Quick-witted Reporter Catches Mikel Arteta Off Guard!
Mikel Arteta’s post-match interview after Arsenal’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain went viral on social media.
Arsenal missed out on reaching the UEFA Champions League final after a 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. However, Arteta insisted his team performed better over both legs, claiming only Gianluigi Donnarumma stood between them and a final against Inter Milan. Despite losing both home and away, Arteta argued even PSG players agreed with his assessment.
Arteta’s comments surprised many, particularly during a tense exchange with CBS reporter Anita Neka Jones.
Arteta said: “First of all, congratulations to PSG. They reached the final. But this isn’t about merit—it’s about the scoreline. In these competitions, everything is decided in the penalty area, and in both matches, the best player was the goalkeeper.”
Jones replied: “Well, today’s Man of the Match was Achraf Hakimi.”
Arteta continued: “Well, in my opinion, it was clear who won them the game. I just spoke with them, and they agreed. I’m very disappointed we didn’t reach the final, but we must accept our efforts weren’t enough. At this level, you must be decisive in the box.”
Jones pressed: “Who exactly did you speak with?”
Arteta responded: “A few PSG players.”
Jones asked again: “And they agreed with you?”
Arteta said: “All of them.”
The exchange quickly went viral, with fans reacting:
One fan wrote: “Arteta gets flustered when the interviewer doesn’t agree with him.”
Another said: “If anyone’s annoyed here, it’s Arteta.”
A supporter added: “Great interviewer—she shut Arteta down with simple facts.”
Another user noted: “When asked who he spoke with, Arteta went from ‘a few’ to ‘all of them’!”
Meanwhile, PSG coach Luis Enrique disagreed: “I don’t agree with him at all. Arteta is a good friend, but I completely disagree. They played well, but we scored more goals. Arsenal caused us problems, but we deserved it.”
Arteta, however, stood firm: “I’m 100% sure no team was better than Arsenal in this competition, yet we’re out. When you analyze both games, the best player was the goalkeeper. In the Champions League, matches are decided in the box, and that’s why they won.”
