Tottenham Captain’s Late Chance Could Have Shaped Arsenal’s Title Hopes

Mikel Arteta admitted to a tense reaction as he watched Heung-min Son squander a pivotal late chance for Tottenham against Manchester City—a moment that could have drastically affected Arsenal’s title chances. Spurs were trailing City 1-0 when Son found himself one-on-one with City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega but failed to convert, leaving Arteta and his side to agonise over what might have been.

Arsenal needed their north London rivals to take points off City to keep their title hopes alive. However, City held on to secure a 2-0 victory, putting them two points clear at the top of the table with just one match remaining in the Premier League season.

Reflecting on Son’s missed opportunity, Arteta remarked: “If I had to pick a player in the Premier League for that moment, it probably would be him (Son).” He drew parallels with sports icons like Michael Jordan, noting that even the best sometimes falter at critical moments. “This is the beauty of sport,” he added. “Sometimes it goes your way; sometimes it doesn’t.”

Arteta revealed that he watched the match at home with his family, sharing their collective reaction. “My kids were running around the table, heads in their hands, just like me,” he said. “You can imagine the emotions. It’s like you’re almost playing the game alongside them, living every moment.”

Despite the disappointment, Arteta found some value in experiencing such intense moments with his family and colleagues. “These moments are what sport is all about—being a part of the highs, the lows, and everything in between. But, unfortunately for us, it wasn’t meant to be.”