Arsenal's Champions League draw is the worst thing that could have happened to Mikel ArtetaArsenal couldn't have wished for a better Champions League draw - but here's why it's the worst possible news for Mikel ArtetaView 3 Images Arsenal's favourable Champions League draw was the last thing Mikel Arteta needed (Image: Getty Images)There's nowhere left to hide for Mikel Arteta. ‌For Arsenal, the Champions League draw was, quite frankly, kinder than the smile on N'Golo Kante's face. Particularly with the club so desperate to break a 22-year Premier League title drought, a loss to a titan offers a convenient 'out.' ‌View 3 Images The Champions League draw for the 2025/26 knockout rounds (Image: Kristian Skeie - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)Without it, Arteta is facing the ultimate Catch-22. This is the ultimate litmus test for Mikel Arteta: win big now, or walk away with a legacy defined by 'almost'.

Source: Daily Mirror February 27, 2026 14:39 UTC