Arsenal are in the Champions League knockout stages for the first time since 2017, and given their strong performances in recent weeks, will be backing themselves to go further in the competition.
Two-time winners FC Porto await them in the round of 16, but Mikel Arteta’s team will hope to continue their excellent form as they travel to Portugal next week for the first leg.
If Arsenal do get past Porto, they will be a team that most of Europe will not want to face, but will also be looking at the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City as teams to avoid in the next stages.
Club legend Thierry Henry helped Arsenal reach their only Champions League final in 2006, and then won the competition with Barcelona. He has now explained the challenges Arsenal could face in Europe’s elite competition.
Thierry Henry gives verdict on Arsenal Champions League hopes
Speaking on CBS Sports after Manchester City’s victory over FC Copenhagen in their knockout tie, Henry claimed that whilst Arsenal are a tough side for anyone to face, they may face a battle in balancing their title challenge and European campaign.
“We’re going to be a very difficult team to beat. Having said that, the draw is going to be tough,” Henry stated.
“We’re going to Porto, then after you can meet a team from your country, and then it depends on the path, who are you going to play along the way.
“I’m just saying if, that’s a massive if, because Porto will be tough, that’s what I believe, you go play Man City you have to beat them, maybe Real Madrid if they go through, how are you going to deal with that if you still also competing in the league to win it?
“Those are the questions that we’re going to have to answer, or the team has to answer.”
Arsenal’s Champions League chances
Arsenal’s strong form right now, as well as having the likes of Fabio Vieira and Thomas Partey potentially returning from injury, has put them in great shape ahead of the last-16.
However, Porto should not be underestimated, and Arsenal will need to be at their convincing best to navigate a tricky two-leg tie. After crashing out of Europe against Sporting Club De Portugal last season, they will want to ensure they can reach a first Champions League quarter-final since 2010.
The luck of the draw could help or hinder Arsenal’s chances. Manchester City may be best avoided, but having beaten Pep Guardiola’s side at the Emirates already this season, nothing is impossible, and if Arsenal do progress and draw the current holders, they may see it as an opportunity to win the whole competition if they can knock them out.
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