Mikel Arteta of Arsenal, who took over in December of 2019. The former Borussia Dortmund manager publicly voiced his frustration following the team’s UEFA Champions League semi-final elimination to Paris Saint-Germain. While the loss may have been crushing, Arteta has all but guaranteed that Arsenal have been the best team in this year’s cup run. He explained his belief during a post-match interview soon after on TNT Sports. It’s important to note that he’s said repeatedly that he will judge the team only after allowing for time to process.
Against a strong opponents in their two-legged semi-final tie, Arsenal took control from the start. Arteta noted, “The assessment I’ll make when I’m a little bit cooler but the feeling I get from their bench was that we were much better than them.” Combined with his earlier comments, it paints a picture of an individual who truly believes Arsenal’s performances deserved a place in the final.
Arteta went on to explain that his side should have gone through on merit. “I don’t think there’s been a better team in the competition from what I’ve seen,” he stated, underscoring his pride in the squad’s abilities. Over the course of the two games, Arsenal produced 4.77 xG and could not turn those chances into convincing victories.
The manager knew what had really changed the game. In his post-match analysis, he singled out Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma for special praise, complimenting his brilliant performance. Arteta hailed Donnarumma as the best player on the pitch. He had vital interventions stopping the attacking threat from Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard and Gabiel Martinelli. “Donnarumma made a difference in the tie,” Arteta concluded.
Arsenal’s complete, cohesive performance was a testament to their unmeasurable potential. Arteta said that was missing as they should have been ahead in the opening stages of the second leg. We need to be 3-0 up after 20 minutes,” he said afterwards, rueing opportunities such as Declan Rice’s header that went wide from a Jurrien Timber cross.
Despite the disappointment of elimination, Arteta expressed pride in his players, especially considering the injuries they have faced throughout the season. “I’m so proud of the boys. They deserve lots of credit for what they’re doing and the amount of injuries,” he emphasized.
He reiterated the importance of having a fit and available squad. That renewed Champions League focus will improve their chances on the European stage in the coming years. He is hopeful about Arsenal’s future but adamant that the team must continue to develop from their success.
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