Steven Gerrard slammed Eberechi Eze's penalty technique as Arsenal lost in the Champions League final to PSG
Eberechi Eze of Arsenal
Eberechi Eze missed a penalty for Arsenal in the penalty shootout defeat to PSG(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Steven Gerrard slammed Eberechi Eze for his 'nonsense' penalty miss as Arsenal suffered shootout heartbreak against PSG in the Champions League final.
The Gunners' hopes of finally lifting a European trophy were dashed for yet another year as Eze sent the ball wide and Gabriel blazed over the bar from 12 yards during the penalty shootout, after neither 90 minutes nor extra-time could separate the two sides.
Mikel Arteta's side took the lead against the reigning European champions when Kai Havertz burst through on goal and tucked the ball into the roof of the net with a superb finish just a few minutes into the match.
Arteta's tactics stifled PSG throughout, but the French giants eventually drew level when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was fouled in the box by Cristhian Mosquera.
Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele coolly stepped up from the spot to send David Raya the wrong way and restore parity. The match subsequently opened up, but tired legs on both sides failed to conjure up the quality needed to find a decisive winner.
Viktor Gyokeres converted Arsenal's opening effort from the spot as the Gunners were required to take their penalties in front of the PSG end, going second in the order.
However, Eze squandered the opportunity to maintain Arsenal's perfect record, sending the ball wide of the post after his stuttered run-up, despite Matvey Safonov diving the wrong way.
Eberechi Eze reacts after missing a penalty vs PSG in the Champions League final
Eberechi Eze reacts after missing a penalty vs PSG in the Champions League final
View 2 Images
The England star's stuttering run-up was roundly criticised by Gerrard, who said on TNT Sports: “Penalties are hard enough.
"Think about the magnitude of the game, the stadium, the atmosphere, it’s hard enough without any of that nonsense. Put your foot through it, back your technique.” Gerrard, however, later admitted that he respects anyone who steps up to take a penalty in those circumstances, insisting it's a 'brave' thing to do.
Raya managed to immediately help his team-mate by stopping Nuno Mendes' spot-kick, but Gabriel blazed the decisive final kick over the bar that saw PSG win the trophy.
Secure your ultimate European discount before the final whistle with 76% off NordVPN
The ultimate showdown is here. Premeir League champions Arsenal are on the march in the Champions League final this weekend, ready to fight for Europe's biggest prize.
Now is your chance to make your own championship-winning play, by switching to NordVPN. But just like the race to the final whistle, there’s a strict deadline to lock in this world-class deal.
Our Champions League coverage is brought to you in association with NordVPN, the UK's number one VPN according to TechRadar.
A VPN protects your internet connection and online privacy by creating an encrypted tunnel for your data and hiding your IP address, allowing you to safely stream the big match even on public Wi-Fi. With NordVPN, you can block malicious websites, stop web trackers, and monitor data leaks all in one app.
Reflecting on the defeat, former Arsenal favourite Jack Wilshere said: "It will take a while to get over, but I’m pretty sure it’s not going to take another 20 years to get to another final with Mikel in charge.
"I fancied us [Arsenal] for penalties but it’s a hard one to take."
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Content Image