Arsenal have been criticised for their negative approach in the Champions League final, losing 4-3 on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners took an early lead through Kai Havertz but failed to build on it, sitting deep and inviting pressure. PSG equalised in the second half via an Ousmane Dembele penalty before prevailing in the shootout.
Former France international Christophe Dugarry launched a scathing attack on Arsenal's tactics, telling RMC Sport: 'Arsenal will remain the greatest club to have never won the Champions League. Their intentions were clear from the start: absolutely nothing, they did nothing. At no point did they come onto the pitch to create anything. We saw clearances, an Arsenal team that systematically tried to waste time. It was simply unbearable.'
Statistics underlined Arsenal's defensive mindset: they managed just one shot on target, while PSG had 21 attempts and 75% possession. Gary Lineker, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, said: 'As a complete neutral, it's a victory for positive football over negative football. The best team have won the tournament again.'
This defeat marks Arsenal's second loss in a Champions League final, having previously fallen to Barcelona in 2006. Despite their Premier League success, Mikel Arteta's side were unable to add European glory, with their attritional style ultimately backfiring on the biggest stage.
