Former Chelsea and Celtic striker Chris Sutton has backed Mikel Arteta and Arsenal to make it deep into the Champions League this season.
The Gunners’ ended last year’s campaign in the quarterfinals, losing on aggregate to Bayern Munich. Arsenal begin this year’s edition away from home as they face Europa League holders Atalanta.
Ahead of the game, Atalanta coach Gian Piero Giasperini has mentioned how tough the English side has become under Arteta:
“We have a very tough obstacle to start with but it will be a good opportunity to gauge where we’re at.”
Chris Sutton backs Arsenal squad for European glory
Mikel Arteta won the FA cup in his first year as Arsenal coach, and in the last season, has turned the Gunners into legitimate Premier League title contenders. Arsenal were one of the few teams to take points off Manchester City last season. Chris Sutton has backed Arteta for success this year:
“Mikel Arteta is in his fifth [full] season now, the club and team have really progressed and he’s had lots of transfer windows to improve the squad.
“Everybody I’ve spoken to feels Arsenal are ready to make that next step and topple Manchester City [in the Premier League], but Arteta will want to give it a go in the Champions League as well.
“You look at the squad they have – Martin Odegaard [who is out with an ankle injury] is a little bit of a worry – but they are a superbly balanced team. Their back line is absolutely phenomenal and they are a team who could really go far in this competition.”
Jorginho says fans will play a part in the Champions League
Last season, Arsenal only managed one win out of a possible four in the group stages. They also scored just four goals. Gunners midfielder Jorginho believes the fans will play a huge part in the team’s away fixtures in Europe:
“The hunger is there. Everyone wants to win matches,” Jorginho said.
“The work behind the scenes is there from staff and everyone who helps the players on the pitch. Everything we have been doing together is key to this.
“The sprit of this group, the energy, atmosphere in the training ground is incredible.
“Everyday we go to the training ground we are happy to be there, it is an amazing atmosphere and important to what we do. It is no coincidence the outcome [we get]. We have to keep on this path and keep working the way that we do.”
Arsenal are away to Atalanta on Thursday night, before they face Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday.
