The three secrets behind Arsenal’s astonishing away form – and the one thing they still need to prove on the road
Two hours before Arsenal‘s home match against PSV Eindhoven last September, their first Champions League match since 2017, the competition’s famous anthem could be heard booming down Hornsey Road outside the Emirates.
Sound tests were being conducted inside as the Gunners returned to the competition after a six-year absence. The excitement was palpable.
Understandably so, given they had been scrapping it out in the Europa League for most of that period, during which rivals Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City each lifted European football’s biggest prize.
Ultimately, however, the adventure ended with a 1-0 loss away to Bayern Munich in the quarter-final, a gallant run on their return to the big time.
Ahead of their opening match against Atalanta tonight, Mikel Arteta‘s side are no longer newcomers on this stage. As consistent title challengers in the world’s strongest league, there is no reason they shouldn’t challenge in Europe, too.
