Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is looking to the Champions League as a potential lifeline for a season that has drifted off course.
With his squad struggling due to injuries and their Premier League title hopes fading, European success now stands as their best shot at silverware.
The Gunners’ ambition of ending their 21-year wait for a league title has all but vanished, as they trail leaders Liverpool by 13 points. Their only remaining hope for glory lies in the Champions League, and a favourable last-16 draw against PSV Eindhoven could provide Arteta with crucial time to recover key attacking players.
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to hamstring and knee injuries, respectively.
However, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli could be back in action by the quarterfinals next month, should Arsenal advance past PSV.
The absence of these key forwards has been glaring, with Arsenal failing to find the net in their last two league games against West Ham and Nottingham Forest, effectively ending their title challenge.
Arteta has had to improvise, using midfielder Mikel Merino as a stand-in striker while relying on 16-year-old Ethan Nwaneri to fill in for Saka on the right wing.
A lack of creativity and sharpness in front of goal has been a recurring issue for Arsenal this season. Their inability to convert chances was on display in a goalless draw at Nottingham Forest, marking the ninth time this season they have failed to score in a match.
Martin Ødegaard, who has been instrumental in Arsenal’s midfield in recent seasons, has struggled to rediscover his best form after missing two months earlier in the campaign due to an ankle injury.
Arteta has joined the growing list of managers criticising the relentless fixture schedule, which he believes is taking a toll on players.
Despite their attacking woes, Arsenal can take confidence from their defensive solidity. Their early FA Cup exit has given them a full week to prepare for the Champions League tie, and they boast the best defensive record in the Premier League.
In Europe, they have been similarly resolute, conceding just three goals in the group stage—a record bettered only by Inter Milan. Clean sheets against Paris Saint-Germain and Atalanta underline their defensive strength.
PSV Eindhoven, meanwhile, have been struggling domestically, suffering back-to-back defeats against Go Ahead Eagles in the past week and failing to win in four league matches.
Despite their impressive 3-1 win over Juventus in the previous round, their recent form allows Arsenal to progress.
If they can overcome PSV, Arsenal will be hoping that the returns of Saka and Martinelli provide the firepower needed for a quarterfinal clash with either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid.
For Arteta, the Champions League may be the only path left to salvage what has become a turbulent season.
