Legendary forward Ian Wright took a cheeky swipe at the Arsenal men’s team after the women’s team lifted the UEFA Women’s Champions League title. The Englishman claimed that the ladies’ triumph has ‘saved the club’ after a trophyless campaign for the men’s side.
Akin to the last two seasons, Mikel Arteta’s side are set to finish as runners-up in the Premier League. They also lost in the third round of the FA Cup to Manchester United and bowed out in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup to eventual champions Newcastle United.
However, the biggest disappointment for Arsenal fans came in the Champions League. After finishing third in the league phase, they destroyed PSV 9-3 on aggregate in the Round of 16 and, more impressively, overcame 15-time champions Real Madrid 5-1 in the quarter-finals.
They were considered as genuine contenders for the UCL title ahead of their semi-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Unfortunately for Gunners fans, they lost 3-1 on aggregate, confirming their fifth successive campaign without a major trophy.
The women’s side also had a huge challenge on their hands in the UWCL final – two-time defending champions FC Barcelona. However, a determined defensive performance from Leah Williamson and a 74th-minute goal from Stina Blackstenius secured a surprise 1-0 win for Arsenal.
Wright, who was in attendance for the game in Lisbon, took shots at the men’s side after the full-time whistle. He said (via Metro h/t TNT Sports):
Arsenal icon Ian Wright has claimed that the club’s women’s team deserves a parade after beating a dominant Barcelona side in the final of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
With the likes of Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, Ewa Pajor and Caroline Graham Hansen in their ranks, Barca were considered overwhelming favourites before the game. However, the Gunners defended with all their might, and a right-footed strike from Stina Blackstenius (74′) was all they needed to lift the coveted title.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the 1-0 win (May 24), the 61-year-old said (via Metro):
After five successive campaigns with a major trophy, Mikel Arteta will likely be under immense pressure to deliver silverware in his sixth season in charge of Arsenal.
A Borussia Dortmund fan, Aaryan had his first tryst with football during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Despite his young mind being influenced by Lionel Messi’s exploits, his favorite World Cup moment is Cristiano Ronaldo’s stunning free-kick against Spain from the 2018 version. He strongly believes that Jude Bellingham and Florian Wirtz can replicate the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry due to their respective potentials.
Aaryan, who has been on commentary panels for football and cricket tournaments at his university, is a huge admirer of Achraf Hakimi for the Moroccan’s loan stint in Dortmund between 2018 and 2020. His favorite manager is Jurgen Klopp, who impressed him with his excellent tactical nous and benignant man-management skills.
When he is not scouring the internet for unique statistics, Aaryan follows the Indian Super League, the A-League, and the Saudi Pro League among others. He is an avid quizzer and debater, and a trained classical and western musician who likes to rock out for his college band, Euphony, as lead vocalist and guitarist.
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