Mikel Arteta masterstroke key as Arsenal reach Champions League final | Football | Sport
Arsenal are into their first Champions League final in 20 years – and Mikel Arteta deserves his flowers. The Spanish coach got his set-up and starting line-up spot on as the Gunners ground out a 1-0 second-leg victory over Atletico Madrid to book their trip to Budapest later this month. Arsenal are looking to lift the European Cup for the first time in their history. They will face either holders Paris Saint-Germain or six-time champions Bayern Munich at the Puskas Arena.
And Arteta’s decision to stick with the same side that blew away Fulham in the Premier League last weekend paid dividends. Myles Lewis-Skelly was bravely handed only the second start of his career in midfield. It was his first ever in the Champions League. Arteta could have been cautious and picked Martin Zubimendi instead. He could also have picked captain Martin Odegaard over Eberechi Eze in the No.10 role too.
But he went with form and that decision was the right one. Arsenal did not create an abundance of first-half opportunities but were clearly the better team, and the likelier to score. As they did when Bukayo Saka delivered the only goal in the 44th minute, tapping in from close range after Leandro Trossard’s shot was saved.
He may not have influenced the goal but Lewis-Skelly’s positivity in possession was again eye-catching. It was showcased in one first-half instance where he smartly used his body to power past Julian Alvarez and play a dangerous ball across the six-yard box.
He also rarely gave the ball away. In his 73 minutes on the pitch before being forced off, he took 55 touches and completed 44 of his 49 attempted passes for a 90 per cent pass accuracy. He played five passes into the final third – only three players on the pitch had completed more at the point of his forced substitution.
The 19-year-old is a supremely talented footballer, and is showing why it is bizarre he’s made just nine Champions League and Premier League starts this season. His energy and bravery on the ball makes such a difference for the north Londoners.
It was only recently that some feared the Hale End graduate could leave this summer. He’s proven exactly why that cannot be allowed to happen under any circumstances. The teenager should be looking to make himself a week-in, week-out starter next season, and for many years beyond that.
Credit must also go to the brilliant William Saliba and Bukayo Saka, who now has 14 goal contributions in his last 14 Champions League games, after the win over Atleti too. A fully-fit and refreshed Saka will be vital for Arsenal to win this competition on May 30.
As will Arsenal’s superb defensive record in Europe. They have conceded only six goals in 14 games in Europe this season. They have only conceded twice in a match on just one occasion.
Gabriel Magalhaes’ intervention was crucial to stop Diego Simeone’s son, Giuliano, from equalising after half-time but otherwise they controlled the game superbly. Thanks to their stubborn defending, rarely did their passage to Hungary look troubled.
Clearly, Gabriel, Saliba and Saka will be massive if Arsenal are to end this season with a historic double. But so too will Lewis-Skelly. He’s shown in the last two matches why he should start in Budapest, as well as every remaining Premier League match, if he’s fit.
