Arsenal legend Martin Keown has put forth a bold claim: the current Gunners squad has the potential to surpass the legendary 'Invincibles' of 2004.
Keown's argument hinges on a specific, yet monumental, achievement: winning the Champions League. He posits that securing Europe's most prestigious club trophy would, in his eyes, elevate this current generation of players above the celebrated 2004 side, a team that famously achieved an entire Premier League season without a single defeat but never conquered the Champions League.
The former defender draws a parallel between the current squad's mindset and the sheer belief that comes with significant triumph. He points to the recent Premier League title win as a catalyst, suggesting that the echoes of Queen's anthemic 'We Are The Champions' are now resonating within the squad, fostering a belief that they are capable of achieving anything.
Keown underscores the historical significance of European success for Arsenal. The club has endured its share of heartbreak in European finals, making a Champions League victory not just a trophy, but a definitive statement that could erase past disappointments and etch their names even deeper into the annals of football history.
Manager Mikel Arteta, acutely aware of the magnitude of the upcoming final, has reportedly been focused on refocusing his players after their recent title celebrations. The team is set to travel to Budapest, where they will face a formidable PSG side in the final.
One of the most pressing tactical considerations for Arteta revolves around the fitness of Jurrien Timber. The defender is currently in recovery from a groin injury, and his potential return presents a significant tactical gamble for the manager.
Keown specifically highlights Timber's unique capabilities, suggesting he might be the only player in the Arsenal squad with the defensive prowess to effectively contain PSG's electrifying winger, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The prospect of Timber's return, therefore, carries immense weight, balancing the risk of injury with the potential reward of neutralizing a key opposition threat.
