Former Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri said that the Gunners were whistled by the referee for their first-half game management against PSG in their UEFA Champions League final loss on penalties in Budapest on Saturday (May 30).
The Gunners went ahead in the sixth minute – courtesy Kai Havertz – who joined an exclusive group of players to score in multiple UEFA Champions League final matches – as they led at the break.
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Luis Enrique’s holders improved after the break and got back on level terms from the spot midway through the period, with reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele scoring after Cristhian Mosquera had felled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia inside the box.
The game eventually went to extra time – and subsequently penalties – which the Parisians won 4-3 to join Real Madrid (2017-18) as the only teams in the UEFA Champions League era to successfully defend their title.
“In the second period, the referee systematically whistled against Arsenal,” Nasri told Canal+’s Late Football Club (via GOAL). “He punished them for their time-wasting in the first half.”
About substitute Noni Madueke not getting a penalty call in extra time after going down following a Nuno Mendes challenge, the Frenchman added that the decision could have gone either way:
“If he whistles for a penalty, I don’t think VAR would have cancelled it. But the fact that he didn’t whistle is not a scandal either.”
Nasri also had a word of praise for Parisians boss Luis Enrique who outsmarted his compatriot Mikel Arteta in the Gunners dugout:
“He will never take an uncalculated risk. Since he found the right formula, everything is controlled. He always has a plan to catch out the opposing coach.”
In the shootout, the Gunners’ Eberechi Eze fired wide followed by custodian David Raya saved Nuno Mendes’ effort before Gabriel Magalhaes shooting over sealed the win for the Parisians.
“It’s no mean feat what we’ve done” – PSG boss Luis Enrique after beating Arsenal in Champions League final
PSG head coach Luis Enrique acknowledged the challenges posed by Arsenal as they successfully defended their UEFA Champions League title with a shootout victory following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
The Gunners bossed proceedings in the first half after taking an early lead, but Enrique’s side responded after the break and also had chances to claim victory before the shootout.
“I think it was a high-level final against one of the most difficult opponents, especially after conceding a goal in the first ten minutes,” Enrique told UEFA. “Their plan was perfect – it put us in hot water.
“We got better in the second half, but when you face Arsenal, with their low block, their physicality and their excellent defending, it’s no mean feat what we’ve done.”
About creating history with back-to-back titles, the Spaniard added:
“For the penalties, we wanted to go into it with a clear head. It was a hard game. We were against the strongest set-piece team in Europe, but I think we were able to dominate. We deserve the trophy, our second Champions League win.”
“This back-to-back is incredible, it’s really difficult, but we are very proud of our supporters and everyone who’s behind the club. We are very happy, and it’s time to party.”
Twenty years after losing 2-1 to Barcelona in their first UEFA Champions League final, Arsenal fell short once again after taking the lead.
Edited by Bhargav
