Arsenal’s dream of becoming champions of Europe ended in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday night.
Mikel Arteta’s side took the lead early through Kai Havertz and looked well placed to make history against PSG in the Champions League final.
However, despite defending bravely for large periods, the Gunners were unable to hold on. PSG equalised, the game finished 1-1, and Arsenal eventually lost on penalties.
Now, one remarkable statistic has highlighted exactly why Arteta’s side struggled to get over the line in Munich.
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Arsenal set unwanted Champions League final possession record
Arsenal supporters have become accustomed to seeing their team dominate football matches.
Whether in the Premier League or Europe, Arteta’s side usually control games through possession and force opponents onto the back foot.
That simply did not happen against PSG.
After Havertz opened the scoring, Arsenal found it incredibly difficult to keep hold of the ball and establish any rhythm in possession.
PSG’s press caused problems throughout the game, while David Raya repeatedly went long rather than building attacks from the back.
The result was that Arsenal spent far too much time defending and not enough time making PSG uncomfortable.
The statistics paint a brutal picture of just how little control the Gunners had. Arsenal finished the Champions League final with just 24.7 per cent possession.
That, according to ESPN, is the lowest figure recorded by any team in a Champions League final since 2004 – 22 years ago!
The Gunners did not deliberately park the bus, but they were never able to sustain attacks or move PSG around consistently enough to relieve the pressure.
Eventually, that lack of control caught up with them, and one could argue that is the reason why they lost the Champions League final.
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Arsenal need to invest in their attack again this summer
The final exposed an issue Arsenal have had for a while now.
Their defence is elite and their midfield is among the strongest in Europe, but the attack still feels one level below the very best teams.
When Arsenal came under pressure against PSG, they lacked players capable of consistently holding the ball, beating defenders and turning defence into attack.
That is why Andrea Berta should still be looking to strengthen in forward areas this summer.
A new left winger, another striker, and perhaps even an attacking midfielder could elevate Arsenal to another level entirely.
If Berta gets those additions right, the Gunners will return next season as an even more powerful force and will have every chance of going one step further in Europe.
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