Beaten Klopp backs Arsenal to be European Cup kings

Following his side’s surprise 1-0 Champions League defeat to Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp has backed the 18/1 Gunners to lift the trophy.

Aaron Ramsey’s strike midway through the second-half of their contest  at the Westfalenstadion ensured the north London side collected all three points to secure top spot in Group F heading into the final two rounds of matches.

And the German manager has stated his belief that Arsene Wenger’s charges “could win it” and go all the way in the competition.

However, he also added Arsenal would probably have to do so while avoiding current champions Bayern Munich, the side who saw off Dortmund in last year’s final. The Bavarians are currently the 5/2 favourites for outright glory.

It’s not surprising to hear such fulsome praise given Arsenal’s early season form.

And inflicting Dortmund’s maiden loss to an English side, with the reverse the first time in 60 home matches Dir Borussen had failed to score, has only reinforced the belief that Wenger’s side have the strength and self-belief to challenge Europe’s elite.

Arsenal have now suffered only two defeats in their last eight Champions League games while keeping five clean sheets in the process.

Pointless Marseille are next up at the Emirates and another victory should all but guarantee Arsenal’s progression before an away tie in Naples brings the group stage to its conclusion.

Runners-up in 2006 and semi-finalists in 2009, the Gunners will look to break a spell of three successive second-round exits.

Odds of 4/7 for Arsenal to win their group reflects their current supremacy.

But it’s the price for them to land Europe’s biggest prize that is most appealing with both their performances and recognition from Klopp further endorsing the team’s cup-winning credentials.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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