Mikel Arteta has big Champions League concern that could threaten Arsenal’s chances of ending European drought
Arsenal have high hopes in the Champions League this season, but their previous record in the competition serves as a warning sign over how difficult it is to succeed in Europe.
Mikel Arteta has helped transform Arsenal into one of the best sides in Europe, as title challengers in the Premier League, and he also brought them back to the Champions League after a long absence.
Arsenal reached the quarter-finals last season but were eliminated by Bayern Munich after a narrow defeat, and they will be hoping to go even further this time, having never won the competition before.
The league phase of the Champions League has handed Arsenal some tough fixtures, as they have away trips to Atalanta, Inter Milan, Sporting Club De Portugal and Girona, whilst they will also face Paris Saint-Germain at home.
Although Arsenal have enough quality to beat most sides they could face, one statistic is of concern as Arteta begins his second campaign as a Champions League manager.
Mikel Arteta’s poor away record in the Champions League as Arsenal manager
In Arteta’s last two Europe League campaigns, Arsenal failed to win several away games, which ended up in eliminations against Villarreal and Sporting CP.
It was a similar story in his maiden Champions League campaign as manager. Arsenal were beaten 2-1 by RC Lens, before a narrow victory at Sevilla was followed by a 1-1 draw at PSV Eindhoven in the group stages last season.
A disappointing 1-0 loss to Porto was followed by a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, which resulted in their exit.
Arteta’s Champions League record currently stands at five wins, two draws and three losses overall, with just one win in five away games, and this needs to improve if Arsenal are to challenge for the trophy.
Arsenal must improve in Champions League away games
Speaking in a press conference before Arsenal’s trip to Atalanta, Arteta gave his verdict on his poor away record in the Champions League.
“If we want to be at the level we want to be we have to be really good on the road and at home. We have to continue to be very consistent. In Europe it’s very tough to win just like in the Premier League. Hopefully we can be better,” he stated.
“You don’t know the opponents that well and then boxes become crucial. There are small moments that define the games. In Europe you’d better be at your best.”
Given that there are four away games in the league phase, Arsenal cannot continue to falter on the road in Europe, and if they are to go one step further and compete with the best teams in the world, they will have to learn how to win away at tough grounds.
