Champions League: Arsenal's dominance sends warnings to rivals in all competitions

Arsenal’s strong season: 7/7 UCL wins (incl. Atletico, Bayern, Inter), 7-pt PL lead, Carabao Cup final leg vs Chelsea, FA Cup path open.

 

Viktor Gyokeres bends one in late on against Inter Milan on Tuesday to hand Arsenal a perfect record in the Champions League. Arsenal beat Inter 3-1. (Photo credit: BBC)

Arsenal continues to stride forward this season; yet, many still question their credentials. Is there anything stopping the Gunners from lifting trophies this season?

When Mikel Arteta walked in through the door a little over six years ago, there were no indications that someday, the whole of Europe would fear the coming of the Gunners. The time is now, and maybe it’s time for people to embrace the arrival of Arsenal.

Arsenal has played seven games in the Champions League this season, winning all of them; these wins include comprehensive success over Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and the latest one, the 3-1 win over Inter Milan away at the San Siro.

Arsenal are now almost guaranteed to finish on top of the Champions League group stage log, and the lowest they can finish would be second. Is Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal getting the right amount of credit for their work this season?

In the Premier League, Arsenal leads the way with seven points. The weekend saw their title rivals lose, while the Gunners earned valuable points away at the City Ground; however, the uproar was more of scrutiny of the Gunners than a celebration of their lead extension.

For balance, you look at how the Gunners finished second in three straight seasons, and you might be able to understand the scrutiny. They must win something to earn the trust of the naysayers. This is their opportunity; they cannot pass on it.

There are opportunities in the two domestic cups. The Gunners are one leg into the final of the Carabao Cup after beating Chelsea 3-2 in the first leg at Stamford Bridge Stadium. The potential is huge for them to land a trophy they haven’t won since the pre-Arsene Wenger era.

The FA Cup is another one. After making light work of Portsmouth in the third round, the Gunners have a date with another lower-tier club in the fourth round. Arsenal is the most successful club in the FA Cup; they have the opportunity of going all out there as well.

Arsenal has the depth to fire on all cylinders this season; they’re in a good place, and some of their injured players are back and fresh. Are we about to see a season like no other from the Gunners? Is Mikel Arteta poised to secure the ultimate victory?