Robert Pires has backed former club Arsenal to challenge for the Champions League this season.
Arsenal became the first team since the introduction of the current format to conclude a Champions League league phase campaign with a perfect record.
The Gunners boasted a perfect record of eight wins from eight games in the league phase, after beating Kairat Almaty on Wednesday night.
Mikel Arteta’s side have progressed through to the Round of 16 as a result and will discover their knockout phase opponents next month.
Arsenal have never previously won the Champions League but are now considered among the frontrunners for the trophy.
Advancing with intent. pic.twitter.com/m4q4pFmRAr
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 29, 2026
Pires, who was part of the Arsenal team that lost the 2006 final to Barcelona, believes the Gunners have the quality to succeed if they can handle the ‘new pressure’ of being among the favourites.
“If you look at the standings then yes, Arsenal are contenders,” Pires said ahead of conducting the Champions League’s play-off round draw.
“Eight games and eight wins. Now it is new pressure.”
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