Arteta Pays Tribute to Arsenal Legend Ken Friar After Lille Win
Mikel Arteta dedicated Arsenal’s Champions League victory to former president Ken Friar after the club confirmed the long-serving figure had died on Monday at the age of 92.
Key points
| Item | Detail | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Tribute | Ken Friar died aged 92 | Arteta learned the news from managing director Richard Garlick on Monday morning. |
| Champions League | Three second-half goals in seven minutes | Jurrien Timber, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka scored at Emirates Stadium. |
| League-phase run | 14 straight wins | Arsenal have not lost in the competition’s league phase since Inter Milan in November 2024. |
| Next fixtures | Nottingham Forest, then Bayern Munich | Arsenal face Forest this weekend before travelling to Germany next Wednesday. |
Timber, Eze and Saka struck during a devastating seven-minute spell after the interval to secure the win over Ligue 1 opposition, delivering an emotional result at the stadium Friar helped bring to life.
Friar was a lifelong Arsenal supporter and one of the defining figures behind the scenes during his decades at the club. He played a major role in Arsenal’s move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium, while his influence extended through the club’s identity, culture and long-term planning.
Arteta said the performance and result were for Friar, believing the former president would have taken pride in the team, the current squad and the connection forged around the club.
The Arsenal manager said Friar’s death had made it a deeply sad day, recalling the time he had spent with him and the lessons he had taken from their conversations. Arteta praised Friar’s vision, personality and unwavering love for Arsenal, saying very few people can leave such a mark on a football institution.
He also highlighted Friar’s humility, insisting he never sought recognition for his work. Arteta described him as meticulous, funny and remarkably energetic for his age, adding that his legacy would remain part of Arsenal for generations.
The European night also brought Olivier Giroud back to the Emirates Stadium, with the former Arsenal striker now 40.
Arsenal have won nine of their first 10 matches in all competitions this season. Their immediate focus is Nottingham Forest this weekend, before a major Champions League examination away to Bayern Munich next Wednesday.
