Key stats back up Mikel Arteta's 'better than PSG' claim in Arsenal's UCL exit
Context:
Arsenal was eliminated from the UEFA Champions League after a 2-1 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of the semi-final, resulting in a 3-1 aggregate defeat. Despite the loss, key statistics suggested Arsenal performed well, with an expected goals (xG) of 3.14, the highest against PSG in the tournament this season, and 19 shots in the match. Mikel Arteta noted the team's positive start and praised the players' handling of pressure, but acknowledged the crucial role of PSG's goalkeeper and Arsenal's lack of finishing prowess. Injuries to key players like Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Kai Havertz were significant, yet Arsenal showed potential by creating numerous chances. Ultimately, their inability to convert opportunities into goals and the absence of a decisive striker were pivotal in their elimination from the competition.
Dive Deeper:
Arsenal was knocked out of the UEFA Champions League after losing 2-1 to PSG in the second leg of the semi-final, culminating in a 3-1 aggregate defeat, failing to reach their first final since 2006.
Mikel Arteta highlighted that Arsenal started strongly in Paris, claiming the team could have been 3-0 up within the first 20 minutes and received feedback suggesting they were the better team.
Despite creating an impressive xG of 3.14, the highest PSG faced this season, Arsenal managed to score only once, indicating a lack of clinical finishing and missing a key forward presence.
Arsenal's performance was marked by 19 shots, the most in a knockout stage since 2016, and 17 crosses before halftime, demonstrating their aggressive attacking approach despite the scoreline.
The absence of injured players Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Kai Havertz impacted the team, yet the remaining squad showed resilience and capability under pressure.
Arteta expressed pride in the team's efforts and performance but acknowledged the need for 'something extra' in high-stakes competitions, as PSG's goalkeeper played a decisive role in their defeat.
The match underscored Arsenal's need for a clinical striker, as their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities was a critical factor in their exit from the tournament.
Arsenal crashed out of the UEFA Champions League on May 7 via a 2-1 semi final second leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes, sealing a 3-1 loss on aggregate.
The Gunners, who were aiming to reach a first UCL final since their 2-1 loss to Barcelona in 2006, bowed out of the competition, despite some key stats arguably not reflected on the final scoreboard.
Mikel Arteta's side have missed some vital names in recent weeks with Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes and Kai Havertz sidelined through injury - but the visitors made a positive start in Paris.
"After 20 minutes, it should have been 3-0 for us,” Arteta told TNT Sports.
"I’ll do the match analysis when I’m a little calmer. But the feedback I just got directly from their staff is that we were much better than them [PSG].
"When you look at who was the best player on the pitch in both matches, it was their goalkeeper. He made the difference in the double-header."
"I’m very proud of the players, the way we started the game, the way we handled the pressure.
"But you need something extra in this competition. That wasn’t the case and unfortunately, we’re out."
Were Arsenal 'better' than PSG?
Despite the final score line, some of the key numbers from the game backed up Arteta’s position, but ultimately Arsenal's lack of sharpness in front of goal was crucial.Arsenal posted an xG of 3.14 in Paris in their second leg showdown - the highest any team has managed against PSG so far in this season’s Champions League - yet the visitors found the net just once via Bukayo Saka's late goal.
3.14 - Arsenal produced an xG of 3.14 tonight, the most by a team against Paris SG in a UEFA Champions League game this season. Their 19 shots were also their most in a knockout match since having 20 away at Barcelona in March 2016. Valiant. pic.twitter.com/EFDWkeggkK
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 7, 2025 They also registered 19 shots - more than any UCL knockout game since 2016 - and whipped in 17 crosses before halftime. But, goals continued to be elusive.
This wasn’t just misfortune; it screamed of a missing No.9, and a killer instinct.
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