Can Arsene Wenger and Arsenal Win the UEFA Champions League?

The age-old debate, the most repeated question on the lips of every football critic every single season—can Arsenal finally win their first ever Champions League trophy?

The answer to that question isn't as simple as it may seem. You simply cannot answer this, or any question regarding Arsenal, with a simple "Yes" or "No." The Gunners always seem to have some one off injury or incident every year, from the infamous Gibbs slip in 2009 against Manchester United to half the Arsenal team being injured against Barcelona in 2010.

Arsenal have always been on the receiving end of some horrendous injuries. The thought of the Arsenal team going an entire season without injuries is near impossible, seeing how they already have a few injuries already. They might be a team that adorns the game, but the moment they step on the field, they end up victims to malicious tactics of anti-football.

Arsenal have started their Champions League campaign in emphatic fashion, beating Sporting Braga by six goals, all of which, barring a penalty kick, where brilliant goals with some fine clinical finishing.

Another mesmerizing feature was the Mexican, Vela. While his two goals might have been somewhat overshadowed in the news by the heroics of the Rossoneri's debutant Ibrahimovic, the young Carlos Vela has already shown Arsenal fans why Wenger displays unparalleled faith in him.

Vela wasn't the only great player on the pitch. Chamakh looked solid and consistent enough to guarantee himself a starting spot in Wenger's squad. Despite the fact that he isn't as talented technically as RVP, the Moroccan international has a great aerial presence and is a quality team player.

The man of the match was none other than Cesc Fabregas. It remains to be seen whether or not he will remain at Arsenal next season, but already the Spanish international has proved himself worthy and dedicated to the cause. Fans are already forgetting the Barcelona transfer saga thanks to his master-class performance.

Arsenal's squad already looks mature and diverse enough to reach the final stages of the tournament. Should they be lucky enough to avoid any of the killer teams in the final 16 of the knockout stages, then the Gunners do have a chance to impress in Europe after all.

But despite all the positives, Gooners must not be credulous; they need to be realistic as well.

As it stands, Arsenal aren't quite experienced enough when it comes to the defensive side of the game. The Gunners don't have enough depth defensively to go all the way in Europe, they don't what it takes to reach the finale, to pull the curtain and see the wizard.

For the Gunners to go to Wembley, the Mecca of football, they need experience in their backline, Koscielny already looks like an error prone player, despite his talents, while Vermaelen has a tendency to make early runs that leave Arsenal exposed.

The only defensive player who is quite calm under pressure is Squillaci. Arsenal's latest signing (and a surprising one at that) has what it takes to handle the pressure, but he cannot defend by himself, and the fact stands that the moment a defender gets injured Arsenal will be very easy to break.

This was proven against Barcelona last season. Arsenal had Gallas, Campbell, and Song unavailable, they ended up with Silvestre as the defender in charge, and Arsenal conceded four goals. None of these goals would have been scored against teams like Inter or Chelsea.

The goalkeeping position is another issue as well. Almunia is a hit-or-miss, a gamble no one would be willing to take, despite his magnificent saves. One mistake from Manny can knock Arsenal out from the competition, and Fabianski is a dolt more than anything. Arsenal won't last a minute with him in charge.

Fans would be delusional to think that Arsenal's defense would acclimatize against teams like Barcelona and Chelsea so quickly. The Gunners' campaign usually ends in an anticlimactic manner, yet in the midst of all these problems, Arsenal truly have a chance to lift the trophy, albeit a very small one.

Despite Wenger's conservative approach to the transfer market, fans will hope (yet again) that the Arsenal manager will finally buy a new goalkeeper and a defender. This fact need not be construed to anyone, but the Gunners will have their fair share of injuries by January. This is not a guess, it is an unfortunate tradition.

There is still good reason for hope, though. Wenger might be able to buy a goalkeeper and a defender in the transfer market, before the real action begins in Europe. Should that scenario actually happen, then this conundrum will be solved with ease.

Arsene Wenger has a sharp eye. The Frenchman probably understood those facts long ago, but is waiting for the opportune moment to strike (at least we hope so). Making excuses is no longer acceptable at this stage. Six years without a trophy is simply too much to take.

Arsenal's midfield is one of the best in Europe. Their attack is a force to be reckoned with as well, but defensively they will be found wanting unless some minimal, yet crucial changes are made.

Arsenal's eloquent manager must finally buy the players necessary to end the trophy drought that is entering it's sixth year. That is the only way for Arsenal to retain the services of their most influential players, most notably one Cesc Fabregas, who appears to be closer to Barcelona with each passing season.

Arsenal are currently top of their group with three points and a plus-6 in goal difference. It's safe to say that Arsenal can finish as the first in their group with ease; what lies beyond the group stages, however, only time will tell.