Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat ended in the cruellest way possible.
Mikel Arteta’s side contained PSG for 120 minutes in Budapest and were just a few penalties away from making history.
The Gunners had defended brilliantly for most of the night and, apart from the penalty conceded by Cristhian Mosquera, they did not give the French champions many clear opportunities.
However, when the shootout arrived, there had to be someone who missed, and unfortunately for Eberechi Eze, he was the first one to strike it wide.
Now that you’ve all had time to reflect, why did Arsenal lose the Champions League final?
Mikel Arteta consoled Eberechi Eze after his missed penalty against PSG
Penalty shootouts can be brutal. A player can perform brilliantly for 120 minutes and still end up being remembered for one kick from 12 yards.
That was the reality Gabriel Magalhaes and Eze had to deal with on Saturday night.
The Arsenal duo stepped forward with enormous pressure on their shoulders, knowing the outcome of the final could depend on their penalty. Unfortunately, they were unable to convert.
As PSG celebrated, Eze and Gabriel were left devastated.
The England international bent down on the pitch, staring at the ground as the reality of what had happened began to sink in.
It was a heartbreaking sight for Arsenal supporters, especially given how loved he is by everyone associated with the club.
Arteta quickly spotted his player struggling with the moment. The Arsenal manager walked over to Eze, knelt down beside him and wrapped his arms around him in a long embrace.
Rather than leaving his player to suffer alone, Arteta stayed with him, offering comfort and support before eventually walking away.
It was a small moment, but one that perfectly summed up the relationship Arteta has built with his squad.
What Mikel Arteta said about Eberechi Eze’s missed penalty
Arteta refused to place any blame on Eze after the final.
The Arsenal manager knows better than anyone how difficult penalty shootouts can be, especially when the pressure is at its absolute highest.
Instead, he backed the player and pointed out that Eze is usually one of the most reliable penalty takers at the club.
Speaking after the game, Arteta said, as per Arsenal.com: “We knew that if we got extra time on penalties, the penalty takers would be different players, still with the quality when you see Ebz take penalties in training, he doesn’t miss any.”
Eze will undoubtedly replay that moment in his head for a long time, but Arsenal’s supporters will know one missed penalty does not change everything he has contributed during an incredible season.
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