Jan 30

Jan 30 Arteta Confident Arsenal Can Face Any Opponent After Champions League Triumph

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has declared that his team can take on any opponent after securing a direct qualification to the Champions League Round of 16 with a 2-1 victory over Girona on Wednesday.

Despite fielding a much-rotated squad, the Gunners overcame an early setback from Arnaut Danjuma’s first-half goal to claim victory, thanks to strikes from Jorginho and 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri.

The result means Arsenal avoid the newly introduced play-off phase and will face one of Juventus, AC Milan, Feyenoord, or PSV Eindhoven in the next round.

Arteta: "We Can Face Anyone"

Speaking after the match, Arteta praised his team’s resilience and consistency in Europe:

“Winning in this competition is very demanding, but overall, the team has been very consistent, regardless of all the issues they have had to face.”

The Arsenal boss believes his squad is gaining confidence and growing stronger:

“(Hopefully it breeds) more belief in that dressing room that we are a good team and we can face anyone and still perform and win games.”

A Night of Firsts: Neto’s Debut & Nwaneri’s Heroics

Veteran goalkeeper Neto made his Arsenal debut, stepping in for David Raya, who missed the game due to injury.

“He certainly could not play, he is injured,” Arteta confirmed, ahead of Arsenal’s crucial Premier League showdown against Manchester City on Sunday.

Neto had a shaky start, misjudging a clearance that led to Girona’s opening goal, but Arsenal fought back, with Nwaneri stealing the spotlight.

The 17-year-old wonderkid scored the winning goal, showcasing his fearlessness and talent. Mikel Merino hailed the youngster:

“He is ruthless, he has no fear on the pitch. He has a really high ceiling and we are going to help him reach it.”

Arteta was equally impressed, calling Nwaneri’s display “exciting” and praising his composure:

“Making his debut as a Champions League starter today and scoring the goal that he scored, especially in a very important moment—it’s impressive.”

With Gabriel Jesus sidelined due to injury, Arsenal has been linked with Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. However, Arteta refused to be drawn into speculation:

“I can’t talk about any of that — my confidence is that we have an amazing club with people always working to try and improve. Let’s see what happens.”

Opinion: Can Arsenal Go All the Way?

Arsenal’s resilience and depth are being tested, yet they continue to grind out results. However, with potential clashes against European powerhouses like Juventus or AC Milan, the Gunners must be at their absolute best.

Their title challenge in the Premier League also faces a defining moment this weekend against Manchester City.

Will Arteta’s men prove they belong among Europe’s elite? Or will their lack of firepower upfront cost them in the later stages?