Champions League winner Wesley Sneijder joked that Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid should have been cancelled at half-time in a damning assessment of the quality on show.
Arsenal led 1-0 at the Emirates with Bukayo Saka scoring on the rebound on the stroke of half-time, after Leandro Trossard had been denied by goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
Saka’s goal would ultimately prove the difference on the night, as Arsenal progressed to the final in Budapest by winning 2-1 on aggregate.
Sneijder, who was central to Inter Milan’s Champions League triumph in 2010, was unimpressed with performances of both sides.
The outspoken Dutchman suggested governing body UEFA should have stepped in, as he claimed PSG’s second leg against Bayern Munich on Wednesday should be viewed as the final of this year’s competition.
‘I said after 35 minutes, UEFA must intervene,’ Sneijder said on Ziggo Sport.
Wesley Sneijder joked that Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid should have been cancelled at half-time due to the quality on display
Sneijder cheekily suggested that the second leg between PSG and Bayern Munich should instead be viewed as the final of this year’s competition
‘They need to call London: both teams off the pitch, and tomorrow the final will be played between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
‘I knew this would happen, Atletico dropped back and gave away possession, and Arsenal had a lot of control over the ball.’
Sneijder then offered praise for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s achievement in guiding his side to the final, but took another swipe at the Premier League leaders in the process.
‘I looked at the players again, and Arteta already deserves a statue,’ Sneijder said at full-time.
‘He simply doesn’t have any top players, and with the current squad, he manages to push Atletico back, which is impressive.’
Despite Sneijder’s criticism, Arsenal can now look forward to their second Champions League final, having previously reached the showpiece in 2006.
Arsenal were the only side to win all of their eight matches in the league phase and remain unbeaten in this year’s competition.
The Gunners have conceded just six goals en route to the final in 14 matches.
Arteta’s side await the winners of PSG’s clash with Bayern Munich on Wednesday, with the French giants and defending champions leading 5-4 after a remarkable first leg last week.
