Arsenal's Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris on May 7, 2025. The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get-go. And so it proved. Despite early pressure, Arsenal found themselves behind following a stunning volley from Fabian Ruiz in the 27th minute.
After a promising start, the Gunners fell to a 1-0 deficit, and the situation worsened shortly thereafter. Achraf Hakimi added a brutal second goal mere moments after David Raya had kept Arsenal in the tie by denying Vitinha from the penalty spot. This left Arsenal reeling, needing to mount a comeback against a formidable PSG side.
In the second half, Bukayo Saka finally found a way to breach PSG's defense, scoring in the 76th minute after capitalizing on a deflected cross. However, the celebration was short-lived as Saka squandered a golden opportunity to level the score, sending his effort over the bar with an open goal at his mercy. Arsenal's inability to convert chances ultimately sealed their fate.
Despite the defeat, Saka was the standout performer for Arsenal, earning an 8/10 rating from various analysts. He consistently troubled Nuno Mendes and was a constant threat down the wing, but the lack of support from the front line proved costly. Mikel Merino, who has been filling in as an emergency striker, struggled to make an impact and received criticism for his performance, with fans expressing their frustration on social media.
"We'd be at least 2-1 up if we had a proper CF. I love Merino, but he's not making CF runs," tweeted one frustrated fan. Another added, "It is obvious that Arsenal is losing this game because they don’t have a striker. Merino is just not ideal for this match." The sentiment was echoed by many supporters, who felt that the Gunners lacked the cutting edge necessary to compete at this level.
Player ratings reflected the overall disappointment, with David Raya receiving a 7/10 for his crucial penalty save, while Merino was rated just 5/10 for his lackluster display. Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, and Declan Rice all received 7/10 ratings, showcasing their efforts to keep PSG at bay, but it was not enough.
Arsenal's early dominance in the match was evident, as they created several chances but failed to convert. Martin Ødegaard had a stunning strike saved by Donnarumma within the first ten minutes, and Declan Rice came close with a header that went just wide. However, these missed opportunities set the tone for the match, leading to frustration as the Gunners failed to capitalize on their promising start.
As the match progressed, PSG began to assert their dominance, with their clinical finishing proving decisive. After Ruiz's opener, Arsenal's defensive lapses were exploited, and Hakimi's goal effectively killed off any hope of a comeback. The Gunners fought valiantly but were ultimately unable to overcome the deficit.
In the aftermath of the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faced questions about the team's performance and the struggles of Merino in the striker role. Many fans are now calling for reinforcements in the transfer market to address the glaring need for a top-class forward.
Looking ahead, PSG will now prepare for their final against Inter Milan in Munich, while Arsenal must regroup and focus on their domestic campaign. The disappointment of exiting the Champions League will weigh heavily on the players and coaching staff, but they must channel that frustration into their remaining fixtures.
As the dust settles on this disappointing night in Paris, Arsenal's fans are left wondering what could have been. With a talented squad and a passionate fanbase, the Gunners remain hopeful that next season will bring better fortunes in Europe. The challenge now lies in addressing the issues exposed during this campaign and ensuring that they can compete at the highest level moving forward.
In conclusion, Arsenal's Champions League journey has come to an end, but the lessons learned from this experience could pave the way for future success. The club must now focus on rebuilding and finding the right pieces to complement their existing talent, with the hope of returning to the top of European football.
