Ex-Arsenal captain Frank McLintock believes an exit to Barcelona in the Champions League could be a blessing in disguise for the Gunners’ Premier League title bid.
Arsene Wenger’s side are now just two points off table-toppers Leicester City thanks to a last-minute goal from Danny Welbeck over the Foxes last Sunday.
The 2-1 win victory over Claudio Ranieri’s team has put Arsenal in a promising position to capture their first Premier League in over 12 years, but still have a lot to do in order for this to come to fuition.
But the Gunners have to wait until the 28th of February until their next league game, this a trip to Old Trafford, and are just a week away from facing an in-form Barcelona in the Champions League Round of 16.
Barcelona have been a thorn in Arsenal’s Champions League hopes over previous seasons and there are growing concerns that a potential mauling to the Spanish giants could have serious implications on their season.
But McLintock reckons the Gunners should focus on winning the Premier League and could be a blessing in disguise should Barca knock them out of the Champions League.
He told talkSPORT:
‘It’s very likely Arsenal will go out of the Champions League against Barcelona. I’m not trying to put the blockers on, but Barca are an unbelievable side. We might make it tough for them but I’d be very surprised if we come through against them.
‘But that could be a blessing in disguise in some ways, as they can just concentrate on winning the Premier League.’
