Mikel Arteta makes a wild Arsenal statement that unexpectedly ropes in Liverpool.

Arsenal Earn Champions League Credit — But Arteta’s Bold Claims Raise Eyebrows

Arsenal deserve recognition for reaching the Champions League semi-finals, but that’s arguably where the praise should end.

Following a 3-1 aggregate defeat to PSG, Mikel Arteta stunned viewers by declaring that Arsenal weren’t just the better side, but the top team in the tournament. That’s a statement PSG, now in the final, might take issue with — not to mention Simone Inzaghi’s prolific Inter Milan or even Arne Slot’s resilient Liverpool.

Arteta’s Controversial Take After PSG Loss

Arteta opened himself up to criticism after asserting that even PSG’s coaching staff acknowledged Arsenal’s superiority.

“Right after the match, their bench told me we were the better team,” Arteta told TNT Sports. “Across the two legs, their goalkeeper was easily the standout performer.”

He added, “I don’t think anyone’s been better than us in the competition so far. But we’re out. We deserved more from both legs, though in this tournament, it’s all about what happens in the penalty boxes.”

Are Arsenal Truly Europe’s Best?

Claiming to be the top team in Europe is a stretch for any club that didn’t reach the final. If anyone had a right to such a claim, perhaps Liverpool — under new boss Arne Slot — would face less mockery. After all, they topped their group and pushed PSG to penalties at Anfield — arguably a much closer contest than Arsenal managed.

Luis Enrique Disagrees

PSG manager Luis Enrique didn’t hold back in refuting Arteta’s remarks.

“I completely disagree,” he said post-match. “Arteta says I agreed with him — but I didn’t. They played their style well and created the kind of game they wanted. But in the end, we scored more goals, and that’s what matters most.”

PSG’s Title Charge Gathers Pace

Based on their performances this season, PSG appear to be the strongest team in the competition. With blistering speed and technical prowess throughout the squad, they look poised to finally lift the Champions League trophy in 2024/25.