Gerrard questioned Eberechi Eze's poor penalty and it split opinion among the other TV pundits
20:54, 30 May 2026
Steven Gerrard, Jack Wilshere and Martin Keown during PSG's Champions League coverage
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Steven Gerrard, Jack Wilshere and Martin Keown during PSG's Champions League coverage(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)
Steven Gerrard hammered Eberechi Eze for his 'nonsense' stuttered penalty attempt that cost Arsenal in the Champions League – sparking a heated debate among the other TV pundits.
Mikel Arteta's team came up short against PSG in the Budapest finale, which went all the way to a shootout after Ousmane Dembele stepped up from the spot to cancel out Kai Havertz' early opener.
Eze was the second Arsenal player to step up after Goncalo Ramos, Viktor Gyokeres and Desire Doue all scored. But after a convoluted staggered run-up, he sent his attempt wide of the post.
Speaking on TNT Sports live TV commentary, Gerrard instantly criticised the midfielder for his 'nonsensical run-up'. He said.
"With all the pressure and the size of the occasion, why with all the nonsense? I just don't get it. Put your foot through it and back your technique."
"I understand people asking why he did that but he'll have practiced that in training, that's how he'll take penalties. It's tough for him, he'll be devastated."
The shootout instantly took another twist after Eze's miss with Nuno Mendes' effort saved by David Raya. But they regained the momentum and after Gabriel also missed for the Gunners, the Ligue 1 champions won the tournament for a second time on the spin.
But after the dust had settled, Gerrard's assessment of Eze's technique resurfaced and sparked debate on the TV panel.
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Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere jumped to his defence, saying: "I understand people asking why he did that but he'll have practiced that in training, that's how he'll take penalties. It's tough for him, he'll be devastated."
But the other pundits weren't having it. Martin Keown agreed with Gerrard, saying he'd 'overcomplicated it' before former Manchester United star Owen Hargreaves bluntly said: "No, I don't like the stutter penalty. Pick your side and hit it as hard as you can. Just simplify it."