In an unexpected prediction, former Tottenham Hotspur star Darren Bent believes that Arsenal has the potential to challenge defending champions Manchester City for the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy this season.
Bent is of the view that Arsenal, despite being drawn in Group B alongside Lens, Sevilla, and PSV, has the capability to defeat any team in the Champions League, including formidable opponents like Real Madrid.
Arsenal’s Strong Start
Arsenal got their Champions League campaign off to a flying start with a commanding 4-0 victory over Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven, showcasing their prowess in the tournament.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Bent expressed his belief in Arsenal’s ability to excel in the competition:
“I think we (Arsenal) can, why not? For me, City are still the team to beat. But I fancy Arsenal to get a result against anyone else. Real Madrid, yep.”
He acknowledged the role of luck in cup competitions, emphasizing that having a more favorable draw can impact a team’s journey. However, he also highlighted the progress made by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta:
“(Arteta’s) learnt from his mistakes. I think he is getting better and better, and every manager has to start somewhere, don’t they?”
While Bent acknowledges that winning the Champions League is a significant challenge for Arsenal, he referenced Leicester City’s triumph in the Premier League as evidence that surprising outcomes can occur. He concluded:
“I understand that it is a big ask for Arsenal to win the UCL, but stranger things have happened… There is no reason why they can’t.”
