The Champions League draw has been followed closely by media all over Europe with much excitement. This is no different in England, as Arsenal now prepare to face PSV. Although the Gunners are considered the favourites in the tie, the North London club have been warned not to underestimate Peter Bosz’s reigning Dutch champions.
According to the Independent, “Arsenal must beware of underestimating PSV, PSV reached the round of 16 thanks to a brilliant victory over Italian Juventus and so Arsenal have been warned. The club will also be relieved, an icy reunion with Robin van Persie who is on the verge of returning to Feyenoord will not happen.”
The Daily Mail have also fielded their own doubts in the draw in advance. The newspaper believes that the Gunners will face the least favourable of two possible opponents in PSV and think that the London club would have been happier if Feyenoord had come out of the draw.
In the Guardian, it’s said that Arsenal have the most favourable draw of the three English clubs still active in the Champions League. On the contrary, the newspaper presents a nightmare draw for Arne Slot’s Liverpool, who will face Paris Saint-Germain.
“Liverpool have been unlucky with Paris Saint-Germain, while Arsenal will be particularly happy with an opponent who looks promising on paper.”
Aston Villa will also face an impressive opponent in Club Brugge, who convincingly eliminated exciting Italian side Atalanta.
Arteta’s response:
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has also commented on the Champions League draw for the first time. The Arsenal manager did so at his press conference ahead of the upcoming Premier League clash with West Ham United this weekend:
“We’ve played them before, so we know the team. We know they’ve got a very good team and it’s going to be a tough game. But that’s the case with any opponent at this stage of the tournament.”
