Arsenal are still coming to terms with the pain of a Champions League final defeat, but there is little time for regret. Fresh from lifting the Premier League title in north London, the club’s focus has already shifted to the challenges ahead: defending their domestic crown and taking the next step in Europe.
The penalty shoot-out loss to Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest highlighted clear limitations against elite opposition, even though the game was decided from the spot. Now, the big question is whether manager Mikel Arteta should stay true to the pragmatic approach that delivered the league title or evolve the team’s playing style to compete more effectively at the highest level.
The Bitter Taste of the European Final
Arsenal started the final brightly, with Kai Havertz scoring an early goal. However, what followed was a masterclass in control by PSG. The French side dominated possession, enjoying over 75% of the ball and completing 885 passes compared to Arsenal’s modest 285.
The Gunners’ defensive resilience kept them in the contest, but their lack of attacking threat was evident. They managed just one shot on target throughout the entire 120 minutes. Former Arsenal defender and Premier League winner Matthew Upson noted that Havertz’s goal effectively changed the dynamic. “Once you go ahead, you naturally slip into protection mode,” he explained. PSG then took full control, leading to possession statistics that Upson described as “pretty scary” for a Champions League final.
Arteta was full of praise for the opponents, calling PSG “the best team in the world.” He admitted their quality with the ball forced Arsenal into a reactive style. The Spaniard highlighted the individual brilliance and tactical execution of Luis Enrique’s side, suggesting it might serve as inspiration for his own team moving forward.
A Historic Season Built on Resilience
Despite the European disappointment, Arsenal achieved something significant: their first Premier League title in 22 years. They finished seven points clear of Manchester City with an impressive goal difference, proving their consistency over a long campaign.
The team were the second-highest scorers in the league with 71 goals and showed strong numbers in open play across all competitions. In the Champions League alone, 22 of their 30 goals came from open play. They also produced memorable victories against top European sides like Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan on their way to the final.
Yet the campaign was not without criticism. Arsenal won 20 matches by a single-goal margin across all competitions, leading some to question their reliance on set-pieces and perceived lack of creativity in open play. Upson observed a noticeable shift in approach as the season progressed. Early in the campaign, the team played more expansive, possession-based football with fluid combinations involving Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, and the full-backs. As pressure mounted from January onwards, Arteta adopted a more conservative, reliable style — a decision that ultimately secured the title.
Defensive Excellence as the Foundation
There is no doubt where Arsenal’s greatest strength lies. Goalkeeper David Raya, centre-backs Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba, and midfielder Declan Rice stood out as the team’s standout performers. Their defensive solidity allowed the side to absorb pressure and protect narrow leads, particularly against stronger opponents.
This approach proved effective in the Premier League, but it was stretched to its limits in the Champions League final. Upson believes that while the current structure is solid, Arsenal will struggle to win Europe’s biggest prize if they continue to see so little of the ball against the continent’s top teams.
Attacking Questions and the Need for Evolution
The forward line has been a topic of discussion. Viktor Gyökeres contributed 21 goals in his debut season, but the club has been linked with reinforcements, including Atlético Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, who has prior Premier League experience. Arteta has also indicated plans to strengthen the left wing and make key decisions to take the squad to another level.
The manager has spoken about the need to “do better” and find new margins for success. After the final, he hinted at wanting his team to emulate aspects of PSG’s style — greater control with the ball and more decisive individual actions. Upson supports this direction, noting that players like Saka and Leandro Trossard possess the technical quality to thrive in a more possession-oriented system. He also emphasised the potential role of full-backs in launching attacks, similar to how PSG utilised theirs.
Arteta has invested more than £900 million in the squad since taking charge in 2019. He has transformed Arsenal from perennial underachievers into English champions, removing a major psychological barrier. The club suffered two major final defeats this season — to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup and now to PSG — both times with limited possession. These experiences may accelerate the push for stylistic refinement.
Balancing Stability and Ambition
The upcoming season presents a clear dual mission: maintain domestic supremacy and mount a serious challenge in the Champions League. To achieve the latter, Arsenal will likely need to increase their share of possession, improve creativity in the final third, and become more dangerous against teams that dictate the tempo.
Upson pointed out that top European sides like Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and PSG will feature prominently in any title-winning campaign. Competing against them over two legs while seeing only 25% of the ball makes progression extremely difficult. Arsenal have the foundation — technically gifted players and a strong defensive base — but may need to tweak their approach without losing the effectiveness that brought domestic success.
Arteta has already shown adaptability by adjusting tactics mid-season. With the Premier League title now secured, this could be the ideal moment to take a calculated risk and evolve. The manager appears open to this idea, stressing the importance of improvement if the club wants to lift the Champions League trophy.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
Arsenal fans have every right to feel proud. The team has moved from being “nearly men” to genuine contenders on multiple fronts. The path to European glory will demand more than defensive excellence and narrow victories. It will require a style that allows them to control games against the best, while retaining the fighting spirit and organisation that defined their title-winning campaign.
Whether Arteta chooses to stick closely to the current formula or introduce meaningful refinements remains to be seen. Both paths carry risks and rewards. What is certain is that the club is in a stronger position than it has been for years, with the talent and structure needed to compete at the highest level.
The coming months will be fascinating. Arsenal have the platform, now it is about finding the right balance to turn domestic success into European triumph.
