Former England striker Michael Owen has delivered a stark assessment of Arsenal’s ambitions, declaring a historic quadruple triumph is beyond their grasp this season. Despite the Gunners’ commanding lead in the league, Owen believes the challenges ahead in other competitions are simply too formidable.
Owen acknowledged Arsenal’s impressive form and efficiency, suggesting a League Cup victory is within their reach. However, he cautioned that the FA Cup and Champions League present significantly steeper climbs, particularly as rivals refocus their energies.
The FA Cup, he argues, will become a primary focus for teams whose league hopes are dwindling, leading to stronger opposition for Arsenal. Every team will be desperate to salvage something from the season, making each match a fierce battle.
The Champions League, Owen emphasized, is a completely different beast – a wide-open competition where any of the remaining contenders could emerge victorious. Arsenal faces a challenging round of 16 draw against potential opponents like Borussia Dortmund, Olympiacos, Atalanta, or Bayer Leverkusen.
While praising Arsenal’s strength, Owen’s analysis suggests the sheer demand of competing on all fronts will ultimately prove too much. The relentless schedule and heightened competition in the cup tournaments will test the squad’s depth and resilience.
Arsenal topped their Champions League group, securing a favorable, though still difficult, path forward. Their FA Cup journey continues with a home tie against Wigan Athletic, a match that will undoubtedly be approached with utmost seriousness.
Ultimately, Owen’s perspective paints a picture of a team capable of significant success, but one that may need to prioritize its efforts to achieve tangible silverware. The dream of a quadruple, he believes, remains just that – a dream.
