Arsenal blasted as 'simply unbearable' as Champions League tactics torn apart

Arsenal were beaten on penalties in the Champions League final but the pragmatic approach they took against PSG has seen them cop criticism from several quarters

Arsenal have been accused of doing "absolutely nothing" in their Champions League final loss to PSG with the Gunners labelled as "simply unbearable" by World Cup winner, Christophe Dugarry.

Mikel Arteta's side were unable to back up their Premier League success with European glory as they were beaten on penalties by the French champions. PSG became only the second team in the Champions League era to retain their crown, winning 4-3 on penalties.

Arsenal, who went into the final as underdogs, went ahead inside five minutes when Kai Havertz hammered home. It gave the north Londoners a lead to hang onto and they sat back to soak up the PSG pressure.

The Parisians would eventually equalise in the second-half when Ousmane Dembele scored from the spot in Budapest, but the tactics employed by the Gunners proved divisive with some criticising their perceived negative approach.

And Dugarry, a former France international, tore into them, saying on RMC Sport: “Arsenal will remain the greatest club to have never won the Champions League. Well done to Arsenal, but what a shame.

“Their intentions were clear from the start of the match: absolutely nothing, zilch, they did nothing. At no point did they come onto the pitch to create anything.

“We saw clearances, an Arsenal team that systematically tried to waste time. It was simply unbearable, intolerable. And what almost proved terrible for football and the people who love it is that they almost gave the illusion that by creating and doing so little, you can win the Champions League. Because it’s not just in this match that they created so little. It’s been the case for many matches now.”

Arsenal would have just one shot on target, which they converted. PSG meanwhile had 21 attempts on goal and enjoyed 75 percent of possession.

Gary Lineker claimed on his Rest is Football podcast: “As a complete neutral I would say it’s a victory for positive football over negative football. I would say definitely the best team have won the tournament again.

“Arsenal are brilliant defensively and PSG didn’t create much because they’re so organised, but I think as a neutral it was a positive result for football. I think in terms of how football should be played, the best team won.”