Arsenal ‘have themselves to blame’ for PSG loss as ‘amazing’ Tottenham claim issued
Arsenal are guaranteed yet another trophyless campaign and many believe that the blame lies with the big decision makers at the club.
The Gunners were dumped out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday (7 May), with Mikel Arteta coming under increasing pressure from disgruntled Arsenal fans.
Carrying a one-goal deficit into the second leg at the Parc des Princes, the North London side were beaten 2-1 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate.
Smart finishes from Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi gave the French side a comfortable lead, with Bukayo Saka’s late consolation goal unable to spark a comeback.
Arteta’s side have not won major silverware since beating Chelsea in the 2020 FA Cup Final, and their five-year drought will continue into next season.
Arsenal ‘a centre forward short’ of success
Over the two legs against PSG, Arsenal statistically had the better of the chances, but the Parisians were just more clinical in front of goal.
The Gunners had 5.11 xG in the tie, compared to their opponents’ 3.08 xG, reinforcing the belief that Arteta lacks a top-class striker in his ranks [The xG Philosophy].
| Stats over the two legs | Arsenal | PSG |
| Goals | 1 | 3 |
| Shots on target | 9 | 10 |
| Shots | 29 | 22 |
| xG | 5.11 | 3.08 |
| Corners | 9 | 3 |
Former Premier League winner Chris Sutton believes that Arsenal’s decision to not sign a forward in the summer ultimately proved costly.
In a post on X (7 May), Sutton wrote: “Arsenal unlucky tonight to meet Donnarumma in that form. Still feel like they are moving in the right direction but definitely a centre forward short this season.
“That’s poor planning and only have themselves to blame. Amazing to think Spurs can be more successful this season…”
On the other side of North London, Tottenham look destined to clinch a spot in the Europa League final as they take a 3-1 first-leg lead to Bodo Glimt on Thursday (8 May).
Arsenal must banish ‘nearly men’ tag
Football Insider Verdict
There is no doubt that Arteta has dramatically improved Arsenal during his tenure at the helm, but the fast-paced progress from the beginning of his time in charge has stalled over the past few years.
The Gunners are coming close to success time and time again in multiple competitions, but being the “nearly men” simply will not cut it.
For three seasons in a row, Arsenal have fallen away in Premier League title races, and now they have come up short in the Champions League.
Patience is running thin on the red side of North London and despite all the credit he has in the bank, Arteta will be under serious pressure if he fails to deliver a piece of major silverware in the next 12 months.
It is absolutely imperative that the Gunners bring in a top-class striker in this summer’s transfer window as they continue their hunt for a trophy.