Former Premier League Striker Troy Deeney Questions Arsenal’s Champions League Credentials Despite ‘Steely Nastiness’ Under Mikel Arteta

Former striker Troy Deeney explains why Bayern Munich and PSG could stop Arsenal from winning the Champions League despite their 'steely' form under Mikel Arteta.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 18, 2026, 11:16 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

Gunners Secure Quarter-Final Berth Amid Tactical Scrutiny

Arsenal successfully booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday night with a 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates Stadium. The result, which secured a 3-1 aggregate win, was characterized by the clinical efficiency that has become a hallmark of Mikel Arteta’s tenure. However, the performance has not escaped criticism from observers who noted that the German side was allowed significant opportunities to break through the lines and exploit wide areas. While the North London club continues to answer the competitive questions posed to them, there remains a lingering debate regarding whether the team has reached the technical ceiling required to overcome the most established giants of European football.

Sporting CP Emerges as Direct Challenge in Next Phase

Following their progression, Arsenal is set to face Sporting CP in the quarter-finals, a side that demonstrated remarkable resilience by overturning a three-goal aggregate deficit to defeat Bodo-Glimt 5-2. Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has highlighted the unique stylistic challenge the Portuguese outfit presents, noting their direct approach and frequency of crosses into the box. While Arsenal’s central defensive pairing has historically thrived under such pressure, the unpredictability of the tie has left analysts divided on which team the matchup truly suits. If the Gunners successfully navigate this hurdle, they are likely to face either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals, representing a significantly more demanding path to the ultimate goal.

Elite European Pedigree Viewed as Barrier to Title Success

Despite Arsenal's consistent domestic and continental form, skepticism remains regarding their ability to best established powerhouses like Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in a high-stakes final. Troy Deeney expressed a "weird feeling" concerning the Gunners' championship prospects, suggesting that while they consistently "get the job done," they lack the definitive aura of a Champions League winner. Specifically, Deeney argued that over a two-legged tie or a neutral-site final, the seasoned experience and explosive quality of PSG or Bayern would likely prove too much for Arteta’s squad. This perspective suggests that while Arsenal has mastered the art of grinding down opponents, th...