Arsenal's defeat in the Champions League final has highlighted the need for greater attacking potency, according to Mikel Arteta. The Gunners fell short against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest, despite a disciplined defensive display that frustrated the French side for long periods.
Arteta's Reflections on the Defeat
After the match, Arteta struggled to find the right words for his players, who were left in tears. He spoke of pride but also real pain, vowing to use the disappointment as fuel for future success. Arsenal have responded to setbacks before, challenging for the title after a tough fifth-place finish and eventually winning the league after three second-place finishes.
In the Champions League, they have progressively improved: quarter-final, semi-final, final. But to go one step further and become European champions for the first time, Arteta knows they need more, especially in attack.
A Message to the Ownership
Arteta's post-match comments were not just emotional; they were a clear message to the club's hierarchy. He praised PSG as the best team in the world, highlighting their individual quality and ability to force opponents into difficult positions. He stressed that Arsenal need to improve and reach a different level, to find different margins to get the desired outcome.
In essence, they are too constrained, playing in too thin margins. They need better attackers. Arteta likely envies PSG's ability to sign top talent, such as their strong offer for Julian Alvarez, a target for Arsenal.
The Defensive Approach: A Double-Edged Sword
While some criticised Arsenal's defensive approach in the final, it was arguably the right game plan. No other team has come so close to stopping PSG in big Champions League games. They had put eight past Chelsea, six past Bayern Munich, and four past Liverpool. Arsenal frustrated them, and the only goal came from a penalty after a rash foul by Cristhian Mosquera.
Even so, the danger of PSG's attack was ever-present, with players like Kvicha Kvaratshkelia needing only a millisecond. Arsenal have no attacker of that quality.
Missed Opportunities
Arsenal had the lead and PSG were panicking. When Kvaratshkelia and Ousmane Dembele went off, the French side were less intimidating. Arsenal could have built through the phases more, but technical execution let them down. Bukayo Saka had poor touches, while Gabriel Martinelli, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke overhit simple passes when chances arose.
They lacked that killer edge, which becomes acute in tight fixtures. This may be conditioned by their constrained approach, which is hard to break out of.
The Need for Change
Arteta now needs to change gears, especially after winning the title. They cannot go another season like that. A Champions League final against PSG cannot be won with an attack of Madueke, Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres. They need higher-level attackers.
Arsenal are a strong team and deserving domestic champions, but that has come from maximising their strengths. To become European champions, they need to be more complete. Arteta has perhaps neglected the attacking end, focusing spending on depth and defence.
He himself could add more sophistication to his attacking play. The quest for the title has locked him into a certain mindset. Victory in the final could have unlocked something; now they must find that unlock to take the final step.
