Mikel Arteta picks his Champions League winner after Arsenal defeat to Paris Saint-Germain

Following Arsenal’s exit from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), manager Mikel Arteta has shared his thoughts on the team’s performance and the outcome of the semi-final clash.

Arsenal faced PSG in a two-legged semi-final, with the French side securing a 3-1 aggregate victory. Despite the loss, Arteta expressed pride in his team’s display, stating, “100 percent I don’t think there’s been a better team [than Arsenal] in the competition so from what I have seen, but we are out. We deserved much more I think in both games.”

The Gunners started the second leg strongly, creating several early chances. However, PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made crucial saves to deny Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard, maintaining PSG’s lead. Arteta acknowledged Donnarumma’s impact, noting that “he was the best player in both games.”

Reflecting on the match, Arteta revealed that PSG’s bench staff admitted Arsenal’s superiority, telling him, “we were much better than them.” Despite this, PSG advanced to the final, highlighting the fine margins in top-level football.

Arteta also addressed the emotional toll on his players, stating, “It gives me so much pride, but at the same time I’m so upset, so annoyed that we didn’t manage to do it. Today I see how much the players want it because they were in tears [at the end].”

Looking ahead, Arteta emphasized the importance of learning from the experience and continuing to strive for success. He highlighted the need for improvement in both penalty areas, suggesting that decisive moments often determine outcomes in high-stakes matches.

As PSG prepares to face Inter Milan in the Champions League final, Arsenal will focus on securing Champions League qualification through their domestic league performance. The experience gained from this European campaign will serve as a foundation for future endeavors.

In summary, while the defeat was a setback, Arteta’s reflections underscore a belief in his team’s potential and a commitment to building on their progress. The journey continues as Arsenal aims to translate their performances into tangible success in the seasons to come.