Bayern Munich the Stumbling Block for Arsenal's Quadruple Dream, Says Hamann

While Arsenal's Premier League title hopes took a dent on Thursday evening, one former Liverpool midfielder has identified the obstacle most likely to scupper their quadruple aspirations—and it's not a domestic rival.

The Gunners drew 1-1 with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, with Noni Madueke's brilliant header putting them ahead on 61 minutes. Keane Lewis-Potter restored parity for the hosts just ten minutes later with a header of his own, as Brentford continue their push for European football next term.

The result proved costly in the title race. Manchester City's 3-0 demolition of Fulham on Wednesday had already cranked up the pressure, and Arsenal's failure to capitalise in west London means their cushion at the summit has compressed from six points to four.

Didi Hamann, however, reckons the Premier League crown may prove the least of Arsenal's worries. Speaking to Thunderpick, the former Reds midfielder pinpointed Bayern Munich as the real threat to Mikel Arteta's quadruple ambitions, specifically in the Champions League.

"Usually in the past, Bayern have always got the better of Arsenal," Hamann explained. "So, I think that was one of the reasons why Arsenal was desperate to show them, you know, this year is our year."

Yet the German tactician isn't entirely convinced Bayern are firing on all cylinders at present. "Bayern have dropped a few points in the last two weeks. Against Hoffenheim, there was an early sending off, and Hoffenheim hit the crossbar and had three clear-cut chances. They should have been ahead at half-time," he noted.

"So Bayern Munich are not firing as they did in the autumn. But if they do get back to their form, I would favour Bayern Munich over two games."

Still, Hamann acknowledged the quality on show should the tie materialise. "But it would be a fantastic game because obviously the first game was breathtaking," he added.

Michael Owen, the former Liverpool striker, has also weighed in on Arsenal's chances of completing all four competitions. Speaking earlier this month, Owen suggested the Carabao Cup was within reach, but warned of sterner tests ahead.

"I think they could win the Carabao Cup, absolutely they could and then the other two are going to be tough," Owen said. "All the other teams are going to be focusing on the FA Cup even more now because the league is almost over. It's going to salvage their season so they'll be putting strong teams out."

On the Champions League specifically, Owen struck a note of caution. "That could be anybody's, that's really open this year," he concluded.