Arsenal crashed out of the Champions League on Wednesday after a 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Parc des Princes, with that result ensuring the Ligue 1 champions emerged as 3-1 victors on aggregate after winning at the Emirates last week. It was a tough evening for Arsenal, who fell behind in the first half to a ferocious strike from Fabian Ruiz, and despite David Raya saving a Vitinha penalty, PSG would double their lead soon after when Achraf Hakimi curled into the far corner.
Despite being three goals down on aggregate, there had been a glimmer of hope for Arsenal. Bukayo Saka netted at close range after his initial effort was blocked to make it 2-1 on the night, and it could have got even better for Mikel Arteta’s side soon after when their star player was presented with another chance. Ally McCoist, co-commentator for TNT Sports, expressed disbelief at Saka’s open goal miss. "He’s just leaning back. Maybe he just takes his eye off the ball. But that is a miss, an absolute… He’s got to get over (the ball)," McCoist lamented.
Arsenal and Saka, who was picked out for a disappointing performance in last week’s first leg, will never know what would have happened had the ball found the net via Saka’s foot, but there is no doubt that PSG nerves would have increased tenfold had it gone 3-2 on aggregate in that moment. Instead, Luis Enrique’s side were able to see it out with relative ease to reach their second Champions League final, where they will face Inter Milan.
The defeat in Paris signals an end to Arsenal’s season from a competitive standpoint, with their only objective now being not to be dragged into the race to finish inside the Champions League places in the Premier League. Saka, 23, was Arsenal's biggest threat over the two legs, having also shone in the quarter-finals against Real Madrid.
In the 76th minute, Saka capitalized on a PSG error and dug out a goal, not giving up after his first shot was blocked. It was suddenly game on, but just four minutes later, a cross from Riccardo Calafiori evaded everyone, including PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, and the ball fell to Saka. The England international had an open net and a split second to react, as he attempted to prod home first-time with his right foot. But instead of hitting the back of the net, the ball sailed high over the bar.
"Keep it down, wee man," McCoist lamented on commentary, as Saka and his fellow Arsenal supporters rued his miss. "That Saka miss will be etched in my memory forever," one fan posted on social media platform X. "You cannot be doing that in the Champions League," a second wrote. Another fan added, "Saka, how can you miss that? Open goal, a tap in was enough. That moment could have changed the momentum of the game."
The conversation tied into the long debate over Arsenal's recruitment and their lack of a fit striker, with Saka and the wide forwards relied on to score the goals after injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. "At what point do we buy a striker?" one supporter asked. "Bukayo Saka has been immense again. If only we signed a damn striker back in January," another bemoaned.
Despite the disappointment, fans were still proud of Arsenal's endeavor, as was Arteta. "I am so proud of the players," the Gunners' coach told TNT Sports. "They deserve a lot of credit for what they are doing in the context of the situation and the amount of injuries, probably the worst state you could arrive here as a team. To come here with a different context and still do that, it gives me a lot of positives for the future but tonight I am very upset."
As the match unfolded, Arsenal found themselves under pressure early on, with PSG taking the lead through Ruiz's stunning shot in the first half after a free kick was initially cleared. This goal came as a blow to Arsenal, who had dominated possession and created several chances early in the game. Despite their attempts to capitalize on set pieces and long throws, Arsenal struggled to find the back of the net consistently.
Throughout the match, Arsenal's defense faced challenges from PSG's counter-attacks, which highlighted the need for sharper decision-making and execution. The Gunners had several opportunities to score but were unable to convert, leaving them vulnerable to PSG's rapid transitions. As the game progressed, the decibel level in the Emirates stadium bar dropped significantly after PSG's opener, reflecting the growing tension among Arsenal fans.
PSG's goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, was pivotal in keeping the French side ahead. He made several crucial saves, denying Arsenal's attempts to level the match. His performance in the Champions League has often been scrutinized, but on this night, he rose to the occasion, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
With the final whistle, Arsenal's elimination from the Champions League marked another season without a trophy, a situation that has become all too familiar for the North London club. As they turn their focus to the Premier League, the pressure will be on Arteta and his squad to secure a top-four finish and ensure a return to the Champions League next season.
PSG, on the other hand, will now prepare for their upcoming final against Inter Milan in Munich on May 31, 2025. The match promises to be an exciting showdown between two of Europe's top clubs, with PSG hoping to clinch their first Champions League title.
As Arsenal reflects on their campaign, fans will be left wondering what could have been had Saka converted that crucial opportunity. The young forward has shown immense potential and talent, and while his miss will be remembered, his contributions throughout the tournament cannot be overlooked. With lessons learned and a renewed focus, Arsenal will aim to come back stronger next season.
