Troy Deeney Backs Arsenal for Champions League Glory While Writing Off London Rival

🕓 Last updated on March 28, 2026

Former Watford striker Troy Deeney names Arsenal and Manchester City as Champions League favourites and delivers a brutal verdict on London rivals.

Troy Deeney has delivered a blunt assessment of the Premier League’s Champions League contenders, naming Arsenal and Manchester City as joint favourites while effectively ruling out most of England’s other representatives.

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Speaking to CBS Sports ahead of the last-16 draw, Deeney said Arsenal currently possess the strongest squad structure in the competition and the most complete balance across the pitch, placing them level with City as Europe’s leading contenders.

Despite his praise, Deeney acknowledged one lingering question mark.

Arsenal’s lack of Champions League success remains the only doubt surrounding their credentials, but he made it clear that history alone is not enough to outweigh their current quality.

In his view, Arsenal’s squad depth, tactical discipline, and consistency now match any elite side in Europe.

Arsenal and City in a league of their own

Deeney assigned both clubs a 30 percent chance of winning the competition.

City’s pedigree and recent European success give them credibility, but Arsenal’s domestic dominance and structural stability place them on the same level going into the knockout phase.

For Deeney, there is no meaningful separation between the two.

Tottenham Hotspur were dismissed almost entirely from contention.

Deeney described their chances as virtually nonexistent, citing poor form, injuries, instability, and a lack of confidence.

He pointed to squad limitations and uncertainty off the pitch as reasons why any realistic European run looks impossible.

Liverpool respected, but not trusted

Liverpool were treated differently.

While Deeney stopped short of naming them contenders, he acknowledged their European pedigree and experience as factors that always make them dangerous in knockout football.

History, he believes, still gives them relevance even in transition.

Chelsea and Newcastle United were viewed as distant outsiders.

Deeney recognised Chelsea’s young squad and Newcastle’s organisation and tactical structure, but placed both clubs well behind the leading pair.

Arsenal enter the knockout stages in elite form.

They finished the league phase with a perfect record, scoring freely while conceding very little, positioning themselves as one of the competition’s strongest seeds.

Their structure, defensive control, and tactical clarity have made them one of Europe’s most balanced sides this season.

The final judgement

For Deeney, the equation is simple.

Arsenal now have the squad, the depth, the structure, and the mentality to win the Champions League.

The only remaining obstacle is history.

If they break that psychological barrier, he believes they are fully equipped to go all the way.

While his brutal verdict on Spurs will fuel north London rivalry, his message on Arsenal is direct and decisive.

This is no longer a project.

This is a genuine European contender.

Last updated: March 28, 2026 • Stay tuned for the latest Arsenal FC news, transfers & match insights!

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