Arsenal and Man City's UCL fates debated as Mikel Arteta faces uphill battle
The eight Champions League last 16 ties are all now at the halfway stage following Wednesday night's games.
Manchester City and Arsenal are the only Premier League teams remaining in the competition after Newcastle and Manchester United were knocked out in the group stage. City kept their hopes of retaining the trophy on track in their first leg against Copenhagen.
Pep Guardiola's side fell behind at the Danish champions, but fought back to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the tie. Arsenal meanwhile have work to do heading into their second leg against Porto.
Despite dominating possession, the Gunners fell to a 1-0 defeat at the Portuguese side, who scored a 94th minute winner. So with English hopes in the balance, we asked our team of writers 'How far do you think City and Arsenal will go and have you changed your mind on their chances?'
Manchester City can retain it. Absolutely. Everybody knows just how difficult that is to do but three things weigh heavily in their favour. First, the experience of having been there, done it and come within touching distance.
Not just having won it last season but having sampled the bitter taste of defeat to Chelsea. It has helped them to identify and navigate the pitfalls of the course and the distance.
Second, the return of the pack. Kevin de Bruyne, Erling Haaland and John Stones are back in business after interrupted seasons following last year's triumph in the Final. All three are key members of the spine that brings so much stability to the City machine.
And third, the growth of the rising stars. Phil Foden's goals, guile and ball carrying ability still doesn't get the credit it deserves because there is so much else to admire in City blue. Also because there are so many others impressing
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