Arsenal will embark upon another journey into the Europa League hoping to go one step further than their previous best and lift the trophy. The competition presents a route back to the Champions League for the club, who are one of the favourites for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
The draw for the tournament’s group stage takes place on August 26. Arsenal will be placed in pot one with three other teams in their group. The first legs of the play-off round of both the Champions League and Europa League took place this week.
Losers of the UCL play-offs will drop into the Europa League group stage joining the winners of the final UEL play-off. Arsenal will then compete across games from September through to November to qualify for the knockout stages.
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This is the first time where Arsenal have competed in the new format whereby the winner of the group will go straight into the round of 16. Previous years have seen the group winners still play in the last 32, playing an extra two matches to their Champions League counterparts.
From the UCL, the likely biggest hitter to potential fall is the Europa League finalists Rangers who drew 2-2 at home to Cody Gakpo’s PSV side. Dynamo Kyiv also lost 2-0 at home to Benfica.
Whilst Dinamo Zagreb - who famously knocked out Tottenham in dramatic fashion from the competition a couple of years ago - also lost to Bodo Glimt. However, the Gunners’ European nemesis was taking part in the Europa League play-off.
After scraping through the last round on penalties, Olympiacos drew 1-1 with Cypriot side Apollon Limassol. They will need a result in Athens to book their place in the group stage.
Belgian outfit Gent lost 2-0 at home to another Cypriot side, Omonia FC. However, other European regulars Malmo, Ferencvaros, Fenerbahce and Ludogorets all won their first legs.
The final legs will be played next week before the draws take place. Mikel Arteta will be hoping for a favourable draw to give the opportunity to more of his fringe players to compete as the Gunners construct a competitive squad after years of lacking serious strength in depth.
Europa League Group stage schedule for 2022/23 season
Matchday 1: 8 September 2022
Matchday 2: 15 September 2022
Matchday 3: 6 October 2022
Matchday 4: 13 October 2022
Matchday 5: 27 October 2022
Matchday 6: 3 November 2022
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