EXCLUSIVE
Mark Goldbridge doubts Arsenal will progress any further in the Champions League unless they overcome the ‘European hangover’ they’re suffering from.
Arsenal travel to Germany to take on Bayern Munich on Wednesday for the second leg of their quarter-final tie, with it all still to play for - and it's LIVE on talkSPORT.
3
The score is locked at 2-2 after a nail-biting first leg at the Emirates Stadium, where the north London club might be kicking themselves for not taking a lead into a daunting return clash.
No Bayern fans were allowed in the stands for the first game, but Mikel Arteta’s men couldn’t take advantage of the extra support and now face an intimidating return to the Allianz Arena where German fans will be in full voice.
It was a strange game last week as Arsenal looked vulnerable at the back and were caught on several occasions on the counter - uncharacteristic compared to their form in the Premier League this season where they hold the best defensive record.
They lacked something in attack too, with Leandro Trossard coming off the bench to rescue a draw after goals from Serge Gnabry and Harry Kane put Bayern in front following Bukayo Saka's early opener.
Read more on Arsenal
Despite the scores being level going into Wednesday's second leg, Bayern’s superior experience in the latter stages of European competition, plus the home factor, will make the Bundesliga giants favourites to progress.
And Goldbridge - who admits his beloved Manchester United 'don't belong' in the Champions League at the moment - says Arsenal’s performance showed there is a ‘mental block’ at the club when it comes to Europe.
“Arsenal, they still seem to still have a European hangover from years ago,” the Manchester United fan and YouTube host told talkSPORT.
“They don't seem to play defensively and offensively as they do in the Premier League, which has to be some sort of mental block.”
Most read in Football
3
This is Arsenal's first season back in the Champions League since the 2016/17 campaign, but the club's first quarter-final appearance since 2009/10. Arteta's men now have the chance to make it to the Champions League semis for the first time since 2008/09.
Goldbridge suggests their lack of success in Europe looms heavy over the players, but he insists Arsenal are a threat to any team if they manage to beat their European yips.
Jeff Stelling goes on furious rant as he is adamant that Arsenal have not 'bottled' the Premier League title to Manchester City after the Gunners' 0-2 loss to Aston Villa
He added: “If they can overcome it, I still think they’re a threat.”
Goldbridge admitted, through gritted teeth, that Manchester City are likely to be European champions again this season, saying fans have ‘already seen the final’ in their clash with Real Madrid, which is also finely poised.
City host Los Blancos at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night - live on talkSPORT 2 - with the scores locked a 3-3 after a thrilling encounter at the Bernabeu with world-class talent on display from both teams.
“I think we’re seeing the final already - Man City and Real Madrid look like the two best teams and they’re obviously meeting in the quarter-finals,” said Goldbridge.
“I think the winner of the competition comes from that game, and with City at the Etihad I would probably say they’re favourites.
3
“I mean, what a game the first leg was, just for goals. I thought Real Madrid did really well to keep Erling Haaland quiet, but then you had Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol with absolute crackers, and then Federico Valverde’s goal I think topped the lot. Both teams look very impressive.
“The other side of the draw I think is a bit weaker, but it was still really entertaining.
“PSG vs Barcelona, you look at the players they’ve got on their bench and you think, ‘Why are you not up there’?
Read More on talkSPORT
“But I can't look away from Man City or Madrid. I think it was the best game and I think they’re the best two teams. I think the winner of the champions league comes from there.
“And, unfortunately, I think it will probably be City…”