Of all the players wearing Arsenal red tonight, perhaps the gravity of this occasion will be felt most by Bukayo Saka.
He joined the Gunners’ academy aged just eight and has risen through the ranks to become one of the most pivotal figures in Mikel Arteta’s side.
But beyond his impact on the pitch, the 24-year-old Englishman has become a cultural figure who represents the bridge between the players and the fans – he’s known affectionately as their “Starboy.”
“He is massively important for this football club,” 1999 Champions League winner Peter Schmeichel told Viaplay, before Arsenal’s clash against West Ham earlier this month.
“Not only for what he does on the pitch – but he’s an academy player (and) he’s been at the club since he was (eight) years old.
“He’s such a great example for Arsenal, and he’s the best player they have.”
Saka has faced some criticism this season, especially in April when the Gunners’ campaign seemed to be teetering on a knife edge, but it was his crucial goal at the Emirates that saw Arsenal past Atlético Madrid to book its place in the final.
It was also his pinpoint corner against Burnley – which Kai Havertz converted – that ultimately gave the North London club a 1-0 win and proved to be the decisive result in their Premier League triumph.
Despite having a multitude of options to choose from at the top end of the pitch, when the stakes are highest, Saka has still proved to be Arteta’s go-to man.
Freddie Ljungberg – a member of Arsenal’s 2004 “Invincibles” squad – was also full of praise for the Englishman before their game against West Ham.
“When you see him play, he makes the difference,” he told Viaplay. “Everything he does is with special execution – there’s a thought for it.
“He doesn’t play football just for the sake of it, he wants to make a difference. When you play him one against one – he will kill you. … For me, top, top, top player”