ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta made sure one player did not go unnoticed after their huge win over Atletico Madrid.
It was a special night for the Gunners – the atmosphere at the Emirates on Tuesday was the best since they shifted a few hundred yards to Ashburton Grove.
While there have been shaky moments this season, Arsenal’s players – and fans – have certainly rediscovered their self-belief.
It is difficult to remember grumpy Arteta ever smiling so much as he joined in on the celebrations on the pitch.
In the dressing room afterwards, the knees-up continued. The players sang a fans’ song dedicated to Piero Hincapie.
Also in the dressing room, along with co-chairman Josh Kroenke, was LA Rams coach Sean McVay – who became the NFL’s youngest ever coach in 2017 aged 30 with the Rams, also owned by the Kroenkes.
In the midst of the chaos of celebration as described by Declan Rice, cheery Arteta took time to single out one star.
Myles Lewis-Skelly has not played as much as he would have liked but he earned special praise from his manager.
The youngster was a surprise starter for such a crucial clash. Fans were left scratching their heads when his name appeared in the starting XI.
But SunSport understands Lewis-Skelly had been told he would start much earlier.
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In fact, he was informed just minutes after the first leg ended 1-1 in Madrid.
That early show of faith underlined the belief Arteta has in the young left-back and it paid off on a massive night at the Emirates.
SunSport understands the Arsenal manager referenced his performance in the dressing room as an example of ultimate professionalism, even when he was not playing regularly.
As he shone in an unfamiliar role in the centre of midfield, Lewis-Skelly had his family and school friends in attendance for the occasion.
They later offered a glimpse into how grounded he remains despite his rapid rise.
After the game, they gathered in the players’ car park for prayers before heading home.
Religion has quietly been a driving force behind Arsenal’s memorable season.
Players including Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Lewis-Skelly are all devout Christians.
Their faith has provided support, even during difficult moments when the team has been questioned. It also reflects the unity within the squad.
Some players who are not religious have joined in prayers out of curiosity.
But faith is not the only factor behind Arsenal’s success. There is also a strong culture of putting the team before individual interests.
That selfless mentality continues to impress Arteta. When players were told they would be reporting back to training, there were no complaints.
The feeling within the squad is that something special is building, that Arsenal have arrived on the biggest stage.
They are still in control of their Premier League destiny, and they have now booked a place in the Champions League final.
Arteta’s belief in his squad is being justified, but there was no time to celebrate for long.
The team was back in training at 11.15am on Wednesday, less than 13 hours after sealing their spot in the final.
The focus had already shifted to what comes next.
With the title race still alive and a tricky clash against relegation-threatened West Ham looming, Mikel urged that full celebrations be put on ice for now.
The Gunners boss himself was considering giving players who played more than 70 minutes the day off.
But in the end, he decided against it.
Instead, every player was told to report in, with sessions focused on recovery.
Even during the post-match celebrations, Arteta reminded his squad to stay locked in.
He stressed that there are still four “finals” left to play this season.
A message echoed by defender Gabriel Magalhaes.
He said: “It’s not finished…we have four finals.
“We want to win all of them, and I’m sure that we can do it.”
Arsenal may be dreaming big, but they are staying firmly grounded.
They are not getting carried away, even if all the signs are pointing in the right direction.
Perhaps it was staunch fan Piers Morgan who captured the true state of this Arsenal team.
He posted on Instagram with the caption: “In the bowels of Emirates Stadium… on the greatest Arsenal night in the building’s 20-year history.
“It was joyful pandemonium.
“Arsenal’s players, like Gabi Martinelli, are such a great bunch of guys.
“Our manager Mikel Arteta has built a squad that fits his own values, disciplined, hard-working, determined, generous-spirited, passionate, proud, polite, decent, and with a burning will to win.
“And now they’re on the verge of greatness. Go for it, gentlemen.”
