Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman has praised Arsenal’s potential to win the Champions League this season, following their dominant 5-1 victory over Sporting on Tuesday night.
Speaking on the BBC, Osman said the Gunners have shown they are “capable” of lifting Europe’s top trophy. Arsenal stormed to a 3-0 lead at halftime, thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Magalhães. Despite a brief response from Sporting’s Gonçalo Inácio, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard sealed the win for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Osman, reflecting on the match, remarked: “At the start of the season, I was asked if Arsenal could win the Champions League. I said yes, and I still believe so.”
He continued, acknowledging Arsenal’s progress, especially their attacking mentality: “They need performances like this—positive play, particularly away from home. We know they can defend well, but the real test is whether they can dominate like the top teams, such as Manchester City and Real Madrid.”
The win was especially impressive as it came against a Sporting side that had been undefeated at home for 13 months, with Arsenal showing complete dominance throughout the match.
