In game of such fine margins, referee decisions do affect the outcome. And I think, overall ref performance did play a significant role. Probably us wasting time from 10th min itself irked him.
And then I also felt that our team had a plan to not let them score, but lacked the belief that we can score and win as well. I think probably that self belief that we can win would have played the role to get us over line.
But overall extremely proud of boys, they almost shutout that psg goal machine.
EUFA wanted PSG to win it and equal Real Madrid's record of back-to-back win. The oil money EUFA can't shy away from, it's too tempting. In a match of this magnitude, tiny margins decide outcomes. The referee deliberately put pressure on Arsenal with the Saka caution and constant blowing of the whistle against Arsenal within a short spell that changed the trajectory of the game. And, when it was Arsenal's opportunity to win the game, the referee and VAR connived to deny Arsenal a penalty when Mendes brought down Nono Madueke with his hefty foot. Despite protests from the Arsenal players, in particular Arteta, Rice and Noni, Mr. referee - EUFA cum Qatar Sports investment agent - brandished his yellow cards at Arteta and Rice. This further dampened the morale of the Gunners. It's a UCL final and the complaint is intense, you've got to listen , VAR must intervene, it doesn't just happen for no cause.
But that's what EUFA wanted - PSG win!
For me, Arteta is currently the best tactician in club football. Before the final, pundits claimed PSG will roast Arsenal. On the night, however, it took a cheat for PSG to be handed the trophy. Arsenal can hold their heads high, the world witnessed it: Arsenal are invincible kings.
I know at that level everyone is peak physical specimen, but not being as fresh as them, made a huge difference. I'm sure our players wanted it more and having that desire, while having as much stamina in our tanks, would have been the margin we needed.
It's clear where we need to upgrade and it should be fairly straightforward. We need to make this summer count if we want to reach the top of the football summit.
In game of such fine margins, referee decisions do affect the outcome. And I think, overall ref performance did play a significant role. Probably us wasting time from 10th min itself irked him.
And then I also felt that our team had a plan to not let them score, but lacked the belief that we can score and win as well. I think probably that self belief that we can win would have played the role to get us over line.
But overall extremely proud of boys, they almost shutout that psg goal machine.
EUFA wanted PSG to win it and equal Real Madrid's record of back-to-back win. The oil money EUFA can't shy away from, it's too tempting. In a match of this magnitude, tiny margins decide outcomes. The referee deliberately put pressure on Arsenal with the Saka caution and constant blowing of the whistle against Arsenal within a short spell that changed the trajectory of the game. And, when it was Arsenal's opportunity to win the game, the referee and VAR connived to deny Arsenal a penalty when Mendes brought down Nono Madueke with his hefty foot. Despite protests from the Arsenal players, in particular Arteta, Rice and Noni, Mr. referee - EUFA cum Qatar Sports investment agent - brandished his yellow cards at Arteta and Rice. This further dampened the morale of the Gunners. It's a UCL final and the complaint is intense, you've got to listen , VAR must intervene, it doesn't just happen for no cause.
But that's what EUFA wanted - PSG win!
For me, Arteta is currently the best tactician in club football. Before the final, pundits claimed PSG will roast Arsenal. On the night, however, it took a cheat for PSG to be handed the trophy. Arsenal can hold their heads high, the world witnessed it: Arsenal are invincible kings.
I more or less agree with every word.
I know at that level everyone is peak physical specimen, but not being as fresh as them, made a huge difference. I'm sure our players wanted it more and having that desire, while having as much stamina in our tanks, would have been the margin we needed.
It's clear where we need to upgrade and it should be fairly straightforward. We need to make this summer count if we want to reach the top of the football summit.