Sneijder Slams Arsenal's Champions League Semi-Final as 'Unimpressive'

Key facts

• Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 on Tuesday night to reach the Champions League final.
• Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal just before half-time.
• Wesley Sneijder suggested UEFA should have stopped the semi-final after 35 minutes.
• Sneijder criticised Arsenal's squad depth, particularly Ben White's role.
• Jurrien Timber's absence due to a groin injury was highlighted by Sneijder.
• Arsenal will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final.
• The final is scheduled to take place in Budapest on May 30.

Arsenal Secures Champions League Final Berth

Arsenal has reached the Champions League final for the first time since 2006, overcoming Atletico Madrid in a tense semi-final. A solitary goal from Bukayo Saka just before the interval at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night sealed a 1-0 victory, propelling Mikel Arteta's side into the showpiece event with a 2-1 aggregate win. The Gunners now await the outcome of the other semi-final, where Paris Saint-Germain will face Bayern Munich. The winner of that tie will meet Arsenal in Budapest on May 30 for European club football's most coveted prize. Despite the significant achievement, the performance itself drew sharp criticism from former Champions League winner Wesley Sneijder, who questioned the quality of the match and the depth of Arsenal's squad.

Sneijder's Scathing Critique of the Semi-Final

Sneijder did not hold back in his assessment of the semi-final encounter between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid. Speaking at half-time, the Dutch legend expressed such disappointment with the spectacle that he suggested the governing body, UEFA, should intervene. "I said after 35 minutes that UEFA needs to intervene," Sneijder stated. "They need to call London, ‘just get off the pitch, both of you, and the final will be played tomorrow". He described the first half as a contest where Atletico Madrid sat deep, allowing Arsenal to dominate possession without creating a compelling game. This brutal verdict suggested that the level of football on display was far below the standard expected for a competition of this magnitude, leading him to question the very premise of the match continuing in its current form.

Questions Raised Over Arsenal's Squad Depth

Beyond the perceived lack of quality in the match, Sneijder also turned his attention to Arsenal's personnel, specifically targeting defender Ben White. He argued that the absence of Jurrien Timber, who has been sidelined for the last 11 games with a groin injury, exposes a critical weakness in Mikel Arteta's squad. Sneijder controversially claimed that Timber, if fit, would be a far superior option to White. "You have Timber in your squad, and you think, ‘that’s a good full-back, he’s going to help me’," Sneijder told Ziggo Sport. "Then he drops out for a long time and then you have to fit in White… Timber wouldn’t even let him tie his shoelaces." This critique implies that Arsenal lacks the necessary depth to compete at the highest level, particularly against elite European clubs and perennial domestic rivals like Liverpool and Manchester City, suggesting that Arteta is operating with a limited pool of top-tier talent.

Arteta's Achievement Amidst Criticism

Despite his sharp criticisms of the match and the squad, Sneijder acknowledged Mikel Arteta's managerial prowess. He stated that the Arsenal manager deserves significant recognition for guiding the team to the Champions League final with the resources available. "I can’t say it often enough, people, but he really deserves a statue already," Sneijder remarked. He found it particularly impressive that Arteta has managed to navigate challenges and secure a place in the final, leaving other world-class teams behind. This sentiment was echoed by Arteta himself, who, when asked about his pride post-match, described it as "an incredible night" and expressed immense happiness and pride for everyone involved with the club.

The Road to Budapest and Future Challenges

Arsenal's journey to the final has been marked by defensive solidity, conceding only six goals across 14 matches in the competition. This resilience has been a defining characteristic of their campaign, culminating in a hard-fought aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid. However, the looming final presents a significant test. Whether they face Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich, Arsenal will encounter formidable opposition, raising questions about whether their current squad depth will be sufficient to overcome Europe's elite. The contrasting views of Sneijder and the club's own assessment highlight the high stakes and intense scrutiny surrounding Arsenal's pursuit of Champions League glory. The final in Budapest will serve as the ultimate proving ground for both Arteta's tactical acumen and the quality of his squad.

The bottom line

• Arsenal reached the Champions League final on Tuesday night after defeating Atletico Madrid.
• Former player Wesley Sneijder heavily criticised the quality of the semi-final match.
• Sneijder questioned Arsenal's squad depth, specifically contrasting Ben White with the injured Jurrien Timber.
• Despite his criticisms, Sneijder praised Mikel Arteta for his achievement in reaching the final.
• Arsenal will play either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final on May 30 in Budapest.