Arsenal will get the chance to win their first-ever Champions League title at the end of the month after they edged past Atletico Madrid to reach the final.
Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal for the Gunners, who are hoping to win a double – also including the Premier League title that they are now heavy favourites to claim.
But who was ‘everywhere’ on the field? Which two stars continue to show ‘telepathic’ link-up play? And which selection ‘risk’ paid off?
Though the game wasn’t the most fluent, the result is ultimately what matters, and the Gunners overcame a tricky Atletico side to trigger jubilant celebrations at the Emirates at full-time.
Mikel Arteta’s side will now face either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final on May 30, with the Puskas Arena playing host to the biggest game in European club football.
Daily Mail Sport’s ISAAN KHAN was at the Emirates to rate the players.
Arsenal are in their first Champions League final in 20 years after getting past Atletico Madrid
The Gunners got past a tough Atletico Madrid side, winning 1-0 on the night and 2-1 on aggregate after last week’s first leg
ARSENAL (4-3-3)
David Raya – 7.5
Got away with palming Antoine Griezmann’s early strike into danger area. Accurate distribution across pitch and impressive handling in the air. So dependable in his own box.
Ben White – 7
Eased his way into the game, the defender using his experience to navigate this tie. Telepathic link-up play on the right flank with Bukayo Saka.
William Saliba – 7
Great through ball in the lead up to Saka’s goal. Poor mistake to let Giuliano Simeone through, though Gabriel came to the rescue.
Gabriel – 7.5
Had an early strike whizz past the goal frame. Well-timed tackle to deny Simeone. Kept throwing his body in front of the ball in a warrior’s display.
Riccardo Calafiori – 6
Found out of position at times, but that’s the risk you take with the Italian’s creativity in attacking third. Substitute Piero Hincapie helped shore things up.
Declan Rice – 8.5
Was there a blade of grass the midfielder didn’t cross? Whether on the wings, driving up field or in the backline, Rice was everywhere. So important to this team.
Declan Rice covered every blade of grass and once again proved his importane to the team
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7.5
Mikel Arteta took a risk with starting the teenager — and it paid off big time. Kept looking to play forward and so good at wriggling away from tackles.
Eberechi Eze – 6.5
High passing accuracy and looked calm on a big occasion. Needed to provide more magic in attacking areas, though. Hooked off on 58 minutes.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Didn’t get on the ball regularly but when he did, tried to make things happen. Coolly converted tap-in to put Arsenal ahead.
Viktor Gyokeres – 7.5
What a spirited display, continuing his solid run in the team. Went through periods uninvolved, but busted a gut to hold the ball up and link play with team-mates. Should’ve finished Hincapie’s cross.
Leandro Trossard – 7.5
Lively throughout. Squandered possession at times — while showing sublime dribbling on other occasions. Should have won a penalty when bundled over by Griezmann in the first half.
SUBSTITUTES
Piero Hincapie – 7
Martin Odegaard – 6.5
Noni Madueke – 6.5
Martin Zubimendi – 6.5
MANAGER
Mikel Arteta – 9
Went with an unchanged XI — and was handsomely rewarded. Arsenal are in the Champions League final after a 20-year wait.
Bukayo Saka didn’t get on the ball too regularly but made things happen when he did and scored the decisive goal
Mikel Arteta was handsomely rewarded for sticking with an unchanged XI from the weekend
ATLETICO MADRID (4-4-2)
Oblak 6; Pubill 6, Le Normand 6 (Sorloth 57, 6), Hancko 6, Ruggeri 6.5; Simeone 6.5 (Cardoso 57, 6), Llorente 6, Koke 6, Lookman 5.5 (Molina 57, 6); Griezmann 6.5 (Baena 66, 6), Alvarez 6.5 (Almada 66, 6).
MANAGER
Diego Simeone – 6
