Emmanuel Petit Cautious About Arsenal's Champions League Chances

Emmanuel Petit thinks it would be a shock if Arsenal reached the semi-finals of this season's UEFA Champions League. Arsenal have only made the last four twice.

Emmanuel Petit thinks that it would be a shock if Arsenal reached the semi-finals of this season's UEFA Champions League.

The Gunners have not competed in Europe's top club competition since the 2016/17 campaign.

However, after finishing second in the 2022/23 Premier League, Arsenal have been rated as fourth favorites to win the UCL by the majority of UK bookmakers - behind Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

But Petit - who played in 118 games for Arsenal between 1997 and 2000 - does not believe that his former side look as strong as they did last season.

Arsenal's players pictured in training on the eve of their first UEFA Champions League game of the 2023/24 season :: IMAGO/PA Images/Victoria Jones

Speaking to FanNation Futbol this week, Petit said: "I would like Arsenal to go as far as possible, but I'd be surprised if they reached the semi-finals.

"Remember, it's been six years since they last played in the Champions League. They'll be playing against the best and most experienced teams in Europe.

"If Arsenal were playing like they were last season, then I'd back them to go far. For me, they need to take it step by step."

Arsenal have only progressed beyond the quarter-final stage twice in Champions League history - first in 2006 when they lost to Barcelona in the final and then in 2009 when Manchester United beat them in the semis.

The Gunners will begin their bid for European glory with a home game against Group B rivals PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.

Sevilla and Lens are the other teams in Group B.

Petit was speaking to FanNation Futbol on behalf of Betway.

Emmanuel Petit pictured playing for Arsenal in 1997 :: IMAGO/Uwe Kraft