“Mikel Arteta’s Daring Arsenal Claim Sparks Uproar, Pulling Liverpool Into the Crossfire”
“Mikel Arteta’s Bold Arsenal Remark Sends Shockwaves, Dragging Liverpool Into the Fray”
Arsenal deserves recognition for making it to the Champions League semi-finals, but that’s where the praise should stop.
After a 3-1 aggregate loss to PSG, Mikel Arteta confidently declared that Arsenal wasn’t just the better team but the best in the competition.
PSG, now finalists, might dispute that claim, as could Simone Inzaghi’s goal-happy Inter Milan or even Arne Slot’s Liverpool.
Mikel Arteta takes aim at PSG.
Arteta set himself up for potential embarrassment when he claimed that PSG’s bench had agreed with his assessment of the Champions League semi-final.
“The feedback I received right away from their bench was that we were far superior to them,” the Spaniard told TNT Sports.
“When you analyze the two games, their goalkeeper was the best player on the field.”
Mikel Arteta continued: “I don’t believe any team has been better in the competition so far.
“But we’re out tonight. We deserved much more in both matches, but this competition is all about the boxes.”
"I don't think there's been a better team in the competition so far"
Mikel Arteta speaks on the progress of his Arsenal team, and believes they've been the best team in the Champions League despite losing to PSG 💪
🎙@Becky_Ives_ | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/KeiXX3PAtu
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 7, 2025
The Best Team in the Competition? A Bold Claim
Liverpool Might Disagree
It’s hard to argue that a team eliminated before the final can genuinely crown themselves the best in the Champions League.
If any team were to make such a claim, Arne Slot’s Liverpool might raise fewer eyebrows. After all, the Reds not only topped their Champions League group but pushed finalists PSG to penalties at Anfield—a much tighter contest than Arsenal’s two-leg defeat.
Luis Enrique’s Reaction
PSG manager Luis Enrique wasted no time dismissing Mikel Arteta’s audacious remarks after the match.
“I don’t agree at all,” the 55-year-old stated. “Mikel Arteta is saying I agreed, but I don’t agree at all.
“They played smartly today and managed the game the way they wanted, in a style they enjoy.
“But over two legs, we scored more goals than them, and that’s what matters most.”
Luis Enrique straight up denying that the PSG bench told Mikel Arteta that Arsenal were the better team:
“I don’t agree at all.” 😅👀 pic.twitter.com/XlNrjQJOYT
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) May 7, 2025
In our opinion, PSG has undoubtedly been the standout team in the 2024/25 Champions League.
With blistering pace and exceptional technical skill across the squad, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Ligue 1 giants claim their first-ever Champions League trophy this season.