Mikel Arteta and Arsenal stand on the verge of football immortality. The Arsenal manager is just four games away from achieving what even Arsene Wenger, the greatest manager in the club's modern history, could not accomplish.
Arsenal have reached their first Champions League final in two decades and hold a five-point lead in the Premier League title race. This represents a monumental opportunity. Their last Champions League final appearance in 2006 ended in heartbreak, with two late goals from Barcelona securing victory for the Spanish side.
That defeat remains Wenger's biggest regret from his remarkable era of success. The Invincibles of 2004 were arguably the best team in Europe but never won the Champions League. Two years later, before that squad disbanded, they lost in Paris and failed to deliver the Holy Grail. For a club of Arsenal's stature and history, it is remarkable that they have never been crowned European champions.
That is what is at stake now. Personally, I believe winning the Premier League title is more important this season. Twenty-two years without a league championship is the longest post-war drought for the club. It is what fans crave as the ultimate measure of success, and it explains the nervous tension surrounding the team. They are desperate to get it done. However, the semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid could be a turning point, instilling the belief that they can achieve both.
The match against Atletico was a slog, far from pretty, but they got the job done. Arsenal have played some superb football in Europe this season, defeating Atletico (twice), Inter Milan, and Bayern Munich. They remain unbeaten in the competition and topped the league phase table. In their previous league match against Fulham, they displayed style and flair. Forget any suggestions that they do not deserve success; champions always deserve it. It is the ultimate test.
Arteta has appeared weary, stressed, and under immense pressure recently. A few weeks ago, it seemed Arsenal might crumble, and questions about his future were inevitable. But after the Atletico victory, Arteta wore the biggest smile, danced with the players, and savoured the moment.
Arteta is a demanding taskmaster and a brilliant tactician. At times, he can be incredibly intense, perhaps too intense. He is very different from Wenger, craving control and disciplined, tight performances. But Arteta has the chance to etch his name in history and club folklore. He is four games away—four wins away—from the greatest single-season achievement of any Arsenal manager.
The history books are waiting to be rewritten.
