Mikel Arteta could not hide his pride as Arsenal secured their place in the Champions League final with a gritty 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates. The Gunners boss reserved special praise for match-winner Bukayo Saka and summer signing Viktor Gyokeres while opening up about the emotional conversations he held with his squad behind the scenes before kick-off in the second leg of the semi-final tie.
Arsenal are through to the Champions League final after a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates on Tuesday. It wasn't pretty - it rarely is when Arsenal are involved. Mikel Arteta's men specialise in ugly wins. but there was unquestionably something beautiful about Bukayo Saka scoring the goal that decided a tedious tie 2-1 in the Gunners' favour.
Arsenal have received a massive double fitness boost ahead of their crucial Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid. Mikel Arteta confirmed that key duo Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are back in contention as the Gunners look to reach their first European final in two decades.
Ray Parlour believes Arsenal must sell Gabriel Jesus this summer as the forward seeks regular football. The legendary midfielder has also urged Mikel Arteta to raid Atletico Madrid for Julian Alvarez to build an elite attacking line.
Mikel Arteta has revealed that Bukayo Saka’s half-time withdrawal during Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Fulham was a strategic decision to manage the winger’s physical workload. The England international marked his 200th Premier League start with a clinical goal and an assist, providing a massive boost for the Gunners as they move six points clear at the top of the table.
Mikel Arteta has jokingly questioned his own decision-making after Myles Lewis-Skelly delivered a masterclass in Arsenal’s midfield against Fulham. The teenager was handed a rare start as the Gunners look to pull away in the Premier League title race, vindicating his manager’s gamble with a flawless display as the Gunners cruised to a 3-0 victory over Fulham to move six points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Viktor Gyokeres has cemented his status as one of Europe’s most lethal marksmen by matching a rare Arsenal goalscoring feat previously held by club legends. Following his clinical brace in the comprehensive victory over Fulham, the Sweden international has become the first Gunners player in over a decade to surpass 20 goals in a debut campaign.
Bukayo Saka marked his first Premier League start since March with a goal and an assist as Arsenal routed Fulham 3-0 at the Emirates on Saturday evening to go six points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table. The Gunners' 'Starboy' had only made his return from an Achilles heel injury during the midweek Champions League semi-final first-leg draw at Atletico Madrid but he showed few signs of rust in what was a must-win game for his team.
Mikel Arteta has hit back at claims that Premier League clubs are falling behind their European counterparts, insisting that a lack of "freshness" is what is separating English sides from the elite. The Arsenal boss was left in awe of the recent Champions League semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, describing it as the highest level of football he has ever seen.
Jeremie Aliadiere has suggested that Arsenal may need to sanction the sale of established stars to facilitate ambitious moves for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Nico Williams. The former striker believes the Gunners require a fresh injection of hunger and proven winning experience to finally break their long-standing trophy drought under Mikel Arteta.
Declan Rice is reportedly walking a disciplinary tightrope following Arsenal’s fiery Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid. The England international could face significant UEFA sanctions after suggesting that the hostile atmosphere at the Metropolitano influenced the officials to overturn a crucial penalty decision in the 1-1 draw.
The Champions League delivered one classic and one truly forgettable contest amidst a mixed week of semi final action. The good news? There's more football to be played.
Mikel Arteta was left in a state of disbelief after witnessing what he termed a "completely unacceptable" refereeing U-turn during Arsenal's 1-1 Champions League semi-final draw with Atletico Madrid. The Gunners boss saw a potential match-winning penalty for Eberechi Eze scrapped by VAR, leaving the tie on a knife-edge heading into the second leg.
The first leg of Arsenal's semi-final against Atlético has been marred by a controversial penalty incident that has sparked widespread debate. Arteta was visibly furious afterwards.
Arsenal are about to experience a whole new level of pressure. After wrestling their teetering Premier League title chase back on course with a much-needed victory over Newcastle, the Gunners are now preparing to enter Atletico Madrid's Metropolitano cauldron in the Champions League semi-finals. However, while the prospect of a domestic and European double is tantalising, head coach Mikel Arteta must see the bigger picture.
GOAL sits down with former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina to discuss Colombia’s new generation, his place within it, and the weight of expectation ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
