|By Babatunji Wusu
Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has tipped the Reds to overcome Arsenal if both sides meet in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, insisting European pedigree could prove decisive.
Liverpool are on the brink of sealing a top-eight finish in the league phase after a commanding 3–0 victory over Marseille on Wednesday. The result has strengthened their push for direct qualification into the latter stages of the competition.
Arsenal, meanwhile, currently sit top of the league standings and are one of only two teams already assured of a place in the Champions League round of 16. Despite the Gunners’ strong league showing, Pennant believes Liverpool are better equipped to thrive when the competition reaches its most demanding phase.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Liverpool and Arsenal player said the Reds traditionally raise their level in Europe and could outperform their domestic form this season.
According to Pennant, Liverpool’s long-standing Champions League pedigree gives them an edge over Arsenal in high-pressure knockout ties. He argued that the club’s history and understanding of European football separate them from many rivals.
When asked whether Liverpool are more likely to win the Champions League than Arsenal, Pennant did not hesitate, pointing to the Reds’ six Champions League titles as evidence of their know-how at the highest level.
He added that Liverpool’s ability to manage two-legged encounters could be crucial, especially if they are able to return to Anfield with the tie still alive. Pennant described Anfield on a Champions League night as one of the most intimidating venues in European football, noting that Liverpool often thrive in such atmospheres.
Pennant also cautioned against assuming that strong league-phase performances guarantee Champions League success. To underline his point, he referenced Paris Saint-Germain’s recent triumph, where the French side finished 15th in the league phase during the 2024/25 season, navigated the play-offs, and still went on to lift the trophy.
Drawing comparisons, he recalled how Liverpool once dominated the league phase before facing PSG, who defied expectations to claim the title, reinforcing his belief that experience and mentality matter more than early momentum.
