Troy Deeney Called Out for Comments About Arsenal Immediately After Chelsea Win

Troy Deeney pulled no punches as he spoke about Arsenal's chances of winning silverware following their Carabao Cup semi-final win over Chelsea.

Arsenal are one game away from their first major final since 2020, after goals from Ben White, Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi handed them a one-goal advantage going into next month's second leg.

Alejandro Garnacho gave Liam Rosenior's side hope with a second-half brace, but the Gunners will be expected to turn over their opponents on February 3.

Given how the opening six months of the season have played out, Arsenal are on course to lift silverware as they sit six points ahead of second-place Manchester City in the Premier League standings.

That being said, Troy Deeney believes a potential defeat to City in the Carabao Cup final would "break their spirit", which could impact their chances in the title race as a result.

"I think for it to be a successful season, and there’s progression, they have to win at least one (trophy)," Deeney told CBS Sports. "But I think in the position that they’re in now, they would look at trying to win two."

Asked how many trophies he thinks Arsenal will win, the former Watford striker argued they could be trophyless come the end of the season.

"I could make an argument they don’t win any," said Deeney. "What could happen is Man City win the Carabao Cup and that breaks the spirit. You just heard William Saliba talking about how his pockets were empty so they're clearly trying to win something.

"Could they go out in the FA Cup? Of course they can, because they're concentrating on the Champions League. If you start to lose games, you lose Declan Rice to injury, they could lose the title."

Here's how fans on social media reacted to Deeney's comments.

One said: "I am a Man City fan and would love to see Arsenal go trophyless again, but as an analyst, it is stupid to say they won’t, considering the way they are playing."

A second wrote: "Arsenal wins 5-0. 'You cannot win a trophy in January'. Arsenal wins 3-2. ;You cannot win a trophy allowing cheap goals'. We are damned if we do we are damned if we don't."

A third commented: "The constant hate for Arsenal on platforms like this is weird," and a fifth said: "To be perfectly honest, it’s not rival fans I have in mind when I look forward to finally winning big; it’s this lot. Why do they all hate the Arsenal so much."

A fifth added: "I love the way they’ve started to write us off. This should be inspirational to the team."

Thoughts on Deeney's analysis? Do you think Arsenal will win a trophy this season? Let us know in the comments.