Mikel Arteta and Martin Keown - Arsenal
Mikel Arteta and Martin Keown - Arsenal
Former players who attend the draw often set the tone for how supporters view a difficult group of fixtures. Memories of famous European nights return as soon as certain names come out of the pot. Confidence from a domestic title can change the way a club approaches the continent’s elite.
Heavyweight away trips test even the strongest squads. Home ties against historic opponents create special atmospheres. Legends who have been there before tend to focus on opportunity rather than fear.
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Martin Keown believes Arsenal should not fear any opponent in this season’s Champions League after the league-phase draw paired them with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Real Betis, Lille, Napoli, Sabah and Slavia Prague.
The Invincible defender was in Monaco for Thursday’s draw. One fixture stood out immediately. “Well for me, Real Madrid is always a mouth-watering fixture,” Keown said. “It takes me back to the Declan Rice night, those two free-kicks. Celebrating with my two lads in the stands, that’s the most enjoyment I’ve got out of a game without playing myself.”
Arsenal will host Madrid, Dortmund, Lille and Sabah. Away games take them to Munich, Seville, Naples and Prague.
Keown sees the challenging list as a positive. “Winning the Premier League gives you that extra bit of confidence, you see that glow in the players. Of course Bayern away [will be] tough, Napoli as well, but these are all really great fixtures and Arsenal have started the season really well so there’s nothing to fear.
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“That has to be the vision for the club, the ambition, and embrace that. I think they’re more than capable of doing that, let’s see how it pans out.”
The Gunners topped the league phase last season with eight wins from eight before reaching the final. They begin this campaign as Premier League champions after a 3-0 opening win over Coventry.
Supporters will share Keown’s excitement, especially at the prospect of Real Madrid at the Emirates. Exact dates will be confirmed in due course, with the league phase running from September through to late January.
Arsenal now turn their attention to Monday’s trip to Aston Villa before European football returns. The draw offers a stern test but also the chance to measure themselves against the best once again.