The final whistle blew and the Emirates exploded. Arsenal had reached the Champions League final. Mikel Arteta ran on to the pitch and collided with his players as they leapt together in a huddle. “I’ve never felt that in a stadium before,” he said afterwards. These streets had never seen scenes like it.
What a difference a few weeks make. After months of nervousness that threatened to destabilise the season, the stadium felt alive again. As the teams emerged, a huge tifo showed a fleet of boats emblazoned with the words “Over Land and Sea” — a nod to Arteta’s January call to “jump on the fun boat” and change the energy at the Emirates.
That change was evident in the tricky moments of a tense semi-final against Atletico Madrid. Instead of tension, every tackle, header and throw-in was cheered like a goal. For the fans, being unconvincing was suddenly acceptable because the mood had shifted.
The last 24 hours were momentous for the club. First, Manchester City dropped points in the Premier League, handing the initiative to Arsenal. Then the Gunners reached their first Champions League final in a generation. “Everybody can feel a shift in energy and a belief in everything,” Arteta said, referring especially to City’s draw at Everton. “Let’s use it in the right way.”
Momentum is with Arsenal. Not only are the supporters back onside, but key players are returning from injury as the run-in intensifies. Bukayo Saka, a clear example, produced two goals and an assist in just over 100 minutes of action in the last few days. Riccardo Calafiori has added steel and creativity at the back. Myles Lewis-Skelly has brought freshness to a midfield that had been lacking fuel, while Martin Ødegaard has returned and Kai Havertz is close to full fitness.
Those small but multiple boosts have strengthened the team numerically and mentally. Arteta urged his side to be “beasts” against Atletico, and that showed: Declan Rice’s goal-saving challenge in the first half and Gabriel’s two second-half interventions denied Atleti clear opportunities.
Leandro Trossard was an underrated star, making 10 ball recoveries — double the next best on the pitch — as he tracked Antoine Griezmann and neutralised Atleti’s threat. Viktor Gyökeres embodied the new energy: he hounded Atletico’s defenders relentlessly, bringing his team forward and setting the tone with tireless pressing. One of his runs created the decisive goal for Saka, a right-wing burst reminiscent of a recent assist against Fulham. Even when Gyökeres missed a sitter, the crowd forgave him because of his work rate.
“He was immense,” Arteta said of Gyökeres. “You could see the reaction of the crowd every time he was holding the ball. His work rate, what he gave the team, was just incredible.” Wayne Rooney echoed that, noting Gyökeres does “all the dirty work” and played a massive role in the victory.
At the moments that matter, Arsenal no longer look like a team riddled with holes. They do not appear to be missing a top centre forward, nor making costly errors, nor faltering at the end of matches. They might lack the flamboyance of Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester City, but a new steeliness is emerging.
This was Arsenal’s 30th clean sheet in all competitions this season, and their defence was rarely troubled across the semi-final second leg. They have conceded just seven goals in 14 European matches this campaign — a platform that gives them a strong chance of backing up their position in the Premier League. A special night now awaits in the Budapest final on May 30.
“We have the ability and the conviction to do that for sure,” Arteta said about sealing a special season. If they maintain this momentum, that season could end with two trophies in just over three weeks.
Your views…
Reaction from the Sky Sports match blog on Arsenal making the Champions League final:
Vic: Losing that domestic cup final to Man City might be a blessing. Arteta isn’t the best manager in the world but he might be the best in what he does soon. The team need that winner’s mentality more now and to be able to take chances in games when it comes. They have the potential.
Strats98: Sticking with your coach and letting them develop a squad is paying dividends here and now!! Other clubs should be taking notes…
Simon Freyer: What a performance!! Gyokeres had his best display in an Arsenal shirt. Rice and Gabriel were immense, Lewis-Skelly showed maturity beyond his years. Raya made some strong punches. All for one and everything left on the pitch. Bring on Budapest!!