Scott

It’s up for grabs now. Once again, an Arsenal side stand on the edge of history. There have been far more acclaimed Arsenal sides than this, of course. The 1930somethings, the Double winners of 1971, 1998 and 2002, the Immortals of 1989 and 1991, the Invincibles of 2004. This 2026 vintage of huge passion and promise has won nothing. Yet. They will not be favourites against Bayern Munich or Paris St-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest. Manchester City could still turn the Premier League title race and the title odds upside down. Apart from Bukayo Saka this Arsenal lack the star factor of most of their more celebrated predecessors. But with Saka’s clever goal and victory over Atletico Madrid, they have given themselves a shot at glory. And that’s all that fans ask. A chance to dream. A glimpse of a trophy. It's up for grabs now. Arsenal fans partied like it was 1989. Like the players, they gave their all. In an era when some fanbases feel increasingly disconnected from clubs, when boards don’t understand, the Arsenal of Richard Garlick and Josh Kroenke oversee harmony and respect, the fans onside, working together. Redaction Gooners set the mood, setting up the epic scenes outside the stadium as the coaches approached. Flares and invective for Atletico. Diego Simeone and his players will have seen far worse negotiating that roundabout outside the Bernabeu. Flares and songs of praise for Arsenal. For Mikel Arteta and his players, the welcome must have been uplifting. They knew the belief the fans had in them. Now go out and show the world. And they did. Arteta’s side share the quality of resilience with their forebears. They have players who play for the shirt, who stand up to be counted. Saka ran at Matteo Ruggeri. Ben White dominated Ademola Lookman. Gabriel was a formidable barrier in the air and on the ground. Declan Rice bestrode midfield. Myles Lewis-Skelly brought youthful energy that highlighted Atletico’s ageing parts. Viktor Gyokeres brought a physicality and almost a swagger that scared Atletico’s experienced sentries. He still needs to finesse the finish. Arteta got his selections, tactics and subs right. He got the mood right. He got the better of Diego Simeone. Atletico’s legendary coach cut a frustrated figure as the life ran out of his team, of his season. Arms flapping, his face like thunder, Simeone ranted into the rain like Macbeth knowing he was losing control, losing the battle. The game was up. Atletico went meekly. Arsenal went on. Simeone spoke of Arsenal’s “stronger financial power” but two of Arteta’s strongest players were Saka and Lewis-Skelly, Hale End kids. Simeone, the highest paid manager in the world, could more legitimately bemoan that Julian Alvarez wasn’t fully fit and that the great Antoine Griezmann, now 35, is no longer the force of old. What a player he was, though. Simeone couldn’t deny Arsenal a deserved victory. They are unbeaten in Europe this season: played 14, won 11, drawn three. 29 goals scored – one every 43 minutes. Six goals conceded – one every three and a half hours. Can they remain the Unbeatables? Budapest on May 30 will be a test but Arsenal, players and supporters, will travel hopefully. They could even be English champions by then. “We’re on the cusp of history,” proclaimed the Emirates announcer before kick-off. Even closer now. Three weeks, four games. West Ham United, Burnley, Crystal Palace then Bayern or PS-G. Focus, channel the adrenalin, maintain this level of performance and reach out towards greatness. It’s up for grabs. #AFC