Online Reporter
MIKEL ARTETA is on the cusp of rewriting history as Arsenal prepare for the biggest night of his managerial career in Saturday’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
After ending the club’s 22-year wait for a Premier League title, Arteta now has the chance to guide Arsenal to European glory for the first time ever.
The Gunners are back in the Champions League final for the first time since losing to Barcelona in Paris in 2006 after edging past Atletico Madrid in a tense semi-final clash.
A Bukayo Saka strike proved decisive across the two legs and sealed Arsenal’s place in the showpiece occasion. Standing between Arsenal and immortality are reigning champions PSG, who powered past Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate to reach the final for the second successive season and third time since 2019-20. It is also a rematch of last season’s semi-final, which PSG won 3-1 on aggregate before demolishing Inter Milan 5-0 in Munich to lift the trophy for the first time in their history.
Luis Enrique’s side claimed a 1-0 win at the Emirates before holding off a spirited Arsenal comeback in Paris to win 2-1 in the second leg.
But belief inside the Arsenal camp has never been higher. The squad celebrated their Premier League triumph at a secret party in London earlier this week, where Arteta told players they were now on the brink of making history.
He declared: “I am certain that we will win the Champions League.”
Captain Martin Odegaard admitted the mood around the club has been electric ever since Arsenal secured the title. Speaking after Sunday’s match against Crystal Palace, he said: “We had a great celebration on Tuesday. The vibes are unreal. Everyone is so happy. But we have another big final in just a week, so we’ll wait to party until after that.
“If we could do it, it would be unreal. We’re living a dream, winning the Premier League and being in a Champions League final.”
Arsenal’s preparations have been complicated by a growing injury list. Noni Madueke is now a doubt after suffering a hamstring problem during Sunday’s clash with Palace before being replaced by Viktor Gyokeres. Jurrien Timber is also racing to be fit after missing more than two months with an ankle injury suffered against Everton in March.
There remains hope he can feature in Budapest, though a start appears unlikely.
One player definitely ruled out is Ben White, who has been sidelined with a serious knee injury.
White had excelled in Timber’s absence and was expected to start at right-back for the final.
That could leave Arteta turning to Cristhian Mosquera, while Piero Hincapie is another option despite limited experience in the role.
There was at least one major boost after Mikel Merino returned from four months out following foot surgery to make a substitute appearance against Palace. PSG also have injury concerns heading into the final. Star full-back Achraf Hakimi has yet to return to training after suffering a hamstring injury during the first leg against Bayern Munich.
The Moroccan is regarded as one of the finest right-backs in world football and would be a major loss for Luis Enrique. Teen sensation Warren Zaire-Emery filled in at right-back during the second leg and impressed, while Fabian Ruiz slotted into midfield alongside Vitinha and Joao Neves.
Ousmane Dembele is another concern after suffering a thigh issue earlier this month, although PSG remain hopeful he will be fit. Back-up goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier and youngster Quentin Ndjantou are both sidelined. Saturday’s final promises to be a fascinating clash of styles. PSG’s explosive attack and fearless football under Luis Enrique will test an Arsenal side that remain unbeaten in this season’s Champions League. And history suggests another thriller could be on the cards. Arsenal beat PSG 2-0 during the league phase earlier this season after previously drawing 1-1 and 2-2 during the 2016-17 group stage. – Sun
