Alex Snelly

So close, Arsenal were so close, it’s so cruel, they’ve waited so long, this their 24th attempt to win the European Cup/Champions League, their 240th game in the competition, so many years of hurt going back to 71-72. So near and yet so far, so much heartache now, devastated players and supporters. Down and out for London against Paris. Arsenal can take pride from Budapest if no trophy. They gave everything. They lived with PS-G, the European champions for two hours. They defended well, ran themselves into the ground in their 63rd game of the season. But that shootout. So cruel. Poor Eze, such an entertainer, so committed to the team and the club, one of the most likeable people in the game. Dragged his kick wide. Eze is a regular taker, took them for Palace and QPR. Sapping conditions and extra time meant changes meant some of the first penalty picks, Havertz (22 out of 23 converted) Saka, Odegaard, were subbed off. And did David Raya commit early? Worked v Nuno Mendes tbf. And particularly cruel that it should be poor Gabriel at the death, the sudden death, skying his pen. Gabriel’s been outstanding this season, taking responsibility when Arsenal needed him most in games, superb across two hours against PS-G. He took responsibility when his team needed him most in the shootout, stepping up for the fifth pen. Pressure on, at the PS-G end, 4-3 down, he had to score but missed. Kudos to Marquinhos for consoling his compatriot. PS-G are great champions, back-to-back, a joy to watch but needing to battle here, in a scrappy final against Arsenal. They dominated possession and, just about, deserved the win. Never a penalty Mendes on Madueke. Vitinha immense. Again. Those who mock Arsenal will say how fitting that Arsenal’s season decided by dead-balls. Arsenal will use this as further fuel for their fire. They will have to go again. Mikel Arteta’s side have built for this. Quarter-final in 24, semi-final in 25, final in 26. Go again for 27. Make Declan Rice captain, strengthen the squad, and go again. #AFC #PSGARS #UCLfinal