A favorable last-16 draw against PSV Eindhoven could provide Arteta with the time needed to recover some of his key attacking players. While Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have been ruled out for the rest of the season with serious hamstring and knee injuries, respectively, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli could return for the quarter-finals next month—should Arsenal progress.
The absence of these four forwards has been acutely felt in recent weeks. Arsenal failed to score in their last two Premier League matches against West Ham and Nottingham Forest, effectively ending their title aspirations. Midfielder Mikel Merino has been deployed as a makeshift striker, while teenager Ethan Nwaneri has been called upon to fill in for Saka on the right wing.
“I know that what’s lacking is that piece up there,” Arteta admitted. “There’s a lot to play for, and we need to find the solution to unlock it. We have the Champions League, a beautiful competition in front of us, and we have to be ready for Tuesday.”
Struggles in Attack
Arsenal’s lack of creativity and cutting edge in the final third has been a recurring issue this season. In their recent 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest, the Gunners managed just one shot on target—marking the ninth time this campaign they have failed to score in a match. Captain Martin Ødegaard, who has struggled to replicate his form from the previous two seasons, has been unable to provide the spark needed in midfield.
Arteta attributed Ødegaard’s inconsistent performances to the physical demands of a congested schedule. “He came back in such a strong way and performed at a very, very high level,” Arteta said. “But sustaining that over a period of time, like we are demanding the players to do constantly—especially the creative players—is very difficult.”
Defensive Solace
Despite their attacking woes, Arsenal can take solace in their defensive solidity. The Gunners boast the Premier League’s meanest defense and have been equally impressive in the Champions League, conceding just three goals in the group stage—a record bettered only by Inter Milan. Clean sheets against Paris Saint-Germain and Atalanta highlighted their resilience at the back.
PSV Eindhoven manager Peter Bosz was left impressed by Arsenal’s defensive organization during their 4-0 defeat at the Emirates in last season’s Champions League group stage. “As soon as we got to their box, the attack was over. How is that possible?” Bosz remarked at the time.
PSV’s Struggles
Arsenal’s opponents, PSV, have also faced their own domestic challenges. The Dutch champions have been beaten twice by Go Ahead Eagles in the past week and are winless in their last four league games. However, they did secure a memorable 3-1 victory over Juventus to reach the last 16 of the Champions League.
Despite their recent struggles, Arsenal will be expected to advance to the quarter-finals. If they do, the potential return of Saka and Martinelli could provide the firepower needed for a potential showdown with European heavyweights like Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid.
A Season-Defining Opportunity
For Arteta and Arsenal, the Champions League represents a season-defining opportunity. With their Premier League title hopes all but extinguished, the Gunners must now channel their focus and energy into Europe’s premier club competition. A deep run could not only salvage their campaign but also reignite belief in Arteta’s long-term project at the Emirates.