Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal were the best team in this season’s Champions League, despite their semi-final exit to PSG.
The Gunners, trailing 1-0 from the first leg, needed a win at Parc des Princes to reach the final. Although they created many clear chances, they struggled to beat the outstanding Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi struck for PSG before Bukayo Saka scored late. However, Arsenal fell short, losing 2-1 on the night and 3-1 overall. Arteta reflected with pride but admitted disappointment over the exit. “We were very close, much closer than the result showed, but unfortunately we are out,” he said.
The Gunners started brightly, with Declan Rice missing an early header, while Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard also tested Donnarumma. Despite Arsenal’s strong attacking display, Donnarumma’s brilliance kept PSG ahead. Saka, though he later scored, missed key chances as Arsenal finished with an expected goals figure of 3.14.
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Arteta praised Donnarumma’s influence, saying, “When you analyse both games, who has been the best player? The MVP has been the same player, the goalkeeper.” He also pointed out that success at this level depends on performances in both boxes.
Arsenal’s defeat confirmed another trophyless campaign that has now marked five seasons without silverware since their 2020 FA Cup triumph. Arteta, however, praised his squad’s hunger and resilience, stressing the need for persistence. He cited PSG’s Marquinhos, saying, “With fear you cannot play football at the highest level.”
Arteta remains hopeful as he urged his players to keep pushing despite setbacks. “It hurts, but you have to deal with that,” he added.
The Spaniard also emphasised that returning stronger next season is the key goal for his team.
Tags: Arsenal, PSG, Paris Saint-Germain, Champions League, #UCL, #PSGARS, Marquinhos, Mikel Arteta, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Bukayo Saka, #COYG, Fabian Ruiz, Achraf Hakimi, Martin Odegaard, Parc des Princes.
