Arsenal came into the Champions League final full of confidence after winning the Premier League. It was a scrappier final against PSG than many would have anticipated, with the match ultimately going to a penalty shootout. PSG ultimately held their nerve to get the win. After this devastating loss, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta gave his honest reaction to his team’s defeat.
Paris Saint-Germain Edge Out Arsenal in Nervy Final
The Gunners Suffer Final Heartbreak
Arsenal started the final quickly, with Kai Havertz smashing home from a tight angle after five minutes to give the Gunners a dream start. PSG subsequently found it difficult to break down Arsenal, who defended in numbers and looked to counter.
It was a scrappy first half, but a dream one for Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal team. Luis Enrique appeared to make a tactical switch at halftime, pushing Vitinha further forward, which seemed to unsettle Arsenal for a short period in the second half. Both teams had their moments, and in the second half, Cristhian Mosquera dove in and fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The penalty was confirmed after a brief VAR check. Ousmane Dembele made no mistake from the spot. Both teams had their chances in the second half, with PSG bossing possession. The Gunners defended resolutely and always looked like a threat on the counterattack.
Most players looked fatigued in extra-time, with Noni Madueke claiming a penalty after a shoulder-to-shoulder challenge with Nuno Mendes. The referee correctly waved away the appeals of Arsenal players.
It ultimately went to penalties with Gabriel missing the decisive round, with the French team winning 4-3 in the shootout.
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Mikel Arteta Gives Honest Reaction to Arsenal’s Final Loss
Speaking to TNT Sports after the shootout, Arteta gave his honest reaction to the disappointment:
“It’s tough to accept. To get so close and lose on penalties, it’s a difficult one.
“I’m so proud of them. This season that we have had, under the circumstances … They have given us so much joy and it’s a privilege to manage them. They carry this badge and put in so much.
“This is only the second time we are here (in the final) and we need to recognise the season we have had, but at the moment nobody is able to take the pain away from us.”
The Gunners boss was also asked about the Noni Madueke penalty claim incident in extra time:
“You can easily see it as a penalty. Especially considering others there have been this season. It was an important one.”
This is undoubtedly a tough loss to take for Arteta and Gunners supporters, but it’s been a great season due to the Premier League triumph.
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