Mikel Arteta Praises Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres After Arsenal's Champions League Win

Arteta Lauds 'Very Special' Match-Winner Bukayo Saka

Mikel Arteta could not hide his pride as Arsenal secured their place in the Champions League final with a gritty 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates. The Gunners boss reserved special praise for match-winner Bukayo Saka and summer signing Viktor Gyokeres while opening up about the emotional conversations he held with his squad behind the scenes before kick-off in the second leg of the semi-final tie.

Arsenal End 20-Year Wait for Champions League Final

Arsenal ended a 20-year wait to return to Europe’s showpiece event thanks to a narrow 2-1 aggregate victory over Diego Simeone's side. After the second leg win, Arteta was quick to laud England international Saka, who provided the decisive moment at the Emirates Stadium. The Hale End graduate proved once again why he is the face of this modern Arsenal era by capitalising on a defensive lapse to settle the tie.

• Arsenal won 1-0 against Atletico Madrid in the second leg
• The aggregate score was 2-1 in favor of Arsenal
• Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal

Mikel Arteta could not hide his pride as Arsenal secured their place in the Champions League final

Arteta's Emotional Conversations with Squad

Arteta also revealed that he had apologized to the Arsenal squad players after knocking Atletico Madrid out of the Champions League.