Arsenal’s Champions League ambitions hang in the balance as they prepare for a decisive second leg against Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
After dispatching holders Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, Mikel Arteta’s men were widely tipped as favourites to lift the trophy. Their clinical performance against Los Blancos seemed to affirm their status as serious contenders for the European crown.
However, a lone strike by Ousmane Dembele at the Emirates in the fourth minute of the first leg turned the tide in PSG’s favour. With a 1-0 deficit, the Gunners now face the daunting task of overturning the result at the Parc des Princes.
Football analyst and podcaster Clinton McDubus believes all is not lost.
He said: “A 1-0 deficit from the home leg isn’t as dangerous anymore with the away goals rule scrapped. It’s like they’re simply 1-0 down at half time, with another 90 minutes to go. If they approach it with belief, anything can happen.”
Failure to progress would mean yet another trophyless season for Arsenal under Arteta—marking six years at the helm with just an FA Cup to show. With domestic rivals Tottenham and Manchester United making deep runs in European competitions, pressure is mounting.
Still, McDubus argues against labeling the season a failure: “Arsenal have built a high floor. They’ve been consistent in the league and have shown they can compete at the top level in Europe. That’s something to build on.”
Since Arteta’s appointment in December 2019, the Gunners have made steady progress but remain without major silverware on the continental stage. With growing scrutiny, the upcoming 2025/26 campaign could define his tenure.
“Whether Arteta’s job becomes uncertain will depend on how the season ends and if there’s a sense of regression,” McDubus adds. “But the ownership has backed him so far, and unless there’s a complete collapse, they’re likely to continue doing so.”