Arsenal’s audacious pursuit of a historic Premier League and Champions League double has been ignited by a palpable shift in belief, culminating in their dramatic victory over Atlético Madrid to secure a place in the Champions League final.

The Gunners will travel to Budapest for the final on May 30, marking only their second appearance in European football’s showpiece event. Their previous foray was the 2006 Champions League final against Barcelona, a match where Arsenal played with 10 men from the 18th minute following Jens Lehmann’s red card. This time, the ambition is grander, aiming to add Europe’s most coveted club trophy to a potential Premier League title.

The arduous path to Budapest

Arsenal’s journey to the final has been impressive, demonstrating consistent form throughout the competition. They dominated their Champions League group stage, winning all eight of their matches. In the knockout rounds, they overcame formidable opposition:

• Bayer Leverkusen

• Sporting Lisbon

• Atlético Madrid

According to The Guardian, Arsenal’s growing belief has been central to their push for a historic Premier League and Champions League double. The report highlights how the atmosphere around the squad changed after their dramatic semi-final victory over Atlético Madrid, with Leandro Trossard saying the team now has “full belief that we can do it.”

Read also: Tiger Woods' private jet returns to US ahead of PGA Championship

Premier League destiny in their own hands

While European glory beckons, the domestic title race remains fiercely contested. Arsenal needs to win their final three league games to secure the Premier League title, a feat last achieved by the “Invincibles” team of 2004. Their remaining fixtures are:

• Burnley (home)

• Crystal Palace (away)

The Gunners received a boost recently when Manchester City failed to win at Everton, opening the door further for Mikel Arteta’s side. Recent league performances, including a 1-0 victory over Newcastle and a commanding 3-0 win against Fulham at the Emirates Stadium, suggest a team hitting form at the crucial moment. Notably, the Fulham victory saw Arsenal score three goals, a significant improvement after netting only six in their previous eight matches.

The team’s renewed vigour has been aided by key returns, with Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori both making comebacks from injury for the Fulham game. In midfield, Myles Lewis-Skelly stepped in for Martín Zubimendi, while Declan Rice has returned to his influential No 6 role, providing stability and drive. The positive atmosphere even extended to the dressing room after the Atlético game, where Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay was a guest.

The potential for a double would be an unprecedented achievement for Arsenal, surpassing the 2004 “Invincibles” who claimed only the Premier League. Thierry Henry, a legend from that era and the 2006 final, encapsulated the sentiment when speaking to Bukayo Saka on CBS Sports, declaring, “We were the Invincibles. You will be the Unforgettables.” With European silverware limited to the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994 and the Fairs Cup in 1970, this season presents a chance to write a truly unforgettable chapter in the club’s storied history.

Read also: Behind the delays: VAR's commercial value outweighs fan anger

Sources: www.theguardian.com

Read also: Sacked Spurs boss' Thomas Frank and Ange Postecoglou lands BBC World Cup role