Why Arsenal have 'peaked at right time' in pursuit of UEFA Champions League and Premier League double - 'They can beat anyone'

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Owen Hargreaves believes Arsenal are capable of beating anybody in a one-off game such as the UEFA Champions League final, claiming Mikel Arteta's side have "peaked at the right time."

Arsenal have 'peaked at right time' as Champions League final awaits

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Bukayo Saka's close-range finish was enough to secure a 2-1 aggregate win over Atletico Madrid in Tuesday's semi-final second leg, with supporters now dreaming of an historic Premier League and European double before the month is over.

The Gunners lead Manchester City by five points, having played a game more, while they will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on May 30 in Budapest, a game you can watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

There were wild scenes of celebration in north London as Atletico's valiant attempts at forcing extra time were nullified, with the result meaning Arsenal are still unbeaten after 14 games in this season's competition.

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Speaking before the second leg of Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain's semi-final in Bavaria, Hargreaves told TNT Sports: "Shout out to Arsenal. That is the best feeling ever, outside of winning it.

"They now get to sit at home and watch this game. I think everybody knows they're going to be underdogs in the final, but in a one-off game, Arsenal can beat anybody with David Raya and that back four.

'We made history' - Arteta 'cannot be happier' after Arsenal reach UCL final

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"They've peaked at the right time after that little wobble. I think they're back and to potentially win the Premier League and Champions League in the same season is what you dream of as a player and as a team."

Following PSG's 6-5 aggregate win over Bayern, Hargreaves added: "Arsenal have a chance, without question, with the defence and goalkeeper that they have. Declan Rice has lately played as a defensive midfielder and he's brilliant in there.

"Against this PSG team, the question is how much do you attack as they can hit you on the break. They've got different ways of playing, but it will be fascinating.

"I think PSG will be more attacking than they were tonight against Bayern, but this is a different Arsenal now. They believe now, with Saka coming back with some big goals in big moments. They have a chance, and they just have to believe."

Arsenal stuttered at the start of spring with their Emirates FA Cup exit against Southampton followed up by Premier League defeats against Bournemouth and City, which left the title out of their hands.

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But City's subsequent failure to beat Everton this week means Arsenal are once again in control of their own destiny, and that 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday seemed to spur Arteta's players on further as supporters created a spectacle that was befitting of the occasion.

It is now nine clean sheets in the Champions League this season for Arsenal and the sight of Saka scoring and getting back to fitness bodes well for the remaining four games.

Steven Gerrard told TNT Sports: "It's an incredible achievement and I think it was thoroughly deserved over the two legs. I thought Arsenal's tactics were spot on. It's not an easy nut to crack, beating a Diego Simeone team. We know what they're like, they're very structured, they're good defensively and they're fighters all over the pitch.

Arsenal 'have a chance' in 'fascinating' final - but they are 'underdogs' - Gerrard

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"To do this over two legs, while you're going for a Premier League, is very impressive and they deserve to celebrate. They deserve to enjoy it but I've experienced both sides of being in a Champions League final - winning and losing.

"It's important that they're ready for this final because Paris Saint-Germain are going to give them a hell of a game in the final. I know more than anyone else that an underdog can win this final. I played against that AC Milan side, and it was a mismatch in terms of individually and collectively - they were a much better side.

"But anything can happen in a final, they're playing against a high quality team, they're coming up against an elite manager. Arsenal will need to be the best version of themselves for the full game. Every single player is going to have to turn up but, of course, they've got a chance.

Highlights: Arsenal reach UCL final after Saka winner downs Atletico

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"It might suit them being the underdogs, if they can win the Premier League, it would give them immense confidence and belief going into it.

"They have to use their physicality and size. They have to make every set piece count and they have to take PSG where they don't want to go and make it uncomfortable for them, but they've certainly got a chance."

Arteta was visibly elated as his side secured a place in the final for only the second time in their history, describing a marked shift in energy and belief following a pivotal run of results over the past week.

Arteta, who sprinted onto the pitch at the final whistle to embrace his players before turning to the home supporters in celebration, described it as an ”incredible night.”

”I cannot be happier, prouder for everybody involved in this football club,” he said. ”We have all been so aligned in the desire and ambition we share.”

'Amazing evening' - Arteta hails Arsenal fans, players after reaching UCL final

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The victory also saw Arsenal equal their club record for most wins in a single season, according to Opta, reaching 41 across all competitions to match the tally set in the 1970/71 campaign.

Arteta added that he had rarely experienced such a charged atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium, with momentum now firmly restored.

Arsenal's season had appeared to be drifting only weeks earlier but recent progress - combined with City's setback - has left them within touching distance of a first league title since 2004, alongside a potential European crown.

”Everybody can feel the shift in energy and belief,” Arteta added. ”We have to use it in the right way and understand the margins and difficulty of what we are trying to achieve, but we have the ability and conviction right now - that is for sure."

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