive qualities to win the Champions League, having conceded just two goals in the competition so far – both from set-pieces.
Arteta will need to be smart with his team selection, some players are jaded and Gabriel Martinelli is close to a European suspension. One former Arsenal winger and now pundit however, thinks Arsenal have a great chance in Europe if they can improve in certain areas.
READ MORE: £42m Arsenal star says he’s not good at scoring in training but he only scores ‘bangers’ in games
Theo Walcott thinks Arsenal need to improve their ‘winning mentality’ to win the Champions League
Speaking to BBC Sport, Theo Walcott has provided some analysis on how Arsenal can win the Champions League this season, highlighting their strengths and areas for improvement.
Walcott stated: “Arsenal need to improve their winning mentality. I feel like if they’re going to progress in this knock-out stage, I want to see players expressing themselves. I want to see them playing with freedom.”
The former winger did however highlight Arsenal’s defensive capabilities as a real strength in the competition and highlighted William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes as two in particular that can carry Arsenal to glory.
Walcott explained: “Saliba and Gabriel are like brothers in arms. They don’t concede many. These guys score goals, they don’t just keep goals out of the box.”
Saliba recently revealed that he has a good relationship with Gabriel and the pair can be the foundation to guide Arsenal to their first ever Champions League trophy.
Jurrien Timber has also played well in defence for Arsenal this season
Although it has been Saliba and Gabriel that have taken most of the plaudits this season, Jurrien Timber should not be overlooked for the role he has played in Arsenal’s impressive solidity.
Timber virtually all of his debut season side-lined with an ACL injury but has made 30 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions, scoring once and contributing two assists.
His athleticism and tenacity in defence has been highlighted by many Arsenal fans but equally his ability to drive into space and pick a pass has also impressed.
Timber is another key component to Arsenal’s defence and one in which, if they can keep fit, could be the difference in their quest for European glory.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
