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Arsenal players stood by as Paris Saint-Germain celebrated. Miles Lewis-Skelley nodded. Kai Havertz was still negotiating with the referee. Declan Rhys and Gabriel applauded, almost forcing themselves to see their penance.
Once the trophy has been hoisted, they are shocked. For Arsenal, it will be fuel, as Mikel Arteta loves to put it on. They used their near-miss in the Premier League to propel them forward. The challenge now is to do the same in the Champions League.
Arsenal have been close to Budapest all season as it must be hard to see it that way. PSG dominated the ball and looked the superior side but when Arteta talks about fine gaps, you can appreciate his point.
Arsenal’s Declan Rice during the Champions League final against PSG (Credit: OPPO)
For a long time, it was a defensive masterclass. PSG rarely looked as toothless as Arsenal’s two best chances in the first half. Luis Enrique’s side had 76 percent possession but failed to score a goal.
After that, it was about penalties awarded and denied, goals scored and missed. David Raya made the only save of the shoot-out and still finished with his head in his hands. Arsenal lost seven odd goals. They have pushed the limits in a great way.
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Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Seth gives his verdict on Arsenal’s defeat from Budapest
It was a familiar feeling of frustration for the supporters who stayed behind to commiserate with their players even after Gabriel’s effort cleared the crossbar. No team has played more European Cup games – 226 – without winning the trophy.
But Arsenal’s previous final in Paris, two decades ago, felt a little different. At that time, the club said goodbye to Highbury. This was Robert Pires’ last game. Thierry Henry left the following year.
It should start for the reigning Premier League champions. Key players are in their prime. Others are on the rise. The sense of progress underlined by their Premier League title is echoed by their growing power in Europe.
Arsenal have gone 15 games into the Champions League season without losing within 120 minutes. Two years ago they were eliminated in the last eight. Almost made it to the last four last time. They are close to PSG and the prize. You win or you learn.
But the feeling of missing an opportunity will linger. Because PSG’s starting line-up was stronger, this was a game that should have tilted their way as time went on. Did Arsenal do enough to absorb the game? When the moment comes to seize some control?
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Jamie Carragher discusses the lack of attacking quality at Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal
Luis Enrique replaced Khvicha Kvaratshelia, then Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele. In extra time, off captain Marquinhos and player of the match Vitinha. Arsenal appeared to have more strength in depth than their illustrious opponents.
In that context, can the plan change? Arteta spoke after PSG were so good that it forced Arsenal to play their game. But Raya’s decision to kick long was a choice. A more balanced approach was possible.
Arteta knows there’s no guarantee the opportunity will come again. Valencia reached the Champions League final at the turn of the century. The last team to lose a Champions League final on penalties was Atletico Madrid a decade ago.
Neither club has yet won the trophy.
Of course, Arsenal don’t have to look far for inspiration. It wasn’t that long ago that PSG were seen as a club that couldn’t get over the line. Now they won’t be relinquishing the trophy and talks of dynasty and supremacy under the peerless Luis Enrique.
Could that ever be Arsenal? Arteta wants to keep the building. He’ll tweak, in the market and on the field, perhaps making this team even more expansive again. Undoubtedly, he has acquired more assets in attack. At times he was trying to perform surgery with a hammer.
But the journey is far from over, encouraging for Arteta and Arsenal supporters as his players return to north London. That much was revealed by the looks on the faces of the PSG players as they fell in front of them. Hunger remains.
OPPO has been partnering with the UEFA Champions League since 2022 and currently serves as the official smartphone product partner, providing more fans with the opportunity to experience OPPO’s technology and capture the exciting moments of the match.
