Champions League Final Analysis: Did Arteta's Substitutions Cost Arsenal?
Arsenal's defensive gameplan largely held against PSG, but tactical adjustments in the second half failed to secure the win in Budapest.
In the 2025/26 Champions League final, Arsenal displayed the defensive solidity that defined their season, yet ultimately fell to PSG in a penalty shootout. Despite an early lead provided by Kai Havertz, Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to maintain their attacking edge as the game progressed.
Arteta’s initial gameplan was clear: restrict PSG’s creative trio and control the space. The deployment of Declan Rice on the right side proved effective in helping Cristhian Mosquera handle PSG’s physical threat. For long stretches, Arsenal successfully limited their opponents to half-chances.
Mikel Arteta’s gameplan largely worked against PSG, but could in-game changes have been different? Michael Cox
The dynamic shifted after halftime when Ousmane Dembele equalized from the spot following a foul on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Arteta responded by introducing Viktor Gyokeres for Martin Odegaard. However, the switch disrupted Arsenal’s rhythm; Gyokeres struggled to influence the game, and the team lost its ability to build effective attacks through the middle.
While late substitutions like Eberechi Eze provided brief composure, Arsenal could not find a breakthrough. The match ended in a draw, with the Champions League title decided by a shootout where PSG eventually triumphed.