Champions League winner Wesley Sneijder has sparked controversy by joking that Arsenal's Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid should have been cancelled at half-time, delivering a damning assessment of the quality on display.
Match Overview
Arsenal led 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium, with Bukayo Saka scoring on the rebound just before half-time after Leandro Trossard had been denied by goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Saka's goal proved decisive, securing Arsenal's progression to the final in Budapest with a 2-1 aggregate victory.
Sneijder's Criticism
Sneijder, who played a pivotal role in Inter Milan's Champions League triumph in 2010, was unimpressed with both sides. The outspoken Dutchman suggested that UEFA should have intervened, claiming that the second leg between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich on Wednesday should be considered the real final of this year's competition.
'I said after 35 minutes, UEFA must intervene,' Sneijder said on Ziggo Sport. 'They need to call London: both teams off the pitch, and tomorrow the final will be played between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. I knew this would happen, Atletico dropped back and gave away possession, and Arsenal had a lot of control over the ball.'
Sneijder then offered praise for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta's achievement in guiding his side to the final, but took another swipe at the Premier League leaders in the process.
'I looked at the players again, and Arteta already deserves a statue,' Sneijder said at full-time. 'He simply doesn't have any top players, and with the current squad, he manages to push Atletico back, which is impressive.'
Arsenal's Achievement
Despite Sneijder's criticism, Arsenal can now look forward to their second Champions League final, having previously reached the showpiece in 2006. The Gunners were the only side to win all of their eight matches in the league phase and remain unbeaten in this year's competition, conceding just six goals en route to the final in 14 matches.
Arteta's side await the winners of PSG's clash with Bayern Munich on Wednesday, with the French giants and defending champions leading 5-4 after a remarkable first leg last week.
