Paris Saint-Germain are once again the champions of Europe, with Arsenal coming up short in gut-wrenching fashion as they lost on penalties in the Champions League final.
But who left Arsenal ‘needing more’? Which star ‘repaid’ the faith of Mikel Arteta? And who found themselves ‘rattled’ early on?
Kai Havertz’s early goal put the Gunners in control, and they proved to be a tough nut to crack for most of the game – until Cristhian Mosquera fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
After a long VAR check, the decision stood, and Ousmane Dembele made no mistake from the spot.
The game went to extra time, and then penalties, and Gunners defender Gabriel missed the decisive spot kick to break Arsenal hearts.
Daily Mail Sport’s ISAAN KHAN was at the Puskas Arena to rate the players.
Arsenal came up short in the Champions League final, losing against Paris Saint-Germain on penalties in Budapest
PSG (4-3-3)
MATVEY SAFONOV – 6
Should have done better on Havertz’s goal as he stayed rooted to the spot instead of making himself big. Was clattered in the first-half.
ACHRAF HAKIMI – 5.5
Off the boil. Committed fouls, some he got away with, and struggled to get going. Put his arm around Havertz’s neck.
MARQUINHOS – 7
Unlucky that his clearance rebounded off Trossard into the path of Havertz, who then scored. Made solid blocks and threw himself in the line of shots. Leader’s display.
WILLIAN PACHO – 6.5
Looked under pressure at times and made some panicked decisions but hung in there when it mattered.
NUNO MENDES – 7.5
Dictated much of PSG’s play from the left flank. Kept trying to get the ball forward and caused havoc inverting into midfield. His penalty was saved.
FABIAN RUIZ – 5
Rattled early on. Often tried to force things in the final third, which rarely came off.
VITINHA – 8.5
Enjoyed plenty of possession. Utilised the extra time he had on the ball. Good chance on 89 minutes, his strike going just over the bar.
Vitinha controlled the game for PSG, and had a good chance to score late on in normal time
JOAO NEVES – 7.5
Composed in the middle. Didn’t look fazed and helped control the tempo alongside Vitinha.
DESIRE DOUE – 6
Energetic in the last period with some dazzling runs but struggled with end product. This stifled PSG who enjoyed dominance in final third.
OUSMANE DEMBELE: 6.5
Had a number of half-chances but couldn’t get into real shooting positions in the first half. Expertly tucked home his penalty to equalise.
KHVICHA KVARATSKHELIA – 7
Won his side a penalty with a clever dart into the area. Quiet first-half which saw him shut out but grew into the match, striking the ball onto goal frame later on.
Manager
LUIS ENRIQUE – 8
Defended the Champions League. What an achievement.
Luis Enrique is just the second manager to ever defend the Champions League
Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
DAVID RAYA – 6.5
Rarely called into action because of his backline. Played many long punts forward into opposition’s half, at odds with his usual short passes at the back.
CRISTHIAN MOSQUERA – 6
Was doing really well with the opposition struggling to pass him — before making a silly challenge to concede a penalty while on a yellow card. Lucky to have not been sent off.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7.5
Good positioning throughout with the occasional foray forward to break the lines. He knew most of the opposition from his national team duties which helped. Tired in extra time.
GABRIEL – 8
A catalogue of strong, well-timed tackles which set Arsenal up. He faces adversity head on — and did the same on a massive occasion. But missed in the penalty shootout. Devastating.
Gabriel was solid in Arsenal’s defence but ended up missing the decisive penalty kick
PIERO HINCAPIE – 7.5
Very aggressive in challenges. Didn’t back down, no hesitation in 50-50 duels. A tricky man to get past because of that conviction.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 4.5
Disappointing. Did not get on the ball much at all. Not helped by his team ceding possession and camped back. Arsenal needed more from their captain.
DECLAN RICE – 6.5
Covered much ground and helped out well in the defensive duties. Showed the great engine he has in a game requiring constant tracking back.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 7.5
Picked over Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi — and showed why Mikel Arteta has such faith in him. Solid in shielding the ball off opponents and multiple recoveries late on.
BUKAYO SAKA – 5.5
Good cross into the area on 26 minutes. Had to contend with tracking back to help out his team. Didn’t make the impact he’s capable of.
KAI HAVERTZ – 7
Won the Champions League for Chelsea in 2021 — and put Arsenal ahead in this final with a blistering strike into the roof of the net. Great chance at end of first-half squandered.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6
Marquinhos’ clearance rebounded off him into the path of Havertz, resulting in the opener. Like Saka, his duties centred on getting back into his own half.
Manager
MIKEL ARTETA – 7
His side were so close to winning a first European Cup in Arsenal’s 140-year history. Valiant effort.
Mikel Arterta’s side came close to their first European Cup in 140 year – but ultimately fell short
Substitutes
VIKTOR GYOKERES – 6
JURRIEN TIMBER – 6
NONI MADUEKE – 6.5
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6
MARTIN ZUBIMENDI – 6.5
EBERECHI EZE – 6
Referee
DANIEL SIEBERT – 6
One or two controversial decisions, but, in general, let the game flow. Big decision waving away Madueke’s penalty shout.
