In-depth Analysis
Arsenal’s ambition of completing a historic quadruple once looked like a dream gaining real momentum, even though everyone understood it was always going to be an incredibly difficult task. However, recent disappointing results have dealt a heavy blow to that dream. After losing to Manchester City in the League Cup final, Mikel Arteta’s men suffered another setback with their second consecutive defeat in all competitions, crashing out of the FA Cup at the quarter-final stage after a shock loss to underdogs Southampton.
Even so, Arsenal’s season still holds plenty of promise. Their hopes of securing a domestic double remain very much alive, as the Gunners currently sit at the top of the Premier League table with a nine-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, although they have played one game more. On top of that, their Champions League campaign is also providing a major boost in confidence. Arsenal are currently the only team still unbeaten in Europe’s premier competition this season, having won all of their league-phase matches before overcoming Leverkusen over two legs in the Round of 16.
The Champions League draw has also been relatively kind to Arsenal, placing them in what appears to be a more favorable path while avoiding several of the tournament’s heavyweights. After eliminating Leverkusen, Arteta’s side will now face Sporting Lisbon in the quarter-finals — a team widely considered one of the more manageable opponents left in the competition. However, this is certainly not a challenge Arsenal can afford to underestimate, especially after the Portuguese side produced a remarkable comeback in the previous round.
Although Sporting Lisbon have never beaten Arsenal in normal time across their previous five meetings — drawing three and losing two — they still have every reason to believe they can pull off an upset. The Portuguese side are in sensational home form, having won each of their last 17 matches at Jose Alvalade. Moreover, much of Sporting’s impressive Champions League run this season has been built on their formidable performances at home, where they have won all five of their matches.