Mikel Arteta ‘screams’ after unbelievable PSG incident as Arsenal lose
Mikel Arteta was spotted screaming in frustration as Arsenal crashed out of the Champions League at the hands of PSG.
Arsenal were simply unable to match PSG‘s quality as they lost 2-1 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate in the Champions League semi-final.
Bukayo Saka’s goal and David Raya’s penalty save gave Arsenal hope, but the Gunners were undone by the attacking brilliance of Ligue 1’s champions once again.
However, it could have been a different story when a chance was presented to the North London club just past the hour mark.
Gianluigi Donnarumma denies Bukayo Saka with stunning save
With an hour gone and Arsenal needing momentum to begin their fightback, the ball found its way to the feet of Saka.
There is no other player a fan of the Gunners would want a chance to fall to in a pivotal moment, and the England international whipped a fantastic curling effort goalward.
The ball seemed destined to find its way into the top corner, sparking a comeback for Arsenal, giving them their chance of making it to a first Champions League final since 2006.
That was until Gianluigi Donnarumma threw himself across goal, making a stunning save that defied belief.
The Telegraph’s Sam Dean then revealed on X that following the save, Arteta had screamed at the floor in frustration, with the journalist deeming the Italian shot-stopper a “monster”.
Arsenal would find the goal they wanted in the 76th minute, but PSG had already doubled their lead by then, making their comeback unachievable.
Donnarumma was also responsible for denying Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard early in the game, to haunt the Gunners once more.
Martin Odegaard scrutinised as Arsenal crash out of the Champions League
Football Insider Verdict
For all of Saka’s shots, crosses and weaving, winding dribbles, one could not help but notice that his wonderful play and tiresome efforts were not being matched by the man meant to lead Arsenal.
Odegaard has been a passenger on the Gunners’ Champions League run. Along for the ride, rather than having any real positive impact.
The Norwegian is meant to be the creator-in-chief for Arsenal, but against PSG, Saka was forced to create his own chances whilst being the only real goal threat for his team.
| Match stats | PSG | Arsenal |
| Possession | 46% | 54% |
| Shots (on target) | 11 (6) | 19 (4) |
| Expected goals | 1.74 xG | 3.14 xG |
| Big chances (missed) | 2 (2) | 4 (3) |
| Corners | 2 | 6 |
Kai Havertz has been a huge miss for the Gunners’ captain; without him, Odegaard has seemingly lost the ability to play in tight spaces and create chances.
With Arsenal wanting to not just compete for the grandest of prizes, but win them also, the North London side may consider whether he is a player they can rely on moving forward.