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In just a couple of hours, Arsenal will face off against Athletic Club away from home in the first Champions League game of the season.
Arsenal has a rich history in the Champions League, despite never lifting the trophy. Some of the most memorable nights in fan history have come in the Champions League, with the Gunners hoping to add the icing on the cake this season and win it all.
Mikel Arteta's side feels like a team that's ready to win a big trophy. With no disrespect to the FA Cup, the Gunners need to move the needle by winning the Premier League for the first time since the Invincible era or the Champions League for the first time.
One player who has a great history for Arsenal in the Champions League is Theo Walcott. He played for Arsenal during their top-four glory days, consistently playing in the competition under Arsène Wenger.
Theo Walcott thinks 2 stars could win Arsenal the Champions League
Theo Walcott sees what fans see, in that Arsenal is more ready than ever to win the Champions League. They will compete against some pretty great teams, including Real Madrid and Liverpool, but the Gunners have proven they're at a similar level, even if they remain the underdogs.
Theo Walcott surprisingly listed two new Arsenal players as the key to moving the needle enough for Champions League glory. One of them, Eze, has never played in the Champions League before.
“Arsenal are more equipped to win this now. They have got their personnel. I am going for Arsenal. Gyokeres is the difference in this, and Eze. I’m looking forward to seeing Eze in the [Champions League].” said Theo Walcott.
Eberechi Eze is a player who has felt, for a long time, like playing in the Champions League. He's been ready for the move to a Champions League side for some time, but he won't look back on his time at Crystal Palace with any disdain. Heck, he won the FA Cup and Community Shield with them recently.
Viktor Gyökeres, on the other hand, has Champions League experience. The Sweden international actually made a name for himself in the Champions League, which attracted attention from the likes of Arsenal.
Fans will be hoping to see that iconic mask celebration a few more times in Europe this season. More importantly, they'll hope that Walcott's statement rings true come late spring/early summer.