Arsenal lost the Champions League final to Barcelona in 2006, exited in the semifinals to Manchester United in 2009, and had not been back to the last four since. Defeating defending champion Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the quarterfinals — after victories both home and away — had raised expectations that Arsenal could go all the way.

Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal were the best team in the Champions League this season, but is he right? Reaching the semi-finals does suggest they are one of the better sides given 36 clubs were involved this year,

Mikel Arteta believes timing is the reason Arsenal have not managed to win as many trophies as they would have liked over recent seasons.