After an impressive draw away in Paris and a comfortable home win, Wenger’s Arsenal look a side ready to compete alongside Europe’s elite.
The win against Basel was routine for the team in good form, demolishing the Swiss side 2-0.
The victory saw a par for the course start to Champions League campaign for Arsenal, anything less would’ve been a cause for concern.
Having never won the Champions League, Arsene Wenger will feel a sense of longing for the trophy that could be harder than ever to win this season.
The prestigious tournament has become more competitive with some scintillating performances from sides like PSG, Manchester City and Juventus besides the perpetual finalists in Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico.
However, Arsenal have also strengthened, adding Granit Xhaka, Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez to a squad that looks as sharp and mentally strong as ever under Wenger, since arguably the season of the invincibles.
Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez look a real partnership that would terrify any defence, not just the Premier League, but the world over.
Apart from these partnerships, Hector Bellerin and Theo Walcott have combined well down the right. Similarly, Xhaka and Santi Cazorla have settled well in the midfield when given a chance.
For the first time in a long time, Arsenal looks a team capable of threatening the superpowers of European football.
The sheer quality of Sanchez, Ozil and Xhaka is up there with the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid’s famous trios on their day.
Unlike the Spanish giants, Arsenal has a more tactical fluidity to their game, being able to alter their style depending on the opposition.
Switching between a possession based style, to an aggressive counter-attacking side, to an all-out-attacking outfit, Arsenal has it all in their armoury.
One major criticism on the North London side is their mental strength. This season, Arsenal look a different beast entirely.
The additions of Xhaka and Mustafi, as well as the emergence of Sanchez and Bellerin as on field leaders, have been the main factors in this upsurge in mental stability.
Xhaka has always been a leader, captaining former club Borussia Monchengladbach and country Switzerland, adding his vital leadership to the starting 11, could prove to be a masterstroke from Wenger.
Arsenal goes into the Champions League with low expectations but a favourable draw. The continuance of their from and some luck along the way and they may surprise many this term.
