After a stunning 2-1 victory against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, Arsenal was widely tipped to lift the trophy. Mikel Arteta’s side didn’t just beat the defending champions; they outclassed them with a commanding 5-1 aggregate scoreline.
With Real Madrid eliminated, many analysts predicted Arsenal as the favorites, noting a historical trend where teams that oust Madrid often win the competition. Having beaten Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 earlier in the season, Arsenal seemed poised to reach the final.
Despite the optimism, PSG stunned Arsenal early in the first leg. Ousmane Dembele’s 4th-minute goal secured a 1-0 win for the French champions at the Emirates, putting the Gunners under immense pressure ahead of the second leg.
For Arsenal to keep their Champions League dreams alive, they must overturn PSG’s narrow advantage in Paris. Clinton McDubus, a football analyst, points out that a 1-0 deficit is far from insurmountable. “It’s like being down at halftime with 90 minutes left,” he said, emphasizing the importance of belief and focus.
If Arsenal fails to progress, it would mark another season without silverware for Arteta. However, McDubus believes calling it a failure is unfair. “Arsenal’s current performance level is consistently high,” he said, noting their solid Champions League run and strong league finish.
Since taking over in 2019, Arteta has only managed one major trophy—the FA Cup. With rivals like Tottenham and Manchester United competing in other European finals, Arsenal fans may feel frustrated. Still, McDubus argues Arsenal’s position is enviable compared to their rivals.
One glaring issue this season has been the lack of a reliable striker. Reports suggest Arteta is eyeing top forwards like Alexander Isak and Ollie Watkins to strengthen the squad for next season.
The upcoming campaign could be a turning point for Arteta. Another trophyless season might prompt questions about his ability to lead Arsenal to major success. However, McDubus believes the board will continue to back him unless there’s clear evidence of regression.
