Jamie O’Hara has told TalkSPORT Edge that Arsenal will “crumble” and only reach the Europa League quarter-finals this season. The Tottenham supporter responded when asked how far he thinks Arsenal can go in the competition.
Arsenal have made a wonderful start to the season. While they suffered defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, they still have 15 points from a possible 18 in the Premier League. On Thursday, they start the Europa League campaign.
The Gunners travel to Switzerland to take on FC Zurich on Thursday evening. Mikel Arteta’s side will be playing in the Europa League after missing out on the top four to Tottenham last season. It is one of three sizable trips scheduled.
Indeed, Arsenal will also go to the Netherlands to face PSV Eindhoven – managed by Ruud van Nistelrooy. They also take on Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt. O’Hara was asked how far he thinks Arsenal will go in the Europa League.
“Do they win it? No, I don’t think they do win it. They’re going to crumble,” O’Hara said. “I think Arsenal’s main aim this season is to get back into the Champions League. They’ll focus on that. I think they’ll go out in the quarter-finals.”
O’Hara: Arsenal will only reach Europa League quarter-finals
It is an interesting one. It purely depends on whether Arsenal will go full strength in the Europa League, or look to rest their best players. The Gunners will win their group at a canter. PSV are a good side, but Arsenal are a level above.
By the time they reach the knockout stages, Arteta might feel that his best chance of Champions League football is winning the Europa League. The prize of Champions League football, and a trophy, surely tempts Arteta and Arsenal.
They have the quality to go further than the quarter-finals and win the entire competition. But will they go after the top four, more so than the Europa League? Or could they switch tact and go for the trophy? Time will tell.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
