Gabriel missed the crucial penalty for Arsenal (Image: Getty)
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal suffered Champions League final heartbreak as Paris Saint-Germain defeated the Gunners on penalties. Gabriel was the man who missed the decisive penalty, with the centre-back blazing his effort over the crossbar.
Things got off to the perfect start for the north Londoners, with Kai Havertz taking the roof off the Puskas Arena with the opening goal after just six minutes. There was a touch of fortune to it, as a PSG clearance ricocheted off Leandro Trossard and set Havertz through on goal. Hearts were in mouths midway through the first half when a mistimed clearance appeared to hit Bukayo Saka‘s hand not once, but twice. Meanwhile, goalscorer Havertz had a golden chance to make it 2-0 before the break, but his touch was far too heavy.
PSG needed a reaction in the second half, but they were still somewhat sluggish and were always going to need an Arsenal mistake to let them back into the game. In the end, it came via a clumsy Cristhian Mosquera tackle on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, with Ousmane Dembele doing the rest from 12 yards. After levelling, it was PSG who came closest to scoring a winner, with Kvaratskhelia seeing an effort cannon back off the woodwork. In the end though, it was 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes, with extra time following.
The first period of extra time was a predictably cagey with the only real talking point being a coming together between Noni Madueke and Nuno Mendes, but there wasn’t enough in it to give a penalty. Spotkicks would end up proving the decisive factor, as the two teams couldn’t be separated after 120 minutes.
The Spanish shotstopper’s only task in the first half was watching the speculative shots from PSG attackers sail over his crossbar. His first save was a simple one, but the ex-Blackburn ace couldn’t do anything about Dembele’s penalty. Was super alert to the danger when Bradley Barcola found himself 1v1, before coming out to command his area to great effect in extra time. If any Arsenal player deserved better, it was him.
Picked up a daft yellow card for needlessly wasting time and was incredibly fortunate not to have seen a second yellow card for the foul that led to the PSG penalty. Hooked immediately after the Dembele spot-kick went in, which felt like an admission of guilt from Arteta.
Wasn’t quite as imperious as his centre-back partner, but as far as Champions League final performances go, it was certainly impressive. Helped progress Arsenal up the pitch on occasion.
Was absolutely everywhere during a monstrous first half and came up with three crucial tackles when it looked as if PSG forwards might’ve broke the last line of defence. Football is a cruel sport, not least because before missing the crucial the Brazil international had been sensational.
Dealt with Desire Doue pretty well while the game was at 1-1, but the fullback was troubled a bit more as the youngster began to grow into the game.
Had his work cut out against a vibrant PSG midfield, but was everywhere throughout the first hour of the game. Began to fade as the second half went on, but was still popping up to break up the PSG attacks whenever they broke through.
Probably the biggest call of Arteta’s starting XI, but what a performance it turned out to be. Was up and down the pitch and battled with some of the best midfielders in world football. His last-ditch tackle denied Kvaratskhelia from scoring a second, and the youngster didn’t look out of place at all. Taken off at the end of regulation time to much ovation.
In a weird way, he was probably the biggest victim of Arsenal taking an early lead. The Premier League champions retreated into such a deep shell that the Norway international wasn’t able to impact the game from an offensive point of view. You can’t fault his effort, but it was no surprise to see him taken off when the score went 1-1.
Kai Havertz opened the scoring for Arsenal after six minutes (Image: Getty)
Got extremely lucky with the handball that more often than not is given as a handball in European competition, but chipped in superbly with the defensive work. Didn’t have much of a say from an attacking point of view and was taken off by Arteta with 10 minutes to play.
From his lung-busting run that stretched the PSG backline to the stylish finish into the roof of the net, the German did everything right for the Arsenal opener. Could’ve maybe done better with his first touch for a chance in the closing stages of the first half.
Might’ve been panicking after Havertz scored, knowing the ball bounced off his arm, but it was tucked in and rightly waved off. Dug incredibly deep and was key to helping team-mate Piero Hincapie quiet on the right-hand side.
What an environment to come on for your first match in three months, but the Dutchman held his own against an electric Kvaratskhelia.
Came on after the equaliser and was tasked with giving the PSG central defenders something to think about.
Definitely got into better positions with the ball than Saka after coming on in the second half, but didn’t do particularly well with his delivery. Felt agrieved when he was bundled down, but replays show the referee got it spot on.
Much like most of the Arsenal attackers on Saturday night, it was the defensive endeavours that stood out the most.
Came on to add a bit of extra zip to the Arsenal attack, and was willing to play some riskier passes in behind the PSG backline.
Certainly helped solidify the Gunners’ midfield at a time when they were starting to get a little overrun.