Arsenal

Scarlet Katz Roberts
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

The morning after the night before in Budapest, Arsenal fans were beginning the long journey back home, moving around the city with a quiet resignation. The red shirts were looking a little more muted in this grand European city.

Off the pitch for much of the game, Paris St-Germain's famously buoyant band of ultras were kept quiet. On the pitch for much of the game, the greatest team in the world - and undeniably the more talented team on the night - were kept quiet.

We simply refused to lose.

Piero Hincapie was incredible under heavy bombardment, spidery and wily. Cristhian Mosquera denied Khvicha Kvaratskhelia with little trouble until rashly giving away the penalty. Jurrien Timber looked like his seamless self when he came on. Central midfielders Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly were simply wow.

It is true we lacked emphasis and quality going forward, but that is to be expected when you go ahead so early. PSG are the best team in the world and were always going to dominate the ball.

In those exhausting circumstances, after an exhausting season, it would be easy to go to pieces.

PSG missed some good chances after they levelled but, if anything, Arsenal were more committed to the cause after the blow of being pegged back.

The cruelty of the penalties should force us to recruit positively in forward areas this summer, but arguably that is a cosmetic fix.

The culture of this Arsenal team - of unwavering commitment, organisation and determination - is what makes me believe we are here to stay.

We have scaled the mountain of the Premier League over 38 games. We were unbeaten in the Champions League.

Glorious failure is always beautiful, but glorious failure when there is more to come just whets the appetite.

Find more from Scarlet Katz Roberts at the Goal Difference podcast, external

Image source, Getty Images

It has been 22 years since Arsenal were able to celebrate Premier League glory with their supporters, so there is no doubt spirits will still be high despite narrowly missing out on the Champions League title on Saturday.

The squad have rushed back from Puskas Arena in Budapest to celebrate their achievement, 11 days after clinching the title and seven days after lifting the trophy.

The club will to take to the streets in their home borough of Islington for an open-top victory parade on Sunday afternoon - and BBC News will be providing live coverage of the celebrations from 14:00 BST.

Arsenal say the five-mile loop will start at Emirates Stadium, taking in much of Highbury, Canonbury and Upper Street before returning to their home ground.

Follow live text coverage of the parade here

Image source, Getty Images

You've been sending us your comments after Arsenal lost Saturday's Champions League final to Paris St-Germain on penalties.

You were all keen to have your say, so here are some more of your views:

Glen: Overall, I thought Arsenal dealt with PSG very well and restricted them to very few real goalscoring opportunities. The one gripe I have, although I love him as a player, is why Eberechi Eze did that stupid stuttering run-up? It just doesn't work or even look comfortable. Marcus Rashford did it for England and missed, so why do it? Just have a good run-up and thump the thing. Why don't these managers tell their players that those run-ups are rubbish?

Jan: My thoughts are that Arsenal got to the final, they did their best and it was a great game for all. No Arsenal player needs to feel they have let the club down because they have been amazing all season. At the end of the day, no other club in the UK got to the final. Well done, lads. I look forward to seeing you next season!

John: After Arsenal scored a brilliantly taken goal, they didn't really have an answer to PSG's fast-possession play and they were slowly ground down. During the penalty shootout, the two Arsenal players that missed were the ones who tried to take glamorous penalties. All you have got to do is hit the target - no-one can criticise you if the penalty is saved. That is what cost Arsenal the trophy.

Martyn: A fantastic defensive display by Arsenal. I think fatigue took its toll, though. In the last 10 minutes we were shattered and didn't have any new answers. I also felt Bukayo Saka and Eze could have produced more. We still have so much to look forward to. This could be an amazing new adventure, but we need to get the perfect balance between defence and attack.

David: It's impossible to match teams like PSG when English clubs play so many minutes a season and those minutes are so much more intense. Watch now as a super talented England team look jaded, slow and fatigued. They will all have 10 minutes rest after the World Cup before they start all over again. Fatigue crushes talent.

Sue: I'm so proud of this team and Mikel Arteta. What an amazing achievement. It's not just about the football, but how they conduct themselves, how they stay together in the face of adversity and how they support each other. Stay strong and be proud.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha believes Arsenal are in a strong position to challenge for the Champions League again next season, as Mikel Arteta's side continue to show progression "year in and year out".

"There is disappointment that they haven't won the Champions League, but there is real joy they have won the Premier League," Onuoha said on Champions League Match of the Day.

"In a different season, maybe they would have won the Carabao Cup in the final against Manchester City as well.

"The fact that they have made it this far, you can see the progress that is happening year in and year out. Progress itself isn't necessarily going to be linear, but it almost feels like it has been for Arsenal in recent years.

"As they approach next season, they are in a good financial position, the squad is at a good age and they know they are one of the best teams in all of Europe.

"If things go their way, they will be back here [in the Champions League final] next year - and maybe they can get across the line."

Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin added: "You look at the players they have got, the ones they have brought in, and I don't think we have seen the best of Eberechi Eze yet in an Arsenal shirt or even Noni Madueke.

"I suspect they will be even better next year."

Watch the highlights and analysis in full on BBC iPlayer

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

Image source, Getty Images

"Pain" - that was the first word out of Mikel Arteta's mouth in his post-match news conference when asked how he would sum up his side's Champions League final defeat in Budapest.

Arsenal, who were unbeaten in the competition this season heading into Saturday's final, missed out on becoming European invincibles with their penalty shootout defeat.

Before the game, Arteta said he wanted to use their Premier League success as a platform to reach bigger destinations and aim for more silverware.

But, unfortunately, his side fell at the final hurdle in their pursuit of a first European trophy, in their first Champions League final since 2006.

Arsenal have still had an excellent season, having won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years, but could the manner of the defeat be what pushes them on next season?

The manager and players understandably looked dejected after the full-time whistle.

"It is very tough to accept when you are so consistent all the way to the final, and in the end you lose the trophy on penalties," Arteta said.

"We need to do better, we have to improve and we have to find different margins to get the outcome we want."

He has already turned his attention to next season and helping Arsenal return to this stage.

"First of all, I will take a few days with my family and then we will start the process to review what we have done," he said. "We will have to start making some very important decisions if we want to reach another level.

"We are going to have to show that ambition because we are more than capable of doing it, but it is going to demand us to be very ambitious, very fast and very smart."

Arsenal spent around £250m in last summer's transfer window and they look set to invest again, with a midfielder, left winger and striker all targets this summer.

"They are 100% not going away," former Manchester City defender Nedum Onouha told BBC Sport. "They have shown this season and last season that they are good enough to go deep in the Champions League.

"Even though they have lost, they are still one of the best teams in Europe."

Read the full article here

Keifer MacDonald
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, MIRROR/TELEGRAPH

The defining image of Arsenal's Champions League final defeat was Gabriel standing with his head in his hands as he was consoled by Paris St-Germain captain and Brazil team-mate Marquinhos.

It was a cruel end to the defender's first European final. His penalty, blasted over the crossbar, proved decisive as the Gunners suffered shootout heartbreak and Paris St-Germain successfully defended their title.

It was the first penalty Gabriel had taken for Arsenal, with manager Mikel Arteta revealing the defender had "prepared and trained for this moment".

"He wanted to take it," Arteta said. "Normally the penalty takers would be Bukayo [Saka], Martin [Odegaard] and Kai [Havertz] - but we knew if the game went to extra-time and penalties, different players would have to step forward."

The Brazilian, one of Arteta's first signings after taking charge in December 2019, has been a driving force behind the club's rise back to the summit of English football and their Premier League title triumph this season.

He started 48 of their 63 matches across all competitions and contributed nine goals and assists - more than both Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus.

While rival fans may focus on his miss in Budapest, Arsenal supporters will remember the countless occasions he delivered for his side, including a dramatic 96th-minute winner against Newcastle United in September.

"I've just listened to Declan Rice talking about how he has run out of words to describe Gabriel because he has been so important and so good all season," former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha told BBC Sport.

"So for him to be the one who misses the penalty is heart-breaking. I think everyone will rally around him because Arsenal would not have won the Premier League without him. He has been invaluable.

"Unfortunately, he has experienced what every player dreads - missing the penalty that decides a final."

Former Arsenal defender Matt Upson added: "It is a cruel blow for a player who has been a tower of strength for his club.

"Gabriel gave everything for his team. He showed the mentality and courage to step forward and take responsibility, which is all you can ask of any player."

For one night, Gabriel was the face of Arsenal's heartbreak. However, it should not detract from the fact he was one of the reasons they got there in the first place.

Read the full article here

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Despite being close to the "greatness" winning the Champions League would have brought, Arsenal will celebrate achieving their "number-one target", according to BBC Radio 5 Live's chief football correspondent John Murray.

He told the Football Daily podcast after the Gunners' defeat on penalties by Paris St-Germain in Saturday's Champions League final: "Obviously there will be disappointment for Arsenal supporters that they haven't been able to lift this trophy as well and make it an unforgettable season.

"It would have been greatness - that's how close they were. A penalty shootout away from this team being remembered forever.

"However, they have achieved the number-one target. After finishing runners-up three years running, it was loaded on Arsenal.

"With the money they spent last summer, that recruitment that they made, it had to be the Premier League. They've won that and that's what they'll celebrate in north London [at Sunday's parade]."

French football journalist Julien Laurens added: "They will come back stronger but they're not far off - that's the most important.

"They were a penalty away. That's how close they are to winning the Champions League and they should not forget that."

Hear more reaction on the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

Arsenal will parade the Premier League trophy through Islington on Sunday, with four open-top buses due to set off at 14:00 BST.

Unfortunately for Gunners fans, it won't also mark a Champions League victory, after Saturday's heartbreaking defeat on penalties by Paris St-Germain in Budapest.

The club's men's and women's teams will both take part. The women's side will display the Fifa Women's Champions Cup, which they won earlier this season.

The route

The parade will follow a roughly five-mile loop through Islington, taking in much of Highbury, Canonbury and Upper Street before returning to the Emirates area.

From the stadium, the buses will enter Holloway Road from Drayton Park. The route continues east along Seven Sisters Road before heading down Blackstock Road, Mount Grove Road and Green Lanes.

Continuing south along Petherton Road, Beresford Road and Newington Green Road, the bus heads south along Essex Road before turning north at Angel Tube station on to Upper Street - the borough's main High Street.

The bus then heads towards Highbury and Islington station and back on to the Holloway Road before returning to Arsenal's home ground, where the route started.

The Emirates Stadium itself, Drayton Park and the immediately surrounding streets will be sealed off as no-pedestrian-access zones. The club has asked fans not to gather at the stadium, Hornsey Road, Benwell Road or Drayton Park, saying the teams will not be visible from those locations.

Highbury Fields, which sits inside the loop near Highbury & Islington station, is likely to be one of the busiest areas.

The nearest Tube and rail stations to the route are Finsbury Park, Arsenal, Holloway Road, Highbury & Islington and Angel.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked you how you're feeling after Arsenal were beaten on penalties by Paris St-Germain in the Champions League final.

Here are some of your comments:

Pablo: So many people were saying PSG would wipe the floor with us. They didn't, we went toe to toe - and in the end, the bitter pill of penalties. I'm incredibly proud of the boys. We'll come back stronger next year. COYG!

Andy: The boys played well and did us proud. There's no disgrace in losing to the current champions in a penalty shootout - especially when nobody gave us a chance.

David: It may be a loss in a Champions League final, but the season overall has been a success with winning the league. People might say Arsenal bottled it but, let's be honest, PSG are a very good side. Penalties are never an easy way to decide a game. We move on and regroup over the summer and prepare for the challenge ahead next season. We will come again. Come on, you Gunners!

Louis: The best team won. Congrats to PSG. As an Arsenal fan, I was very frustrated with our tactics, sitting back and passing backwards and sideways. Only 25% possession and one shot on target says it all. Dreadful penalty misses.

Larissa: It was a great effort. I just feel we could have been more brave in extra time to go for the win. Two poor penalties but it's fine lines. We had a great season - some good investment in the summer and we go again. Proud of the team.

Will: Arsenal defended superbly, but maybe just lacked that bit of magic PSG possess. So unfair that Gabi was the one to miss the penalty because he has been our wall at the back all season.

Lou: I remember back when we were still in the running for four trophies, my family asked me if I could have just one, which would I pick? I remember I said the Premier League; to sock it to Manchester City, who were smug in our faces when they overtook us three seasons ago, and to finally beat the bottle tag, stop saying 'maybe next time' and actually do it. Now, I'm sorry about the Champions League, but I'm still so proud those brave boys have got Premier League medals - and they deserve more in future years.

Martin: So much nonsense talked about this game. Possession is not control. PSG looked devoid of ideas and played with a lot of fear because Arsenal's counter-attacks created the better chances. If there is a criticism of Arsenal, it's that they didn't have the courage to go for the jugular, when they were the more complete team.

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Champions League Match of the Day analysts Nedum Onuoha and Pat Nevin look at how Paris St-Germain forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was able to beat Arsenal's plan to stifle him to become influential in the second half of the Champions League final.

Watch highlights and analysis of the Champions League final on BBC iPlayer

Image source, Getty Images

Former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson described it as "so sad" that Gabriel's missed penalty was the decisive one because he has been "so influential" for the Gunners this season.

Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast: "It's really difficult to see because he has just carried so much this season - his attitude, his presence, personality, fight. Gabriel has brought it all and he leaves it out there every time.

"To be brave enough to step up, knowing that penalty-taking is probably not an amazing part of his game, [shows] he's got the mentality and the mettle.

"You can tell he is already refocusing and coming to terms with it, as you have to. He's got a huge tournament to play for his country in the summer, but it's so sad it had to be him. He has been so influential for Arsenal this season.

On the game itself, Upson added: "If you start to break it down on the numbers, percentages, possession, passes and attempts at goal, you would think it was a one-sided boxing match.

"In many aspects it was, but it was designed that way on purpose to achieve a goal, which was to win the Champions League. And it was inches away - it was within touching distance."

Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to TNT Sports: "Yes, it is very tough to accept when you are so consistent in the competition all the way to the final and in the end you lose the trophy on penalty kicks, so it is a difficult one.

"We haven't done it for 22 years [reached the Champions League final], so imagine the second time in our history that we have done it, and we need to recognise the season we had, but at the moment nobody is going to take the pain away from you."

On PSG: "They are a superb team and I congratulate them. Individual quality they have, the manner they are coached - they are a top, top team. You have to go through the emotions and if you're in pain, then go through the pain.

"If you think you could do something else, then learn from it. Reflect on that and show the ambition that we want to have again."

On his message to his team: "That I am so proud of them, with this season we have had under the circumstances. Internally, we know what we have been through.

"It is just a privilege to manage this group of players and this team, the way they carry this badge and how much they put into it. We got a big one [Premier League] and missed out on the biggest one."

Speaking to BBC Sport about the potential penalty Arsenal were denied: "I watched all the penalties in the competition this season over the past 72 hours to understand what's a penalty and not. That easily can be a penalty."

On Gabriel taking a penalty: "He wanted to take number five. We have prepared and trained for this moment. Normally the penalty-takers would be Bukayo [Saka], Martin [Odegaard], Kai [Havertz], for sure. But we knew if we went to extra time and penalties the penalty-takers would be different players.

"You have to do this in this moment. We are unfortunate not to have the same precision in this moment that they had and that's why we have not won it."

Did you know?

• Arsenal remain the team with the most games in European Cup/Champions League history to never lift the trophy (226).

• The Gunners' possession average (24.7%) was the lowest by a team in a Champions League final on record (since 2003-04), as well as their lowest in any match under Arteta where they had 11 men on the pitch throughout.

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, speaking to TNT Sports: "It's gutting. It's devastating to lose a Champions League final on penalties. I'm trying to take perspective on how far we've come as a group. Incredible season. We gave it absolutely everything and took the game to penalties. It's a lottery, it's football.

"Some of the best teams ever have lost on penalties and we were on the receiving end of that tonight. We win together, we lose together and I'm so proud of these boys. I can't speak highly enough of everyone.

"I'm obviously gutted but I'm trying to take perspective. It's been an incredible journey this season. We will be back."

On Gabriel and Eberechi Eze missing their penalties: "[They are] devastated to miss a penalty in a Champions League final - obviously it's not nice. But we love them and we're with them.

"They're not going to be the last players to miss penalties in finals. Without those two this season, we wouldn't have won the Premier League. I've run out of words for Gabriel as a person and as a player. Eze has had some crucial goals for us this season. It happens - it's football and it's cruel."

On a potential penalty when Nuno Mendes may have fouled Noni Madueke: "I've not seen it back yet. At first glance, on the pitch, I think he's ahead of Nuno Mendes. I was gutted at the time because I thought the ref would go and have a look, but obviously it was not clear enough to be a penalty. I thought it was and so did our staff and bench.

"You have to be mentally on it to face PSG for the whole game. They wanted us to go out and play like Bayern played them [in the semi-finals], but that's how they score five or six against opponents,. You've got to be really resilient and switched on. We really grew into the game. We had some chances and nullified them to hardly any. Fair play to them - great manger, great team, great individuals. They've lost loads over the years and now is their time."

On what Arteta had to say at the end of the game: "He's gutted - we're all gutted. It's a Champions League final. The emotions and stakes are so high. He spoke about how much he loves us as a group, this season and what we have done, how we've been 100% every game and everything that's been thrown at us.

"We've come really far as a group this year. This is only the start for us. We got over the line in the Premier League, which was a dream come true. This would've been one step further. It wasn't meant to be but we keep building, we keep going and we keep staying positive. That's one thing about this group, it won't define us."

Did you know?

• Kai Havertz became just the third player to score for two different teams in a Champions League final (previously for Chelsea), after Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United and Real Madrid) and Mario Mandzukic (Juventus and Bayern Munich).

• Arsenal's starting XI had played a combined 21,458 league minutes for the Gunners in 2025-26, which was 6,081 more than PSG's line-up.

Listen to all the reaction after Premier League champions Arsenal were beaten by Ligue 1 winners Paris St-Germain on penalties in the Champions League final.

Analysis and discussion with former Gunners defender Matthew Upson, Premier League winner Chris Sutton, chief football correspondent John Murray, French football journalist Julien Laurens and Steve Crossman.

Hit play below to hear the full episode or listen on BBC Sounds here

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Mikel Arteta's gameplan looked to be working perfectly before Ousmane Dembele levelled the score in the 65th minute, and after that it seemed like the trophy was only going to be heading back to Paris.

Arsenal had no answer for the relentless passing of PSG and had to retreat deep into their own half as the conditions and effort took its toll on the players.

Gabriel being the player to miss the decisive penalty felt particularly harsh given he had produced a colossal performance alongside centre-back partner William Saliba to keep the Gunners in the final.

After taking the lead, Arsenal produced a typically resolute display, but lacked spark going forward and Arteta could only hope that a moment of magic would be enough to see his side snatch a win.

Twenty years ago, Arsenal were beaten 2-1 by Barcelona in their first Champions League final and the hope will clearly be that they don't have to wait as long for their next one.

But it has still been an excellent season for the Gunners, who should still celebrate their Premier League title.