Why Alan Shearer's Arsenal trophy claim is correct as Mikel Arteta mission clear

The issue with delivering a statement win is that it suddenly heightens the expectation levels. This is precisely what Arsenal did with their four-goal thrashing of Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Suddenly, people are discussing whether they can win it, should they win it and if this could be their year. Even on Amazon Prime's TV commentary, Jon Champion declared Arsenal as contenders for both the Champions League and Premier League.

His co-commentator Alan Shearer immediately supported this by essentially stating that there can be no excuses for Mikel Artetaand he must win one. But, can he actually win both? Is that feasible? Yes, it is. But Shearer's correct - they have to win at least one.

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Arsenal made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League last season, were eliminated by the eventual winners Paris Saint Germain, yet clearly demonstrated they now have the pedigree and experience to be among the main contenders. In the Premier League, Arsenal are top, three points clear of Manchester City, four above Liverpool and the bookies have Arteta's men as very clear favourites.

Following a hefty summer expenditure - surpassing £300million - Arsenal now boasts an exceptional squad, undoubtedly the finest Arteta has had in his nearly six-year tenure. Whether it's the best squad is yet to be determined, as that accolade is typically reserved for the team that emerges victorious.

Liverpool, last season's top team, also invested heavily over the summer, making it difficult to dispute their claim to having the best squad. However, one thing is certain: Arsenal's squad depth and quality match any of their Premier League and Champions League rivals. Even in areas where there may have been doubts - such as the left wing - Gabriel Martinelli proved his worth with an outstanding performance against Atletico. His determination and drive were remarkable.

Viktor Gyokeres took some time to find his footing, but one of the main reasons Arsenal signed him from Sporting CP was not only his prolific scoring record in the Portuguese league, but also his impressive Champions League performances, including a hat trick against Manchester City.

Gyokeres got a brace against Atletico and then did a lovely post-match interview with CBS where he had a laugh with Thierry Henry, Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher. He talked about winning trophies and improving his game. But if ever you needed to prove the value of post-match interviews, then here was a belter.

Gyokeres came across so well, full of confidence and if there were doubts before then actually this showed that he has belief, humility and style. So much in the goldfish bowl of football is about perception - and he could easily change a cynic’s view with that interview.

At the back, Arsenal are so solid. They keep clean sheets for fun and Gabriel was an absolute monster as he scored, assisted and was brilliant in defence.

Bukayo Saka was razor sharp in the first half. But maybe the most impressive thing of all was that when Atletico started the second half well, Arsenal responded and put their foot down and smashed four goals in 13 minutes. What a response. It was breathtakingly brilliant.

That sort of result does catch the eye - and turns up the pressure. Arteta has won one trophy - the FA Cup - in nearly six years and he surely has to deliver another with perhaps an even bigger prize this year. It is all very positive now and the club absolutely loves Arteta. There is no question of him being under pressure internally.

But we’re kidding ourselves if we think the fanbase - who, let’s be honest can have a touch of entitlement (there, I said it) - will not be fuming if Arsenal finish this season empty-handed. There is so much promise, so much talent and Arsenal must make it their year. They certainly have the squad depth to do it.