Mikel Arteta made several key Arsenal calls for the Champions League Final clash with PSG
16:25, 30 May 2026Updated 16:30, 30 May 2026
Viktor Gyokeres was named as a substitute for Arsenal's Champions League Final clash with PSG.
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Viktor Gyokeres was named as a substitute for Arsenal's Champions League Final clash with PSG.(Image: (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))
Arsenal supporters were left shocked to see Kai Havertz lead the line against PSG, with Mikel Arteta naming Viktor Gyokeres on the bench for the Champions League Final. The Swedish striker has been in impressive form in the final few weeks of the season, with the Gunners lifting the Premier League title.
Many fans had expected Gyokeres to lead the line against the French champions, but Arteta had other ideas. Supporters took to social media ahead of kick-off to make their feelings clear.
"Seriously how on earth is Gyokeres on the bench?" One fan said. While another said: "A defence first line up, picking Havertz shouldn't surprise anyone.. he doesn't rate Gyokeres as much as everyone thinks he does."
Another agreed and said: "This team was selected to defend. Where is Gyokeres? Eze? Madueke? Calafiori? Hope I am totally wrong!"
While one Arsenal fan said: "Absolutely shocking not seeing Gyokeres in the XI… Thought he’d be a better option considering the vulnerability of Marquinhos on the ball."
However, others were happy to trust the manager's judgement. One fan said: "I wanted Gyokeres to start but we need to trust the coach he knows best . Best of luck."
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Another said: "Sad that Gyokeres, Eze and Calafiori are not starting. I feel like they deserve it. However they will be supersubs and we will need Gyokeres if it goes to penalties."
Arteta was asked how tough it was to decide between Havertz and Gyokeres and said: "Very difficult because they both bring different stuff.
"But with the game we expect, we believe it was the right call to start with him, and we have time to bring Viktor [Gyokeres] on at any moment."
Kai Havertz was selected to lead the line for Arsenal against PSG.
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Kai Havertz was selected to lead the line for Arsenal against PSG.(Image: (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))
When asked if there were any surprises in the Arsenal starting XI, former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere said: "No, not for me. I think the big decision was up front.
"I think you can see the type of game that Arsenal want to make it and Havertz is obviously a little bit more free; he can link play a little bit better, come lower.
"Gonna need Declan stretching the line then to get in behind, I think he'll probably play a little bit higher than Myles [Lewis-Skelly]."
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Starting XI: Raya, Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Rice, MLS, Ødegaard, Saka, Kai Havertz, Trossard
Subs: Kepa, Setford, Jesus, Eze, Martinelli, Timber, Gyokeres, Norgaard, Madueke, Merino, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Dowman