Arsenal’s wait to win the Champions League for the first time in their history will continue after losing a heartbreaking penalty shootout to Paris Saint-Germain.
After the game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes and extra time, the final went to penalties with Mikel Arteta’s side losing out on following misses by Eberechi Eze and Gabriel.
The Gunners got off to a dream start when Kai Havertz smashed into the roof of the net after just six minutes.
Havertz leading the line from the start was Mikel Arteta ’s most controversial selection decision, but he was immediately vindicated,
PSG dominated possession for the rest of the half, but failed to land a single blow on Arsenal. In fact, Havertz could have scored a second in first-half injury time but was denied by Marquinhos.
And it was a similar story after the break, until shortly after the hour mark Khvicha Kvaratskhelia got beyond Cristhian Mosquera who then brought him down in the box. Ousmane Dembele made no mistake from the spot.
It was PSG who then had the chances to win it, but Kvaratskhelia, Vitinha and Bradley Barcola – with the final kick of normal time – spurned their opportunities.
In the first half of extra time, Arsenal were convinced they should have been awarded a penalty after Noni Madueke went down in the box. But their furious protests, which saw Declan Rice and Arteta booked, were waved away.
And so it went to penalties to decide who would become champions of Europe. Eze blinked first, before David Raya saved from Nuno Mendes. But Gabriel’s miss meant Arsenal’s dream was over.
The Mirror’s Chief Football Writer John Cross was in attendance at the Puskas Arena and rated the Arsenal players.
David Raya 7 – Hard to imagine he would be beaten at his near post if he were in goal for PSG. Helpless on PSG’s penalty. Did brilliantly to stop Mendes’s penalty, but it wasn’t enough.
Cristhian Mosquera 6 – Booked. Got the nod over Timber and did so well until his clumsy challenge upended Kvaratskhelia and gave PSG a way back.
View 4 ImagesCristhian Mosquera was penalised for fouling Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
William Saliba 7 – Looks so elegant and strong. Reads danger and defended like a lion. Classy on the ball which gives the defence confidence.
Gabriel 8 – He was terrific. Brilliant blocks, incredible determination and strength. Put absolutely everything on the line. So cruel that he was the man whose miss ended the contest.
Piero Hincapie 7 – More defensive than Calafiori (who had a little niggle) and it worked. He made good tackles, was strong and defended brilliantly.
Declan Rice 7 – Worked hard, made good interceptions and was solid throughout. He never gives less than 100 per cent.
Myles Lewis-Skelly 9 – Incredible story. For him to start ahead of Zubimendi was an incredible show of faith. His fearless running, work rate and determination was great.
View 4 ImagesMyles Lewis-Skelly was picked over Martin Zubimendi in midfield
Martin Odegaard 7 – His work rate was incredible. Covered more distance than any other player in the first half. Maybe run out of gas and got subbed.
Bukayo Saka 6 – Booked. Was not one of his best games but he did back up Mosquera to good effect to keep it tight defensively.
Leandro Trossard 7 – He is Mikel Arteta’s go-to man in Europe. He works so hard. His control is excellent and his block goes down as an assist for Havertz.
Kai Havertz 7 – What a finish. The angle looked impossible – but he still did it. Held the ball up, worked hard but really could have had another.
View 4 ImagesKai Havertz scored a brilliant opening goal for Arsenal
Timber, for Mosquera, 66 mins, 6
Gyokeres, for Odegaard, 66 mins, 6
Martinell, for Trossard, 83 mins, 6
Madueke, for Saka, 83 mins, 6.
Zubimendi, for Lewis-Skelly, 90 mins, 6
Eze, for Havertz, 90 mins, 6.
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