Arsenal suffered Champions League heartbreak against PSG in Budapest, but Mikel Arteta can use the defeat to build a dynasty. The Premier League title glory carries the power to transform Arsenal, and for the best part of an hour in Budapest, it looked capable of propelling them to a new stratosphere. However, a penalty shootout loss to PSG dashed those hopes.
Once the dust settles, there will be a realisation that there is serious potential for an Arsenal dynasty because Arteta has restored the Gunners' reputation as a serious outfit and ensured they will consistently dine at the top table. Like it or not, English football's 'Unbearables' will not go away, but for top teams to be remembered among the pantheon of greats, these opportunities cannot pass you by.
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool and Pep Guardiola's Manchester City both had to endure Champions League heartbreak to taste life at the summit of the continental mountain. History suggests brighter days lie ahead, as Arteta flirted with the sack in December 2020 following the club's worst start to a campaign in a generation.
This final will be tinged with regret and laced with what-ifs. Had Jurrien Timber been fully fit, perhaps he would have contained PSG's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Declan Rice starred in midfield but it was not enough for Arsenal. David Raya's sloppy second-half kick conveyed nerves after Ousmane Dembele's equaliser.
Arsenal pressed and suffocated PSG early, but then sat back and placed trust in their backline. Havertz's second chance should have provided confidence, but Arsenal never truly felt capable of finishing the job. There is no shame in losing to PSG on penalties, but given the Premier League champions were still in all four competitions until late March, the disappointment feels sinking.
