Gunners Boss Reveals One Decision He Wishes He Could Change Ahead of PSG Champions League Clash
Mikel Arteta’s voice carried the weight of regret as he faced the cameras ahead of Arsenal’s season-defining Champions League semifinal against PSG. The Arsenal manager made a startling confession about his biggest mistake of this turbulent campaign: not substituting Gabriel Jesus before his catastrophic knee injury against Manchester United.
“If I could freeze time in that moment, I would,” Arteta told the Men In Blazers podcast, his normally animated features turning solemn. “Seeing him limping, knowing what we know now… I’d give anything to have that decision back.”
The January FA Cup incident proved a turning point in Arsenal’s season. Jesus – who had finally hit form after early-season criticism – crumpled with a cruciate ligament tear that left Arteta’s attack in tatters. The injury forced the Gunners to deploy midfielder Mikel Merino as an emergency striker during their faltering Premier League title bid.
Arteta’s rare moment of public self-doubt comes at a critical juncture. With their domestic hopes extinguished, Wednesday’s clash against PSG represents Arsenal’s last chance for redemption. The return of suspended midfielder Thomas Partey offers a glimmer of hope, according to club legend Ray Parlour.
“Partey’s presence changes everything,” Parlour told talkSPORT. “Without him in the first leg, we saw Declan Rice pulled out of position and Merino overrun. That midfield balance is crucial against PSG’s press.”
As Arteta prepares his patched-up squad for their European reckoning, the Jesus admission reveals a manager learning from painful experience. “We can’t undo these moments,” he said, straightening his jacket with renewed focus. “But we can make sure they matter.”
With PSG visiting the Emirates, Arteta knows one right decision could rewrite Arsenal’s disappointing season. Just as one wrong one – left unmade – might have defined it.
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