Arsenal’s long-awaited return to the Champions League is nearly over, as they bring an end to a seven-year absence from the competition when facing PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates next Wednesday.

At the point Mikel Arteta took over as Arsenal manager, it seemed an uphill battle to get back to Europe’s elite competition. Now, three-and-a-half years later the Gunners are not only back in it but have a good chance of making a deep run.

It was a favourable group-stage draw for Arsenal, matching up with Sevilla, PSV and Lens - as two of their opponents currently sit in the relegation zone of their domestic leagues.

Arteta’s side have to be considered favourites and the draw was kind not only in terms of the difficulty of the teams but also the distance of travel with three games relatively close to home.

All three sides will present their own challenges, but in comparison to the alternatives, Arsenal will be pleased.

It will hopefully afford Arteta the opportunity to rotate his side in a few of the games, giving much needed minutes to the likes of Leandro Trossard, Fabio Vieira and Takehiro Tomiyasu, as well as the ability to rest Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. 

With a relatively kind draw, Arsenal have to be targeting top spot in the group which should make their knockout round draw slightly easier. Although we know from past experience that doesn’t always hold true.

After a stellar season last year, if Arsenal can replicate or better that form, they could be in with a real chance of reaching the quarter-finals or even semi-finals.

Beyond all else, the fans are desperate for a big tie under the lights at the Emirates come March time, so regardless of how far the team gets, playing against Europe’s best is a significant marker for Arteta’s time at Arsenal and hopefully the first Champions League season of many.

Ahead of the Champions League, Arsenal return from the international break with a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton on Sunday (4.30pm). 

The Toffees have had a stuttering start to the Premier League season with three defeats and a draw, leaving them down in 18th place, but Sean Dyche’s side took all three points in the correspdoning fixture last season and Arteta will want to avoid a repeat outcome.