Former Premier League player and manager, Alan Pardew, has applauded Mikel Arteta for keeping Arsenal F.C. firmly on course across all four competitions this season following their emphatic 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic F.C. in the FA Cup.
Despite praising Arsenal’s depth and consistency, Pardew maintained his earlier prediction that the Gunners will fall short in the UEFA Champions League, insisting Liverpool remain his favourites to lift the European crown.
Arteta’s side bounced back in commanding fashion at the Emirates after being held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford F.C. in the Premier League just days earlier. The north London club showed no signs of fatigue as they brushed aside Wigan to secure their place in the fifth round.
The breakthrough came early, as Jack Hunt inadvertently headed the ball into his own net just 23 minutes into the contest. Arsenal tightened their grip on the match shortly after, with Gabriel Jesus calmly finishing around the half-hour mark to extend the advantage.
Eberechi Eze, who had been substituted at half-time in the Brentford clash, delivered a strong response with an influential display, playing a key role in creating opportunities that led to goals for Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli.
The dominant performance echoed memories of the 2014 FA Cup semi-final between the sides, as Arsenal maintained control and composure throughout to seal a comprehensive victory.
While the result kept Arsenal’s quadruple hopes alive, injuries to Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White, along with fitness concerns surrounding captain Martin Ødegaard, slightly dampened the mood.
The Gunners, who currently top the Premier League table, remain active in the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Champions League, underlining the scale of their ambitions this season.
They will learn their FA Cup fifth-round opponents on Monday night ahead of Macclesfield’s fourth-round clash with Brentford.
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Arsenal’s European campaign has been equally impressive. The Gunners won all eight of their Champions League group-stage matches, finishing top of their group in commanding fashion.
As group winners, they are set to face one of Borussia Dortmund, Olympiacos F.C., Atalanta BC, or Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the round of 16.
Meanwhile, Liverpool progressed comfortably after winning seven and losing just one of their eight group-stage matches. The Merseyside club will meet one of Atlético Madrid, Club Brugge KV, Galatasaray S.K., or Juventus F.C. in the knockout round.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Pardew reiterated his confidence in Liverpool’s European pedigree.
“I’m still going to support my belief that Liverpool will win the Champions League, which I mentioned on this show a few weeks ago,” he said.
“That’s because there are too many top players in that Liverpool team who really want to win the Champions League. It helps their resume and makes contract talks easier, so Liverpool are fully committed to the Champions League.
“I think Liverpool are a really good team, there’s no question about that.”
Pardew’s comments underline the growing debate over whether Arsenal’s impressive domestic and European form can translate into continental glory, or whether Liverpool’s experience and hunger will ultimately prove decisive on Europe’s biggest stage.