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Mikel Arteta owed apology as Arsenal boss could earn statue not sack this summer

JEREMY CROSS COLUMN: Mikel Arteta was labelled as a serial underachiever by some critics, but he could write his name in Arsenal's history books by lifting the club's first European Cup

[Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, celebrates victory following the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Arsenal]

Mikel Arteta celebrates Arsenal's win at the Santiago Bernabeu(Image: Getty Images)

Some people are now in danger of having to owe Mikel Arteta a huge apology.

Including yours truly. Because Arsenal's thumping of Real Madrid in the Champions League was quite a statement. Booting the kings of Europe off their throne, winning both legs and humbling the might of Real in the Bernabeu?

All without a proper striker. While the vanquished just happened to have a certain Kylian Mbappe leading their attack. So much for that argument, eh?

A few months ago there were suggestions Arteta had become a serial underachiever, and that his time at Arsenal should come to an end.

But fast forward to now, and his team look more than capable of winning the biggest prize of the lot.

[Mikel Arteta head coach of Arsenal during a press conference]

Mikel Arteta has confounded his critics in recent weeks(Image: Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/UEFA via Getty Images)

And making history by lifting the European Cup for the first time in their illustrious history.

There are still some formidable opponents to come. A thrilling Paris Saint-Germain side who have already knocked out Premier League champions elect Liverpool and a gutsy Aston Villa team await in the semi-finals.

If they can be dispatched, then a potential final against either Inter Milan or Barcelona at the Allianz Arena in Munich would be on the cards on May 31.

But if Arteta can lead Arsenal to Champions League glory, club bosses should consider erecting a statue of the Spaniard outside the Emirates, instead of handing him his P45.

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Good week

Ruben Amorim - Saw Manchester United produce a ridiculous comeback to book a place in the Europa League semi finals - and save their season.

Dan Burn - Improved on his iconic status in Newcastle, by stopping to help a stranger by pushing his car that had broken down.

Justin Rose - Lost the Masters play-off, but gained so much respect for showing people how to accept defeat.

Bad week

Harriet Dart - Had to apologised for asking the umpire to tell her French opponent to put on deodorant during a first-round loss at the Rouen Open.

George Williams - The England and Warrington Wolves captain will miss the next two months after learning he requires surgery on an ankle injury.

Jude Bellingham - Anonymous in a limp performance from Real Madrid, having been schooled by Declan Rice.

[Jeremy Cross]

Jeremy Cross

Jeremy joined the Daily Star in 2010 as Manchester football correspondent and for more than a decade has served as our Chief Sports Writer. He provides expert coverage on Manchester United and Manchester City, the Premier League as a whole, and the England football team. Jeremy has covered football, rugby and cricket World Cups, as well as Wimbledon, the golf majors and the Olympics.

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