Steven Gerrard has criticised Eberechi Eze for his 'nonsense' penalty miss as Arsenal lost the Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain in a shootout. The Gunners' hopes of European glory were dashed after Eze sent his spot-kick wide and Gabriel blazed over the bar, allowing PSG to claim the trophy.
The match ended 1-1 after extra time. Kai Havertz gave Arsenal an early lead with a fine finish, but PSG equalised through an Ousmane Dembele penalty following a foul by Cristhian Mosquera on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Neither side could find a winner in regulation or extra time.
In the shootout, Viktor Gyokeres scored Arsenal's first penalty, but Eze's stuttered run-up and wayward shot drew sharp criticism from Gerrard. Speaking on TNT Sports, the Liverpool legend said: 'Penalties are hard enough. Think about the magnitude of the game, the stadium, the atmosphere – it's hard enough without any of that nonsense. Put your foot through it, back your technique.'
Despite his criticism, Gerrard acknowledged the bravery required to take a penalty in such high-pressure circumstances. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya saved Nuno Mendes' spot-kick, but Gabriel's decisive miss handed PSG the victory.
Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere expressed his disappointment but remained optimistic about the club's future under Mikel Arteta. 'It will take a while to get over, but I'm pretty sure it's not going to take another 20 years to get to another final with Mikel in charge,' he said.
