MIKEL ARTETA ON DRAKE'S 'BURNING BRIDGES' VIBE | AI

 

MIKEL ARTETA ADMITS 'NOT GOOD SIGNS' AS ARSENAL SUFFER HUGE BUKAYO SAKA INJURY BLOW

 

Arsenal will be without star winger Bukayo Saka for their upcoming Premier League fixture against Everton after he sustained a thigh injury. Manager Mikel Arteta admitted the early signs are concerning, with the player set for an MRI scan to determine the full extent of the issue.

Arsenal suffer major Saka injury blow

Saka has been officially ruled out of Saturday's Premier League fixture against Everton. The 25-year-old is dealing with a thigh injury and requires further medical assessment before a return timeline can be established.

The England international sustained the issue just ten minutes into 2-2 Champions League draw against Bayern Munich. He attempted to continue but was ultimately forced off the pitch due to the problem.

Arteta admits concerning signs for winger

The precise severity of the injury remains unclear, prompting significant concern for Arsenal. Arteta confirmed that the player is undergoing further evaluation to understand the true extent of the damage.

"He's going for an MRI this afternoon because he had a lot of fluid in the area, so it was difficult to understand the severity of the injury. We will know tomorrow," Arteta told a press conference on Friday.

"We need a few more scans and opinions from the specialists. When a player is struggling to walk off the pitch and he's restricted in his movement, they are not good signs. So again, let’s be a little bit patient so we can give a definitive assessment and then let you know."

Arsenal boss frustrated by fixture congestion

The timing of the setback has amplified concerns over player welfare at the highest level. Following the injury to his star winger, Arteta took the opportunity to highlight the immense physical strain placed on modern squads.

The Arsenal manager actively called for greater consideration from football's governing bodies. He stressed that teams are being pushed to their absolute physical limits.

"If they can support the amount we are putting into these players, it would be really appreciated," he said. "We have to play three times in less than six days, the games are so demanding, we are chasing until the last minute."

A demanding schedule awaits the squad

Arsenal must now navigate their immediate domestic duties without one of their most influential attackers. The club will eagerly await the weekend MRI results to establish whether the winger faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The immediate focus shifts to securing three points at home against Everton this Saturday. Arteta will need to shuffle his attacking options to compensate for the significant absence on the right flank.

The relentless run of fixtures will not ease up after the league clash. Arsenal are subsequently scheduled to visit fourth-tier Fleetwood Town in the League Cup fourth round on Tuesday.

Starting his career as an intern at GOAL Indonesia in early 2021, Yosua was promoted to journalist that same year and has consistently written, focusing primarily on English and European football.

Covering the 2023 U-17 World Cup in Indonesia was one of his most memorable experiences. At the tournament, Yosua had the opportunity to meet and interview young talents who are now starting to shine at the elite level: Marc Guiu, Franco Mastantuono, and Claudio Echeverri.

- Yosua Arya

MIKEL ARTETA COULD MAKE FIVE ARSENAL CHANGES FOR BAYERN MUNICH CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLASH

 

Myles Lewis-Skelly could be recalled to the Arsenal starting line-up (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

Arsenal have won both of the Champions League games they have played this season but on Wednesday face one of the tournament favourites in Bayern Munich.

An away win at Napoli was followed by a 3-0 victory over Lille at Emirates Stadium last week but Mikel Arteta now must try and navigate past the German giants at the Allianz Arena. Speaking after Sunday's 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest, Arteta called on his team to be ready.

"I think it depends on the game and the way the opposition wants to play," the Gunners boss said on grinding out results. "Today was a different one to Lille, and will be extremely different to three days’ time against Bayern Munich, which will be 96 minutes man-to-man, and let’s go. But we adapt, learn, and try to make the margins bigger."

Vincent Kompany will want a response from his team after they could only draw to Viking FK last week. The Bundesliga side did smash five goals past Bodo/Glimt on the opening matchday, though, but will be without Michael Olise against Arsenal after he was sent off against Viking.

Noni Madueke fired Arsenal to glory against Nottingham Forest

Bayern have had one extra day of rest as they played on Saturday, with Luis Diaz netting a hat-trick in a 6-1 rout of RB Leipzig. Arteta may want to freshen things up then and that could start at right-back. Ben White started Sunday's vital win at the City Ground but could take his place on the bench if Jurrien Timber is fancied from the start.

It will be interesting to see if Riccardo Calafiori is also given a rest. The Italian played the whole 90 minutes in Nottingham but Myles Lewis-Skelly could come in at left-back. The Hale Ender impressed against Lille and would offer fresh legs given he did not come off the bench at the weekend.

In midfield, it was Bruno Guimaraes, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard from the off in Nottingham. You would think Martin Zubimendi starts, possibly for Guimaraes, as Arteta may want to keep Rice and Odegaard in the team given their experience and quality.

Moving to the front three, Bukayo Saka will most definitely start and Noni Madueke has probably done enough to start on the left given his heroics against Forest. It's a toss up between Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz for the striker role and the Swede may just edge it given he has started the two previous Champions League matches.

Possible Arsenal team to face Bayern Munich (changes from Nottingham Forest in bold): Raya; Timber, Konsa, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Madueke.

- Sam Truelove

THIERRY HENRY GOES CRAZY 🤪 | ARSENAL 3-0 LILE | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

 

MIKEL ARTETA'S BIZARRE MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES STARTED ON DAY ONE AT ARSENAL: BOSS REVEALS HOW HE DESTROYED AN OFFICE - AND ORDERED STAFF TO PUT IT BACK AGAIN IN TWO MINUTES

Mikel Arteta has long been known for his unusual ways of testing the Arsenal squad.

From hiring a pickpocket to steal his own player's wallets to directing travel disruption during pre-season, the Arsenal boss turns heads with regularity with his training-ground methods that are designed to keep the champions one step ahead of the pursuing pack.

Arteta was famed for his use of speakers in training (not just blasting You'll Never Walk Alone before a 4-0 defeat at Anfield in 2021) and has even brought in a team dog named Win.

Now, in the wake of agreeing new terms with the Gunners that have made him the Premier League's highest-paid boss, Arteta has revealed that his quirky practices began on his very first day on the job back in December 2019.

The then 37-year-old claimed he 'destroyed' an education centre at Arsenal's training centre, throwing 'the computers, the laptops, the cables' on the floor. He then requested his staff to reorganise the office in no time at all in order to prove their togetherness.

In an interview with The Athletic, Arteta explained: 'I said, "Listen, this is what I heard. I don’t know if it’s true. But from a lot of different people, the sentiment is that this is how they feel about working in the organisation. I’m here to help you enjoy your profession and your life and the passion that we all share. If you want me to help you to do that, you have two minutes to put this in order and at least to be ready to work together’. And I left.

Mikel Arteta has agreed terms on a lucrative new deal that keeps him at Arsenal until 2030

'That could have been my managerial career because if that would have stayed the same way, I had no job anymore!'

Arteta then outlined how he came back moments later and everything was 'immaculate'.

'Everyone was silent and had their eyes open and they were ready to listen. I said, "This is just the start. It’s something that we have to be in daily. Whatever we want to accomplish, we’re going to have to do it together. I cannot do it by myself. The issue that we have is much deeper than that, but the opportunity is infinite".

While peculiar, these methods are a core reason why Arteta has been able to propel Arsenal back to the top of English football.

Arteta has admitted that his first bizarre mangerial method was put into action on his first day in the job back in 2019

The 44-year-old wanted to inspire all of his players and staff to become one unit, an us-against-the-world mentality. He believed that by being all together as one, 'we can create a monster’, and that is what he has managed to do during his seven years at the helm.

'What I decided the day I accepted this incredible opportunity was I’m going to give my life, my soul, all my knowledge, and my best ability to deliver a dream - to connect this football club from top to bottom.

'Then I made a commitment with myself. I need to enjoy the journey and I’m going to the journey. Because I didn’t know how tough it was going to be, I had no experience, I never did it before. I have to be so alert, so curious, and just go day by day.'

After taking the club from tenth position in 2019 to Premier League champions, as well as reaching the Champions League final, Arteta has been rewarded with a lucrative new deal which boosts his salary – which was worth up to £15million with bonuses.

Arteta is famous for his unusual training methods and once blasted 'You'll Never Walk Alone' at his players in training ahead of their trip to Liverpool back in 2021

Arteta's new contract is understood to be worth around £20m per year and makes him the league's best-paid manager. Unai Emery, Andoni Iraola, Enzo Maresca and Roberto De Zerbi are all thought to earn in the £10-12m bracket annually, with Oliver Glasner not far behind.

The Spaniard's contract was due to expire next summer, but this new agreement shuts down any speculation over his future, running until 2030.

Arteta said: 'It's a privilege to commit my future to the club and to continue to work with exceptional people who want the best for Arsenal. This club is unique, its character and the way it makes you feel, and I have a great sense of privilege that our journey together will continue.

'We have already built a special bond and created memories that will last a lifetime, and what is so exciting is that this is only the beginning of what we can achieve together.

'I'm extremely grateful to Stan and Josh (Kroenke) for their trust and support, and feel honoured to be leading this club through such a special period in its 140-year history.

'This is such a proud moment for me and my family. I feel the love and respect from our fantastic supporters, and they have mine – and ours – in return.'

- HARRY BAMFORTH

'THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING,' VOWS MIXED ARTETA AFTER SIGNING £80M-PLUS ARSENAL DEAL

Four-year contract secures Spaniard’s future and makes him the Premier League’s best paid manager

Mikel Arteta has committed his future to Arsenal by signing a new contract which will keep him with the Premier League champions until the summer of 2030. Photograph: John Walton/PA Wire

Mikel Arteta has promised “this is only the beginning” of what he can achieve as Arsenal manager after signing a new long-term contract that would take his reign at the club beyond a decade if he sees it out.

The Spaniard is understood to have signed a four-year deal worth more £20m (€24m) a season, making him the best-paid Premier League manager. That is a hefty pay rise in recognition of his success last season as Arsenal ended their 22-year wait to be crowned champions after three successive runners-up finishes.

Arteta, who took over from Unai Emery in December 2019, is the Premier League’s longest-serving manager after the departure of Pep Guardiola from Manchester City. After losing the Champions League final last season to Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout, the 44-year-old is targeting more success as he seeks to build a winning dynasty at Arsenal, where he previously served as captain under Arsène Wenger.

“It’s a privilege to commit my future to the club and to continue to work with exceptional people who want the best for Arsenal,” said Arteta. “This club is unique, its character and the way it makes you feel, and I have a great sense of privilege that our journey together will continue. We have already built a special bond and created memories that will last a lifetime, and what is so exciting is that this is only the beginning of what we can achieve together.

“This is such a proud moment for me and my family. I feel the love and respect from our fantastic supporters, and they have mine – and ours – in return.”

Arteta’s previous contract, which was due to expire at the end of this season, was believed to be worth about £10m a season plus a £5m bonus for reaching the Champions League. The new deal, to June 2030, cements his status as one of the best-paid managers in the world. His coaching staff have also signed extended deals.

“It has been an incredible journey so far and we are excited for what lies ahead in this special relationship,” said Arsenal’s co-chairs, Stan and Josh Kroenke. “Last season was an incredible moment in Arsenal’s history, a moment in which we created memories that will last a lifetime. We’re determined to create many more in the years ahead.

“We share a special bond with Mikel. We are so proud of everything we have achieved since he returned to the club in 2019. He has a deep understanding of Arsenal’s values and carries them in his heart. He knows what this club means to everyone connected to it and is committed to building on everything we have achieved together.”

Arsenal confirmed this week that they have shelved plans for a major expansion of the Emirates Stadium after Arteta is believed to have expressed concern over the disruption that would have been caused by any temporary move. His side face Leeds on Saturday as they attempt to bounce back from a surprise 3-0 defeat at Brighton before the international break that ended the champions’ 100 per cent start to the new campaign.

- Ed Aarons

ARTETA: "EXTREEMLY DISAPPOINTING" | BRIGHTON 3-0 ARSENAL | PREMIER LEAGUE

 

MIKEL ARTETA ACCUSES ARSENAL STARS OF 'DISRESPECT' AFTER BRUTAL BRIGHTON BEATING

 

Arsenal made too many ‘technical errors’ in their heavy defeat (Picture: Action Images via Reuters)

Mikel Arteta accused his Arsenal players of disrespecting the ‘principles of play’ in their heavy defeat to Brighton.

The Gunners’ 100 per cent start to the new Premier League season came to an abrupt halt on Saturday afternoon, losing 3-0 at the AMEX Stadium.

Mikel Arteta’s side has conceded just one goal in their previous four league games but were outclassed by the Seagulls, who followed up on their 3-2 win over Manchester United midweek with another rampant display.

Pascal Gross fired the hosts into the lead on the half hour mark with Charalampos Kostoulas beating David Raya with a fine effort from the edge of the box to double their lead.

Arsenal were undone on a set piece in the second-half with Chema Andres heading home Gross’ cross. The champions could have conceded more with signs of frustration eminent late on with Declan Rice appearing to kick out at Malick Yalcouye on the final whistle.

Arteta pulled no punches in his post-match verdict, telling reporters: ‘[I am] extremely disappointed. But first of all, we have to congratulate Brighton; they deserved it.

‘They were the better team, and from our side, there were certain basics in football that you need to accomplish in football, especially in the Premier League that we didn’t.

‘In the first duel. Winning the first ball, especially with how direct they were. They put us in a really difficult place.

‘In our own half, the amount of technical errors. We didn’t respect any principle of play that you have to get out of that man to man situation and that put us on the back foot so it was very difficult to control the game.

‘We had moments of dominance and control, and we opened them up; we didn’t take those chances with the quality that is required. It’s a big lesson for us.’

Manchester City now have the chance to head into the international break clear at the top of the Premier League if they beat or draw with Sunderland on Sunday.

Arsenal return to action against Leeds United following the extended international break.

- Tony Mogan

MIKEL ARTETA NOMINATED MEN'S COACH OF THE YEAR

 

Mikel Arteta nominated for the 2026 Men's Coach of the Year.

#Mikel Arteta #Arsenal #The Gunners #BallondO #ballondor

MIKEL ARTETA POST-MATCH INTERVIEW | ARSENAL 2-1 CHELSEA

 

MIKEL ARTETA COULD BLOCK JULIAN ALVAREZ TO ARSENAL TRANSFER AS GUNNERS EYE £130M SWOOP

Julian Alvarez continues to be linked with a blockbuster move to Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal are reportedly willing to spend £130million on the signing of Julian Alvarez, but Mikel Arteta will insist on guarantees that he is genuinely keen on joining the Gunners. The forward is desperate to leave Atletico Madrid ahead of next week's deadline, having initially been eager to join Barcelona before their efforts were firmly rebuffed. It has left Alvarez in a sticky spot, with Atletico fans turning on him during their draw with Villarreal over the weekend.

Arsenal are reportedly willing to spend £130million on the signing of Julian Alvarez, but Mikel Arteta will insist on guarantees that he is genuinely keen on joining the Gunners. The forward is desperate to leave Atletico Madrid ahead of next week's deadline, having initially been eager to join Barcelona before their efforts were firmly rebuffed. It has left Alvarez in a sticky spot, with Atletico fans turning on him during their draw with Villarreal over the weekend.

The move would also require the Gunners to balance their finances, with Gabriel Martinelli edging towards a £50m move to Saudi club Al-Hilal.

That would represent a club-record sale for the newly-crowned Premier League champions.

Arsenal are also looking to offload Fabio Vieira with Hamburg driving to complete a deal, while Napoli have shown interest in Gabriel Jesus but the primary obstacle has been the forward's salary.

Jesus has also wished to remain in England but recognises his opportunities at Arsenal will be restricted.

It remains to be seen if Arsenal would even consider a swap deal for Alvarez that would see Viktor Gyokeres move the other way.

Mikel Arteta wants assurances that Alvarez is genuinely keen on the move (Image: Getty)

Reports in Spain have suggested that the Gunners could table a £55m bid with Gyokeres thrown in as a makeweight to drive down Atletico's asking price.

Meanwhile, the prospect of signing Juventus star Kenan Yildiz appears increasingly unlikely given the winger requires knee surgery.

The Gunners have already splashed out considerably this window on Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa, meaning it is entirely plausible they could refrain from further activity even if Martinelli leaves.

Eberechi Eze remains an option to cover the left flank and Arsenal may choose to bide their time, but if the opportunity to land Alvarez arises and the player proves willing to make the switch, the north Londoners are thought to be receptive.

- John Cross and Archie Griggs

FULL MIKEL ARTETA INTERVIEW VS. COVENTRY

 

ARSENE WENGER BOYS ON THE TOUCHLINE 🔥

 

MIKEL ARTETA SHARES FIRST ARTETAISM OF THE SEASON WITH 'ATTACKING THE TITLE' QUOTE

Mikel Arteta has hit us with the first Artetaism of the year as he said Arsenal are not defending the Premier League, rather attacking it.

Whether the Spanish manager likes it or not, Arsenal are the defending Premier League champions but he has seemingly taken issue with that word and that mindset.

In an interview with Men in Blazers, it was put to him that Arsenal were “defending” the title, to which he replied with a big smile “attacking” it.

“Attacking! That’s where we’re going,” he said. “Now I’ve got inside an experience that I will remember the rest of my life which is sharing that with all the players, all the staff on that bus. Now we go for more and I want to create something much bigger than that.

“We created the foundation we wanted and now it’s something much bigger that we want to achieve as a club.”

Arteta is not the first non-native manager to trip over this particular English turn of phrase. Jurgen Klopp in 2020 questioned the use of the word defensive in regard to a new season.

“Somebody told me we have to defend the title, and I don’t understand that,” he said in a press conference. “Maybe I’m not smart enough, but I didn’t understand that.

“So if there’s a title out there, we obviously showed that we were able to go for it last year. We did it the year before as well.

“That doesn’t mean we will be this year because we don’t take these things for granted. But the titles out there, we attack them.”

Klopp did though fail to defend the title and now Arteta is tasked with being the first Arsenal manager to do so. Complacency is often raised as the key issue for a team retaining the Premier League title but the Arsenal boss suggested his players were the opposite.

“I think obviously the energy that everybody has is like ‘I want to do it again. I want to go through that emotion again,’ he said.

“So it’s almost like something that gets instilled in your base and I said I really want to live that again.

“We need to start from day one, and we need to realise that it’s going to be something that’s going to demand a lot from everybody. But we have the ability to do it, and we can go through that again.

“This is what we want to create right now, and it has to be the ambition, and it is the ambition from the owners of this football club, from everybody on the board, to every staff member, and ultimately from the players.

“And then you have to show that with facts and with actions. And when the staff wants to come early, the staff is putting more hours in the summer to see, ‘okay where can we go?’

- Sam Cooper

AFTER TROSSARD: ANOTHER ATTACKER IS ON HIS WAY OUT OF ARSENAL AS ARTETA EYES MAJOR REBUILD

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s attacking rebuild is gathering pace, with Mikel Arteta prepared to make several difficult decisions after guiding the club to the Premier League title.

Rather than allowing successful players to remain because of past contributions, the Gunners appear determined to refresh the squad and create room for younger or more reliable attacking options.

The departure of Leandro Trossard has already changed the picture on the left wing, while another experienced forward could now follow him out of the Emirates.

Injuries and increased competition have reduced his importance, leaving Arsenal ready to listen to offers before his contract expires.

AC Milan emerge as leading contenders for Jesus

According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal are actively trying to sell Gabriel Jesus, with AC Milan currently among the strongest contenders for his signature.

The 29-year-old has entered the final year of his contract, and the Gunners are reportedly prepared to consider proposals worth around £20 million.

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Jesus made only 14 Premier League appearances last season, scoring six goals, and now finds himself behind Viktor Gyökeres and Kai Havertz in Arteta’s attacking hierarchy.

Milan have made contact, while Juventus, Atlético Madrid and clubs in Turkey are also understood to have explored the situation.

A move to Italy could appeal to the Brazilian. Football Italia recently reported that Jesus had spoken positively about Serie A, admitting that playing in Italian football had been a childhood dream.

His experience, movement and ability to cover several forward positions could make him a useful option for Milan.

Arsenal expected to rebuild attack this summer

Jesus could become the second experienced attacker to leave Arsenal this summer.

Leandro Trossard has left the club to join Besiktas after Arsenal agreed a transfer worth approximately £17m.

Sky Sports reported that the Belgian was given permission to travel to Istanbul and complete the move after recording 36 goals in 174 Arsenal appearances.

Selling Jesus makes sense if Arsenal already have replacements lined up. His quality has never been in doubt, but repeated injury problems have made it difficult for Arteta to depend on him consistently.

However, Arsenal should avoid accepting a heavily discounted offer simply because his contract is running down.

A fee near £20m would be reasonable, particularly given his wages and fitness record.

With Trossard already gone, losing Jesus would leave the attack noticeably younger and less experienced.

- Ahad Shaukat

ARSENAL 'WORKING ON SIGNING' MOROCCO WORLD CUP STAR AYYOUB BOUADDI AS LILE DEMAND €70 FEE

 

Getty Images 

Arsenal have reportedly made their move for one of the breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his midfield options. The Gunners have apparently approached Lille regarding Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has seen his stock skyrocket follow.

Gunners step up pursuit of Ligue 1 prodigy

Arsenal have reportedly made a concrete approach to sign Bouaddi as they look to beat Europe’s elite to one of the most exciting talents in world football. The 18-year-old has become a primary target for the North London club, with recent reports indicating that the Premier League champions are ready to accelerate their plans.

According to Sky Sports Switzerland, Arsenal have been actively working on a deal to sign Bouaddi for several months and the Premier League champions have maintained regular contact with the midfielder’s entourage since January last year. The long-term scouting mission has now evolved into a formal pursuit as the teenager proves his worth on the biggest stage of all.

Getty Images Sport 

Lille set price tag for World Cup star

With his performances for Morocco drawing global attention, Lille are in no rush to sell their prized asset on the cheap. Further talks between Arsenal and Bouaddi are already scheduled for after the World Cup, while Lille are demanding a €70 million (£60.4m) transfer fee for the midfielder. The French side are aware that his value could continue to rise as the tournament progresses in North America.

Bouaddi was one of the standout performers in Morocco’s opening 1-1 draw against Brazil, holding his own against some of the world's most established midfielders. Of all the central midfielders on show, Bouaddi was the one who showed the most maturity in controlling the ball for Morocco.

Arteta's pitch to Morocco international

Arteta is said to be a huge admirer of the youngster’s technical profile and versatility in the middle of the park. The report adds that Arsenal have made it clear to Bouaddi and his representatives that he would be considered an important part of Arteta’s squad straight away. This path to first-team football is expected to be a major factor in the player's decision-making process.

The strategic move to involve the player immediately has seemingly paid off in the early stages of negotiations. Arsenal’s message is said to have ‘resonated’ with Bouaddi, and the Morocco international has expressed his interest in the prospect of a move to Arsenal. However, securing his signature will require navigating a significant financial obstacle set by his current club.

Lille set price tag for World Cup star

With his performances for Morocco drawing global attention, Lille are in no rush to sell their prized asset on the cheap. Further talks between Arsenal and Bouaddi are already scheduled for after the World Cup, while Lille are demanding a €70 million (£60.4m) transfer fee for the midfielder. The French side are aware that his value could continue to rise as the tournament progresses in North America.

Bouaddi was one of the standout performers in Morocco’s opening 1-1 draw against Brazil, holding his own against some of the world's most established midfielders. Of all the central midfielders on show, Bouaddi was the one who showed the most maturity in controlling the ball for Morocco.

- Donny Afroni

HUMBLE ACADEMY BEGINNINGS | SAN SEBASTIAN

🚨They all started from the Academy, From an amateur youth club in San Sebastián to leading the Premier League Bigs. 🤯

Mikel Arteta (Arsenal), Xabi Alonso (Chelsea), and Andoni Iraola (Liverpool) all grew up playing together at Antiguoko. 😳

Three of England’s 'Big Six' will soon be managed by the same childhood teammates. 🔙👦🏻

The Basque coaching revolution is officially here. 🇪🇸🔥

MIKEL ARTETA THINKS ARSENAL WERE ROBBED IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

 

Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta 

Mikel Arteta couldn’t understand why the incident involving Nuno Mendes and Noni Madueke didn’t result in Arsenal being awarded what could and probably would have been a decisive penalty in the Champions League final defeat to PSG.

Arsenal fell to PSG in the penalty shoot-out, though in Arteta’s mind, it was the penalty in normal time and another that wasn’t given that are the real talking points from Budapest.

Arsenal’s rearguard across the entire 120-plus minutes were only breached from the penalty spot. Cristhian Mosquera bundled over Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the box to tee up Ousmane Dembele to cancel out Kai Havertz’s opener during regular time.

However, the Gunners and Arteta believed they should have been awarded a penalty of their own when substitute Madueke took a tumble under pressure from Mendes in the first period of extra time. The incident can be viewed here.

Speaking to TNT Sports post-match, Arteta couldn’t wrap his head around why different decisions were made for what he perceived to be two very similar incidents.

Mikel Arteta angered by non-awarding of penalty

He bemoaned: “I watch it back and [Mendes on Madueke] could easily be a penalty. Especially when we see the penalty they gave me this year in the competition.

“This season, the referee made a decision, and he made a different one with Cristhian Mosquera and that is an important one.”

During his post-match press conference, Arteta again took umbrage at the perceived difference in officiating.

He said: “When something had to go our way, especially in the boxes with the penalty that was given against Mosquera and then no penalty to Madueke, those didn’t go for us.”

Speaking about the game in general, the Spaniard told TNT Sports: “Yes, it is very tough to accept when you are so consistent in the competition all the way to the final and in the end you lose the trophy on penalty kicks, so it is a difficult one.”

He later added: “We haven’t done it for 22 years [reached the Champions League final], so imagine the second time in our history that we have done it, and we need to recognise the season we had, but at the moment nobody is going to take the pain away from you.”

On PSG, who have now gone back-to-back in the UCL, Arteta said: “They are a superb team and I congratulate them. Individual quality they have, the manner they are coached, they are a top, top team.

“You have to go through the emotions and if you’re in pain, then go through the pain.

"Think you could do something else, then learn from it. Reflect on that and show the ambition that we want to have again.”

On what message he has for his players, Arteta concluded: “That I am so proud of them, with this season we have had under the circumstances. Internally, we know what we have been through.

"It is just a privilege to manage this group of players and this team the way they carry this badge and how much they put into it. We got a big one [Premier League] and missed out on the biggest one.”

- Steve Pearson

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE MANAGER OF THE SEASON | MIKEL ARTETA

 

ARSENE WENGER VS. MIKEL ARTETA | STATS