Thierry Henry has tipped Arsenal to win the UEFA Champions League this season after the Gunners’ 7-1 thrashing of PSV Eindhoven in the last-16 first leg on Tuesday.
Having been crippled by domestic injury woes and struggling domestically, Mikel Arteta’s side produced a sensational display in the Netherlands to all but assure a quarter-final place, to face either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid.
Speaking to CBS Sports Golazo, Henry — Arsenal’s all-time top scorer — made the case that the passion that remains for their domestic title ambitions will help them in Europe.
“Yes, they can (win the Champions League). That is why I called it,” Henry said. “Now, prove to us you can’t do it against a good team, a good team that’s getting healthy.”
Henry admitted that PSV were a difficult opponent, but was full of praise for the way Arsenal made the game appear to be an easy one. With the home leg of the quarter-final first, he has trusted that the display could be influential in boosting confidence.
It’s over, the league’s over unless it’s something crazy,” Henry said. “But this game can give Arsenal the belief they can do something against Real Madrid or Atletico. To win, you have to beat the best.”
Arsenal now hopes to build on this in the next phase of their European adventure.
