Following the Champions League final, the football community has been debating Arsenal's performance against PSG. While the London club put up a decent fight in the decisive match, some experts are critical of the team's style of play, especially their approach after scoring.
Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero also shared his thoughts on Arsenal after the final. The famous Italian former striker praised the London club's journey throughout the season but openly admitted that he was not impressed by their tactical approach in the final.
Del Piero noted that the season was generally good for Arsenal. The team has come a long way, showed character in important matches, and reached the Champions League final. This in itself is a significant achievement for the club.
"Arsenal had a good season and they have had an amazing journey," said Del Piero.
At the same time, he did not hide the fact that he did not fully enjoy the 'Gunners' style of play. Del Piero was particularly struck by how Arsenal tended to waste time, reduced their intensity, and ceded the initiative to their opponent immediately after scoring.
In his opinion, in a final of this level, the team should not have just focused on protecting the scoreline. Arsenal had enough strength and quality to pressure PSG, frustrate the opponent, and make the game more intense.
"Yes, I didn't really like the 'Gunners' style of play — including in this match. As soon as the team scored, they started wasting time. I think the team acted too, very passively," Del Piero emphasized.
According to the Italian football legend, Arsenal could have engaged in more one-on-one duels, attacked more actively, and kept the PSG defense under constant pressure in certain situations. The London club possesses technically gifted players, fast performers, and substitutes capable of influencing the game.
Del Piero highlighted this aspect specifically. In his view, Arsenal failed to fully utilize their potential. Once the team took the lead, they should have played with more confidence and not allowed the opponent to recover.
"Especially when the team started playing actively in one-on-one situations, they had the strength, quality, and substitutes to frustrate PSG," he said.
These comments might be hard for Arsenal fans to hear. However, big finals are decided by such small tactical details. If one team switches to protecting the score too early, the other team can take the initiative and turn the tide of the match.
A similar scenario was observed in the final against PSG. The Parisians sought to control the ball, increase pressure, and shift the rhythm of the game in their favor. Arsenal, meanwhile, appeared overly cautious at times. Del Piero's criticism is aimed exactly at this point.
At the same time, the former Italian player said that Arsenal's situation is understandable. He believes it is not easy to win a tough and highly competitive league like the Premier League and then enter a Champions League final in the right mental state in such a short time.
"It is difficult to enter the pitch with the right mindset shortly after a victory in a complex competition like the Premier League," Sky Sports Italia quotes Del Piero as saying.
Indeed, beyond physical fatigue, mental pressure is also of great importance. A team that has achieved one major goal requires not only tactical but also psychological strength to return to full readiness for the next huge final in a short period.
Arsenal showed great growth this season. The team reached the final, gave fans confidence, and proved they are among the best clubs in Europe. But as Del Piero said, in finals, just having a good journey is not enough. On the decisive night, one needs activity, courage, and the ability to keep the game in their hands until the end.
PSG won the trophy in this final, and Arsenal received another hard lesson. This defeat is certainly painful for the London club, but it also provides important conclusions for the future. Great teams use such criticism correctly and return even stronger next season.
Del Piero's words can be taken not as simple criticism for Arsenal, but as an important signal showing what was missing in the final. Now, Arteta and his charges must turn this painful experience into strength.
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