Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder and football pundit Jamie O'Hara has offered a measured assessment of Arsenal's season, acknowledging their impressive European run while stressing that the real work is still ahead. His comments come after the Gunners secured their place in the UEFA Champions League final.
Arsenal advanced to the showpiece event following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their semi-final tie. This result capped off a remarkable campaign in Europe's elite club competition, where the North London side has navigated the entire tournament without suffering a single defeat. Their defensive solidity has been a standout feature, with the team conceding only six goals throughout the entire Champions League campaign.
O'Hara was full of praise for the team's achievements on the continental stage. He highlighted that Arsenal's path to the final was aided by a favorable draw in the knockout rounds, but he was quick to point out that this advantage was earned through their performance in the group stage, where they finished at the top of their section. The pundit described the overall effort as 'magnificently done' and stated that the players and coaching staff deserve credit for their accomplishments.
However, the former midfielder drew a clear line between reaching a final and actually winning one. He expressed frustration with the narrative that this run alone constitutes a historic moment for the club. According to O'Hara, simply winning a semi-final does not qualify as a landmark achievement in the grand history of a club like Arsenal. He argued that the true measure of success will only be determined by what happens next.
The expert laid out a clear benchmark for the season to be considered truly special. In his view, Arsenal must go on and win the Champions League final. Furthermore, he suggested that lifting the Premier League title as well, thereby securing a domestic and European double, would be the only way to label the current campaign as an 'amazing season' that would genuinely enter the club's folklore.
For now, O'Hara's position is that Arsenal has merely reached a final. While he respects the journey and the defensive record, he believes the ultimate judgment on this team's legacy must be reserved until the final whistle of the season. The pressure is now on Mikel Arteta's squad to convert their promising position into tangible silverware.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.
