The defining moment of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal reign beckons.
When Mikel Merino swept Arsenal’s third past Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois he did more than cement the best night in the history of the Emirates Stadium.
In securing such a commanding lead, Merino raised the stakes, guaranteeing that glory or catastrophe awaits in the return leg in the Bernabeu; Arsenal are standing at a crossroads leading towards folklore or ignominy.
Progress, and Arteta will have the most prized scalp of his tenure and legendary status will be within his grasp. In such circumstances he will probably spend the next few years committing his future to Arsenal as Madrid’s rivals Barcelona try to lure him back to his spiritual football home.
Throw it away from here and he will suffer the kind of setback from which other esteemed coaches have never recovered, with questions asked about whether Arteta has what it takes to be a winner.
Spectacular victories such as Arsenal’s have a curious psychological effect.
Declan Rice’s first thunderbolt against Real gave Arsenal a wonderful opportunity to reach the semi-final.
His second screamer removed the favourites tag from the European champions, leaving the second leg poised as a 50-50 game. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are more than capable of winning 2-0 this week.
Declan Rice hit TWO worldie free-kicks vs Real Madrid 🤯
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 8, 2025
So nice he did it twice ✌️ pic.twitter.com/zg5CzlQQNh
The third changed everything. It elevated Arsenal’s position to one from which they are expected to go through, and anything less will feel like a disaster. They are now under more pressure to reach the semi-finals than they would have been with a slender lead. Arteta is exactly where he dreamed of being at ‘half-time’ in the knowledge that the difference between success and failure is more consequential, especially for him.
If Arsenal finish the job in midweek, Arteta and his players will be able to visualise winning the Champions League. They will be on the cusp of becoming only the second Arsenal side to reach a European Cup final and can complete the journey Arteta began when he took over five years ago.
Winning the ultimate prize in club football would have a profound impact on how this era is viewed. The disappointments in the title race of the past two years will be re-examined and considered important steps along the way, more than missed opportunities, while the belief that comes with becoming European champions would make Arsenal more formidable in the seasons ahead.
