The highly anticipated UEFA Champions League Groups for the 2023/24 season have finally been drawn. In groups full of potential twists and turns, Arsenal have got it relatively “normal”.
They avoided big hitters such as Barcelona, PSG and Bayern but Sevilla, RC Lens and PSV are no easy feat and Arsenal will have to be on their best behaviour to top the group B.
The Gunners have played their last game in the competition in 2017, so this comes as a well-deserved prize for the fans who have waited for such a long time. They’ll be hoping to become a steady participant in the competition once again, after their long run of 20 or so years came to an end in the 2016/17 season.
So, what do we know about Arsenal’s UCL opposition?
Sevilla
Sevilla secured their spot in the tournament thanks to their remarkable performance in the Europa League, clinching their record-breaking seventh title. However, they didn’t have that great of a time in La Liga though, managing only a 12th placed finish in the league and leaving a lot to be desired. That doesn’t look like it will be changing much, as they couldn’t grab any points from the three games in the league so far – they’re currently last in La Liga.
Arsenal previously met Sevilla in official competitions back in 2007 during the Champions League Group stages. Both took home one win each, with Arsenal grabbing a 3-0 home win and Sevilla beating them with a 3-1 score at Sanchez Pizjuan.
Key Players: Youssef En-Neysri, Lucas Ocampos, Ivan Rakitic.
PSV
PSV qualified by finishing 2nd in the Eredivisie, just 7 points below Feyenoord. They ended their domestic season with a total of 89 goals scored, the highest goal return in the league. They comfortably dispatched both Rangers and Sturm Graz in the playoffs and cemented their place in the Champions League for this season.
Arsenal met PSV last season in the Europa Group stages and PSV certainly showed their teeth and even snatched a big 2-0 victory in one of the two group games. Arsenal won the other game 1-0. PSV were knocked out by Sevilla with an aggregate score of 3-2 and ultimately ended their European tour by losing out to Leicester in the Conference league later on.
However, PSV will be without their former top goalscorer Xavi Simmons this time around. Ruud Van Nistelrooy will be hoping the new arrival Noa Lang can replicate his success. PSV are likely to have a few more big name departures untill the deadline with Sangare and Bakayoko the main candidates. Hirving Lozano is thought to be Bakayoko’s replacement with a deal already done.
KEY PLAYERS: Noa Lang, Walter Benitez, Hirving Lozano.
RC LENS
RC Lens had a historic season last year, finishing only a point behind the winners PSG. They’ve rightfully earned their spot in the CL this season but they’re also the most likely to finish bottom of the group. They’ve lost their two main players in Openda and Fofana in the summer and it might just be too big of a blow for them this year.
Openda’s replacement, Elye Wahi will have some big shoes to fill in but he’s a really exciting coup for them.
Lens last met Arsenal in the 2000s in the then called UEFA Cup Group stages where Arsenal won both games thanks to goals from Bergkamp, Kanu and Henry.
KEY PLAYERS: Elye Wahi, Facundo Medina, Kevin Danso.
In Conclusion
Arsenal could have certainly been handed a tougher draw and anything other than the top spot in the group would be a failure. Both Arteta and Arsenal have hopefully learned a lesson through their Europa League adventures but some luck will also have to be on their side.
Let’s hope Arsenal go deep this season because they certainly have the ammunition for it. Exciting times ahead!