Arteta: Arsenal ambition bigger after Premier League title
The Story
Mikel Arteta has dismissed suggestions the pressure is off Arsenal in Saturday’s Champions League final after their first Premier League title for 22 years, stating he and his players are hungry for more trophies. Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain, who defeated them in the semi-finals last year and won the Champions League for the first time. Jurriën Timber is likely to start after recovering from a groin injury, though he has not played since 14 March.
Key Facts
- Arsenal won their first Premier League title in 22 years this season.
- PSG defeated Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals last season and went on to win the competition.
- PSG beat Chelsea, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich in the knockout stages this season and are fancied to retain their crown.
- Jurriën Timber has recovered from a groin injury and is likely to start; he last played on 14 March against Everton.
- Arsenal have never won the Champions League and reached the final only once, in 2006, losing to Barcelona.
- Arteta said: “The ambition is bigger. We have one, and now we want the second one.”
- Bukayo Saka revealed Thierry Henry, part of the 2006 team, offered encouragement this week.
- Saturday’s match is Arsenal’s 63rd of the season, more than any other team from Europe’s top five leagues; PSG’s 56th.
- Saka said fatigue will not be a factor, stating the game will be decided on moments and quality.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
No open questions identified in the source article.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Mikel Arteta – Arsenal manager
- Jurriën Timber – Arsenal defender
- Bukayo Saka – Arsenal forward
- Thierry Henry – former Arsenal player
Sources: The Guardian
