Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley did not hold back in his criticism of Arsenal’s performance in the Champions League final, labeling Mikel Arteta’s approach as shameful. The Gunners fell to Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout, ending their quest for European glory.
Arsenal took an early lead through Kai Havertz, who netted a superb goal from a tight angle just minutes into the match. However, after the breakthrough, the team retreated into a defensive shell, allowing PSG to dominate possession. Ousmane Dembele equalized from the spot in the second half, and Gabriel’s missed penalty sealed Arsenal’s fate.
Burley, speaking on ESPN, expressed bewilderment at Arteta’s tactics. He noted that after scoring, Arsenal seemed content to defend for the remaining 84 minutes, a strategy he deemed ineffective against top opposition. The former Scotland international pointed out that the Gunners recorded the lowest possession in a Champions League final at just 24.7 percent.
He described the team’s approach as reminiscent of rugby, citing several instances where Arsenal launched long balls forward from kick-offs. Burley argued that this outdated style, akin to English football in the 1980s, is no way to compete for major honors. He questioned the praise Arteta has received, emphasizing that simply reaching the final and defending deeply does not equate to success.
Burley concluded that Arsenal’s negative mindset cost them dearly and that such a passive strategy will never yield a Champions League trophy. The criticism adds to the growing scrutiny of Arteta’s methods after a heartbreaking defeat.