Context:

Mikel Arteta praised Arsenal as the best team in the Champions League despite their semi-final loss to Paris St-Germain, attributing their elimination to missed opportunities and exceptional goalkeeping by PSG's Gianluigi Donnarumma. Arsenal needed to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg but, despite numerous chances, they only managed a late goal from Bukayo Saka, resulting in a 3-1 aggregate defeat. PSG's manager, Luis Enrique, disagreed with Arteta's assessment, asserting his team's deserving victory due to their effective play and superior goal-scoring. Arteta expressed pride in his players' performance and lamented their inability to reach the final, a goal unmet since 2006, as emotional players reflected on the loss. The defeat extends Arsenal's trophy drought, with Arteta emphasizing the need for resilience and motivation going forward, using veteran experiences as inspiration for future success.

Dive Deeper:

• Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal was the superior team in the Champions League, expressing disappointment after their semi-final exit against PSG, who advanced with a 3-1 aggregate score due to their effective defensive strategy and goalkeeping by Gianluigi Donnarumma.

• Arsenal entered the second leg at the Parc des Princes needing to reverse a 1-0 first-leg loss; despite creating several scoring opportunities, they only found the net once through Bukayo Saka's late goal, while PSG capitalized with goals from Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi.

• Luis Enrique, PSG's manager, acknowledged Arsenal's strong performance but credited his team's tactical execution and ability to score more goals over both legs as the decisive factors for their advancement to the final against Inter Milan.

• Arteta expressed pride in his squad's effort and emphasized the importance of goalkeepers and strikers, noting that the competition's outcomes often hinge on their performances, as seen in the crucial saves made by Donnarumma.

• The loss meant Arsenal failed to reach their first Champions League final since 2006, marking another trophyless season, with Arteta urging his team to maintain their motivation and resilience, drawing inspiration from PSG's Marquinhos, who has repeatedly pursued success.

• Despite the setback, Arteta remains optimistic about his team, considering Arsenal among Europe's best and highlighting the positive aspects of their campaign, while acknowledging the emotional impact the defeat had on his players.

• Arteta's comments reflect his commitment to fostering a winning mentality within his squad, emphasizing the need to learn from losses and use them as stepping stones to future triumphs in high-level football competitions.