Sorry, Mikel, this is not the way to win UCL
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 31.05.26. | 13:46
Even though last night's Champions League final was decided in the penalty shoot-out, one impression is crystal clear: PSG deserved the triumph more than Arsenal
There's a famous football saying - according to some sources, coined by the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson - that claims that "attack wins games and defence wins titles". It has been proven true many times, but going to extremes is the wrong path, as it can only be counterproductive.
Mikel Arteta felt it firsthand last night in the Champions League final.
Ironically, Arsenal may have been the victim of their own early opener. With an early lead in hand, the Londoners, and especially their manager, opted for an ultra-defensive approach that could have paid off.
However, since it didn't, now the focus is on some incredible stats.
Arsenal had the lowest possession in the UCL final since 2004, made only one attempt on target, had only seven shots, had a 0.44 xG, and completed only 285 passes.
On the other hand, Paris Saint-Germain had 75% of possession, 14 more shots, and 610 more completed passes than the rivals.
Stats usually don't always tell the full story, but last night, they painted a very clear picture: PSG deserved to win the Champions League more than Arsenal.
No one can guarantee that things would have gone differently if Arteta had opted for a more courageous approach. In fact, the Spaniard and his lads have to be given credit for almost completely neutralizing arguably the most ruthless offence in Europe, which scored 44 goals in 17 UCL games this season.
And if it weren't for Cristhian Mosquera's careless and poorly conceded penalty, the Gunners' fortress would have most likely held on. Arteta's tactics would have paid off, and Arsenal would have celebrated their maiden European crown.
Mikel Arteta consoles Eberechi Eze after the defeat to PSG (©Carl Recine/Getty Images)Still, it didn't happen. Why?
Well, perhaps because in football, you need more than just defence or just attack to win. You need to earn it. You need to play football. Arsenal barely did it last night, so they shouldn't wonder why luck abandoned them when it mattered most.
It must be deserved.