After an emotionally charged semi-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal’s hopes of lifting the Champions League trophy were crushed — and it’s left former manager Arsene Wenger and current boss Mikel Arteta with differing takes on what went wrong.
Gunners Fall Short in Paris Despite Spirited Fight
Arsenal arrived at the Parc des Princes with everything to play for, hoping to overturn a 1-0 first-leg loss. But things didn’t go to plan.
Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring for PSG against the run of play, catching Arsenal off guard just as they were building early momentum.
The goal gave the French side a two-goal advantage on aggregate and set the tone for a night that would end in heartbreak for the Gunners.
Even though Arsenal kept pushing and forced PSG’s keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into some brilliant saves, their efforts fell short.
Achraf Hakimi’s stunning strike from outside the box made it 3-0 overall in the 72nd minute.
A late goal from Bukayo Saka briefly sparked hope — and he nearly added another just moments later — but his shot flew over the bar.
Wenger Praises PSG’s Grit and Arsenal’s Missed Firepower
Speaking to beIN Sports, Arsene Wenger reflected on the match with a mix of admiration and disappointment.
He credited PSG’s tactical discipline and mental strength for seeing them through.
“This wasn’t the typical PSG we’re used to seeing,” he said.
“It wasn’t all flair and possession. They defended well, capitalized on counters and set pieces, and didn’t collapse after missing a penalty.
That mental toughness helped them win.”
When it came to Arsenal, Wenger was blunt: “We saw a recurring issue — they just couldn’t find the net. That’s been their problem.”
Wenger also pointed to an error by PSG captain Marquinhos that led to Arsenal’s goal.
He admitted the defender was lucky his mistake didn’t cost them more but ultimately said, “Over the two games, PSG were better, created more chances, and were rarely in trouble. They deserved to go through.”
Arteta Insists Arsenal Were the Best Team in the Tournament
Mikel Arteta, clearly emotional after the final whistle, didn’t share Wenger’s view.
In fact, the Arsenal manager boldly claimed his side were the best team in this year’s Champions League — even in defeat.
“Honestly, from what I’ve seen, no team played better than us in this competition,” Arteta said. “But we’re out. It hurts.”
He highlighted how Donnarumma — who was exceptional in both legs — was the deciding factor.
“He was the MVP of both games.
That tells you everything. If not for him, the results would have looked very different.”
Injuries and Emotions Weigh Heavy for Arsenal’s Boss
Arteta was also quick to remind reporters of the injury crisis Arsenal have been battling.
He described it as one of the worst periods a team could experience ahead of a major European semi-final.
“They’ve done an incredible job considering everything we’ve faced.
It wasn’t ideal preparation by any stretch,” he said.
“To perform like that in these circumstances gives me real hope for what’s ahead. But tonight, I’m gutted.”
Arteta even revealed that some of his players were brought to tears after the match.
“That’s how badly they wanted this. They gave everything.”
A Bittersweet Ending but Glimpses of What’s to Come
While Arsenal are now officially out of every competition this season — with no trophies to show — there’s still a sense that this team is building toward something big.
Arteta’s frustration was clear, but so was his belief in what his players are capable of.
So while PSG prepare for a final in Munich, Arsenal are left reflecting on missed chances and wondering what might have been.
As for the debate over whether the best team won — that might be one that rumbles on for a while.