Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal to channel the heartbreak of their Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain into motivation for future success. The Gunners lost 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, with Gabriel Magalhães missing the decisive spot-kick.
Kai Havertz gave Arsenal an early lead, but Ousmane Dembélé equalised from the penalty spot in the second half. Arsenal felt they should have been awarded a penalty when Noni Madueke went down under pressure from Nuno Mendes, but referee Daniel Siebert waved away their appeals. Arteta was booked for his protests.
After extra time ended 1-1, David Raya saved from Mendes in the shootout, but Eberechi Eze missed and Gabriel skied his penalty. Arteta said: 'Pain, that's it. When you are so close... you have to go through that pain, digest it, and turn it into fuel.' He added that PSG are 'the best team in the world'.
Declan Rice admitted the defeat was 'a difficult pill to swallow' but backed Arsenal to bounce back, saying: 'This is only the start for us.' Arteta confirmed he will take time to review the season and make 'very important decisions' to reach a higher level.
