Arsenal begin their Champions League bid on Tuesday night against Spanish side Athletic Bilbao, with renewed confidence and a reenergised frontline, following a summer of strategic spending.After reaching the Champions League semi-finals last season for the first time since 2009, only to fall to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain, Mikel Arteta’s men are back — stronger, faster, and hungrier.
Their domestic form also raised questions, as Arsenal finished runners-up in the Premier League for a third straight year. A key issue? Lack of firepower. That’s now been addressed.
A Revamped Arsenal Attack:
Over the summer, Arteta focused on depth and creativity in attack, bringing in; Viktor Gyokeres – Swedish striker with a lethal edge, Noni Madueke – Dynamic winger stepping up in Bukayo Saka’s absence, Eberechi Eze – The flair-filled playmaker now adding vision and pace on the left.
Their impact was immediate. In Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest this weekend, Gyokeres found the net (his third in four games), Eze provided a silky assist, and Madueke was a constant threat.
Depth Tested Early, Delivering Results
With Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Havertz all sidelined through injury, the new signings have been thrown into the deep end — and they’re swimming.
Martin Zubimendi, another new arrival from Real Sociedad, struck twice against Forest, showing Arsenal’s midfield now packs a scoring punch as well.
Despite a narrow 1-0 loss to Liverpool — courtesy of a stunning Szoboszlai free-kick — Arsenal have won three of their opening four Premier League games and look sharper than ever.
Arteta Under Pressure to Deliver Silverware
Arsenal’s last trophy came in 2020. Since then, fans and critics alike have called for results to match the club’s heavy investment in the squad.
With momentum on their side and a refreshed lineup, Arsenal’s Champions League opener marks more than just another fixture — it signals the start of a serious campaign for European glory.
