Emmanuel Adebayor’s stunning overhead kick has put Arsenal firmly in the driving seat ahead of Wednesday’s return clash with Villarreal. Over the years we have seen some great goals from some great players in Arsenal shirts, but Adebayor’s finish was right up there amongst the very best messers Henry and Bergkamp had to offer.

With Manchester United in trouble in their tie with Porto and in poor form at the moment anyway, the draw to the final and a potential reunion with a certain Thierry Henry is certainly opening up for the Gunners.

As in Rome in the previous round, Arsenal fell behind early on in the away leg of the quarter final – this time to a strike from the impressive Marcos Senna. Despite the early setback, Arsenal held firm. In recent years, the Gunners have crumbled in disappointing exits against Liverpool and PSV Eindhoven, but there is a steely resolve about Arsene Wenger’s men which is why they should be considered genuine contenders for this year’s trophy.

Certainly Arsenal have suffered a difficult season. Defeats by sides such as Stoke must be eliminated if they are to mount a realistic push for the Premiership title next season. Yet in the latter stages of the Champions League, one does not encounter “lesser” sides such as Stoke or Fulham, both of whom have caused Arsenal problems this season.

Yet they have achieved victories over Manchester United, plus Chelsea at Stamford Bridge as well as avoiding defeat against an in-form Liverpool team (with 10 men). They have also impressed in Europe, with 4-0 and 5-2 wins over Porto and Fenerbahce respectively. The Gunners have already shown this season, as well as in last season’s marvellous 2-0 victory in the San Siro, that they can compete with the very best. What’s more – aside from the three English teams left in the draw, only Barcelona can be considered realistic winners of the trophy. A formidable task, no doubt, but certainly not one Arsenal should fear.

Additionally (and crucially), there is a freshness about Arsenal’s squad just now which is not reflected in their rivals with Manchester United in particular looking ragged. Indeed, at 1-1 at El Madrigal, Arsenal looked the more likely side to win the tie and may feel that with a bit more precision in the final third that they may well have done so.

With their place in next season’s Champions League virtually secured after Aston Villa’s recent stumble, Arsenal are largely free to focus their efforts on Champions League glory. While the very real possibility of facing Manchester United in the semi-finals awaits, the Gunners will not fear their Premiership rivals, although the Red Devils have a lot of work to do to qualify after being held to a 2-2 draw at home to Porto.

There is of course much work to do yet – Arsenal are by no means certain to dispose of Villarreal. However, belief is a huge factor in football and after one of the most difficult years of Arsene Wenger’s reign, Gunners fans are starting to believe once again that this could be their year.

Danny Watson is a professional sports writer who blogs about football news.