Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott claims the Gunners may be better suited to winning the Champions League than the Premier League due to their playing style.
Arsenal qualified for the last 16 after finishing third in the league stage, following a 2-1 win over Girona on Wednesday night.
Under manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have prided themselves on having a solid defence, conceding only three goals in Europe this season.
Speaking to BreakingNews.ie, Walcott suggested their playing style could make them more likely to succeed in the Champions League.
"Having a number nine would be great, of course, but they can be a bit slow at times, and you can frustrate teams in this. Cup competitions are one-off games.
"Defensive structure—they don't concede many. You look at teams that have won it, like Chelsea, who haven’t been glamorous in their play.
"At times, I’ll be honest, Arsenal are not always glamorous to watch in the Champions League, but they get the job done, and that's what matters in cup matches.
"With myself, winning the FA Cup—no one remembers the game before that, they remember you winning the FA Cup."
As of writing, Arsenal are in second place in the Premier League, six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
One major criticism of Arsenal this season has been their lack of a proper striker, with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus often leading the line.
After having a bid for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins rejected, Arsenal's current attacking options will have to suffice until the end of the season.
This is the third straight season in which Arsenal are the main challengers for the Premier League title, with Manchester City's unexpected dip in form leaving them in a two-horse race with Liverpool.
For Walcott, if Arsenal do not sign a striker before the end of the transfer window, he cannot see them winning the league.
"You look at past history—teams that have won the league have always had that number nine or a player who will go against what the manager has asked and do something different.
"That was the kind of player I was. I would use my strengths instead of trying to play a system or a certain way. I think that is the one thing Arsenal will miss out on. I can’t see them slipping up.
"This weekend's game—history has shown that when Manchester City are going for the title, a draw would have been okay. But Arsenal have to win against Manchester City this weekend if they want to win the league."
Walcott on Arteta’s Leadership
Having played together at Arsenal, Walcott knows exactly what type of person Mikel Arteta is — both on and off the pitch.
As soon as Arteta retired, Walcott was not surprised that he went straight into management.
During his time at Arsenal, the Spaniard has proven himself to be a serious and disciplined coach, who prides himself on building a solid team.
While Walcott saw his leadership qualities in the dressing room, he also knows a softer side to Arteta that is not always visible to the public.
"When he walked into the dressing room, straight away he was older, very mature. We had a young team at the time, but it was like he had been there for years.
"There was a situation where we weren't playing to the level we should have been after a few years with him at the club, and he brought everyone in before training.
"Doors closed, truths were said. He created that safe environment, and maybe he is doing the same thing at Arsenal as a manager. He's got that aura and presence about him.
"He has got a soft side—he has a side to him that isn’t always serious. He takes the time for people.
"I was on a pre-season tour with Arsenal last year, and we had grassroots coaches there. He took the time and effort to bring them all in—there were about 30 of them—and they could ask him anything.
"Can you imagine that, as a grassroots coach? Asking Mikel Arteta of Arsenal Football Club anything, and he was so open.
"There were no cameras or anything like that—it wouldn’t have mattered if there were.
"That just shows the kind of man he is. He wants to help that next generation."
