News Focus
- Arsenal suffer penalty shoot-out defeat to PSG in the Champions League final in Budapest
- Kai Havertz put the Gunners ahead early, but Christhian Mosquera conceded a spot-kick near the hour mark
- Mikel Arteta calls Paris Saint-Germain the best team in the world following their back-to-back European triumph
- The Arsenal manager, a former PSG midfielder, praises Luis Enrique’s tactical approach and individual quality
- Misses from Eberechi Eze and Gabriel prove costly for Arsenal in the penalty decider
Mikel Arteta has described Paris Saint-Germain as the finest squad on the planet after Arsenal fell to a painful penalty defeat in the Champions League final.
The Gunners boss witnessed his side lose their grip on a maiden European crown in Budapest. The French champions retained their title following a tense shoot-out after the match finished level.
Arsenal appeared headed for victory when Kai Havertz struck inside the first six minutes. However, Christhian Mosquera fouled inside the box around the 60-minute mark, allowing PSG to equalise from the penalty spot. The clash remained deadlocked through extra time, with misses from Eberechi Eze and Gabriel ultimately deciding the trophy.
Arteta, who once played in the centre of midfield for the Parisians, admitted his former club controlled large parts of the contest. “They are extremely difficult opponents,” he stated. “This is exactly why they have lifted this trophy two times running. They are an elite, elite team – in my view, the best in the world.”
The Spanish coach also offered praise for his opposite number, Luis Enrique. Both men began their careers at FC Barcelona before moving into management. Arteta highlighted the technical quality and tactical intelligence of the French side.
“What they achieve with the ball and through individual actions – I have not witnessed this previously,” he explained. “They force you to defend in areas where you do not wish to, even when your team has possession.”