Mark Goldbridge: Arsenal have ‘mental block’ in Europe and winner of Man City vs Real Madrid will win Champions League this season

Mark Goldbridge doubts Arsenal will progress further in the Champions League unless they overcome the ‘European hangover’ they are suffering from.

Arsenal travel to Germany to face Bayern Munich on Wednesday for the second leg of the quarter-finals, with everything still to play for – and it’s LIVE on talkSPORT.

The score is locked at 2-2 after a hard-fought first leg at the Emirates Stadium, where the north London club could blame themselves for failing to take the lead in a daunting return clash.

No Bayern fans were allowed in the stands for the first match, but Mikel Arteta’s men were unable to take advantage of the extra support and now face a daunting return to the Allianz Arena where German fans will be at full voice.

It was a strange game last week as Arsenal looked vulnerable at the back and were caught out on several occasions – uncharacteristic of their form in the Premier League this season, where they have the best defensive record.

They were also missing something in attack, with Leandro Trossard coming off the bench to salvage a draw after goals from Serge Gnabry and Harry Kane gave Bayern the lead following Bukayo Saka’s opener.

Even if the scores are level ahead of Wednesday’s second leg, Bayern’s superior experience in the latter stages of European competition, as well as the home factor, will make the Bundesliga giants favorites to progress.

And Goldbridge – who admits his beloved Manchester United “don’t have a place” in the Champions League at the moment – says Arsenal’s performance showed there is a “mental block” within the club when it comes to Europe.

“Arsenal, they still seem to have a European hangover from years ago,” the Manchester United fan and YouTube host told talkSPORT.

“They don’t seem to play defensively and offensively like they do in the Premier League, which must be some sort of mental block.”

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This is Arsenal’s first season in the Champions League since the 2016/17 campaign, but the club’s first quarter-final appearance since 2009/10. Arteta’s men now have the chance to qualify for the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2008/09.

Goldbridge suggests their lack of success in Europe is taking a toll on the players, but he insists Arsenal pose a threat to any team if they manage to beat their European yips.

He added: “If they can overcome it, I still think they pose a threat. »

Goldbridge admitted through gritted teeth that Manchester City would likely be European champions again this season, saying fans had “already seen the final” in their clash with equally well-placed Real Madrid.

City host Los Blancos at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening – live on talkSPORT 2 – with a score of 3-3 after a thrilling encounter at the Bernabeu with world-class talent on display by both teams.

“I think we’re already looking at the final – Man City and Real Madrid look like the two best teams and they’ll obviously meet in the quarter-finals,” Goldbridge said.

“I think the winner of the competition comes from this game, and with City at the Etihad I would probably say they are favourites.

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“I mean, what a game the first leg was, just for the goals. I thought Real Madrid did very well to keep Erling Haaland quiet, but then there was Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol with absolute crackers, and then Federico Valverde’s goal I think topped the lot. Both teams look very impressive.

“I think the other side of the picture is a little weaker, but it was still very entertaining.

“PSG against Barcelona, ​​you look at the players they have on their bench and you ask yourself: ‘Why aren’t you up there’?

“But I can’t look away from Man City or Madrid. I think it was the best game and I think they are the two best teams. I think the Champions League winner comes from there.

“And unfortunately I think it will probably be City…”