Not all was lost as Arsène Wenger highlighted where Mikel Arteta and Arsenal deserve credit despite their loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League.
On 2 June 2026 GMT+7, Arsène Wenger revealed areas where Spanish manager Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, the renowned Premier League club, deserve credit despite losing to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the dominant Ligue 1 giant managed by Luis Enrique, in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League final, a defeat regarded as unfortunate.
Arsène Wenger stated, "Sometimes the outcomes in football aren't entirely fair. Most people focus on the winning team and only remember that Paris Saint-Germain took the trophy. But I never overlook what Arsenal accomplished. I believe Mikel Arteta used the right tactics because he made one of the world's most dangerous attacking teams feel uncomfortable for a long time."
"Frankly, Paris Saint-Germain was superior to every team throughout the season. They advanced through Europe making top clubs look ordinary. Yet Arsenal stood firm against them and didn't give up easily. That's why this loss hurts so much—Arsenal didn't lose because they were inferior; they simply lost in the penalty shootout. But Mikel Arteta's squad has already proven how excellent they are."