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In just under two hours, Arsenal comes up against Athletic Club in the Champions League. It is the first match of the entire competition, so even more eyes will be on Arsenal than usual.
Fans have waited for the return of European nights, and tonight, it is Arsenal who kick off the proceedings. The Gunners were drawn an away match for their first UCL night of the season, and they've made the trip to the always beautiful Basque Country.
But tonight isn't about sightseeing, as much as Mikel Arteta would encourage that. Tonight is about one thing for Arsenal: starting as they mean to go on.
It's been a long time coming (how's the very beginning of time for you?), but this could finally be the season that Arsenal wins the Champions League. They've already received the endorsement from Theo Walcott, who tried himself as a player many times.
Tonight's opposition, despite being the home team, is aware of the presence that Arsenal will bring. The home team does not fear the away team, but they would've certainly preferred an easier opener.
Athletic goalkeeper reveals what he really think about Arsenal
Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simón, who will be making his Champions League debut this season after doing the same in the Europa League last time out, has paid a high compliment to Arsenal.
In his own words, Unai Simón said: “We’ll have to be careful. Arsenal are one of the teams we most like watching... We got Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, which is very hard, but that’s how it is."
So, Unai Simón is aware he'll need to be on top form if he starts between the sticks tonight. With the likes of Viktor Gyökeres threatening his clean sheet this evening, there is every chance that Simón is in for a tough night.
But make no mistake about it, Athletic is here through their own hard work. They have every right to be facing teams like Arsenal and, in their own view, they can win games like this too.
Arsenal could be one of the favorites heading into the competition this year, which does feel wild to say. However, the biggest risk from Mikel Arteta's perspective is complacency.
Arsenal must not go out there thinking every match is won already. They're not won, and it'll sting Arsenal if they view their path to the knockout phase as already rubber-stamped. Particularly in the early stages of the league phase, the Gunners must battle their hardest for three points.