Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterThe Gunners lost 4-3 on penalties in Europe's most prestigious final, after a 1-1 stalemate played out in regular and extra time.Arsenals playing style against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final has since been slammed by ex-England international Gary Lineker, alongside Sir Alex Ferguson and PSG midfielder Joao Neves.Mikel Artetas men, victors of the 2025/26 Premier League title, created just 0.51xG in 120 minutes against PSG from a total seven shots, including Kai Havertzs sixth minute strike. You may like Exclusive: ESPN journalist Julien Laurens on how Arsenal can beat Paris Saint-Germain How to watch Champions League Final 2026 for FREE Will key Arsenal figure miss Champions League Final after touchline fracas? Football won says Gary LinekerManchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson slammed Arsenal in the aftermath of Sundays final with a text message sent to PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.According to Ben Jacobs, the ex-Manchester United boss message read: You were the team that played football, likely in reference to PSGs dominant ball possession and superior attack.Get VIP Arsenal tickets for next season HERE with Seat Unique!Arsenal's premium Club Level tickets offer superb padded seating and access to the lounge two-and-a-half hours pre-match. The package includes four drinks, one food item, and a half-time complimentary drink. Guests also receive a �5 merchandise voucher and a complimentary Museum Tour, ensuring an elevated and comprehensive matchday experience for home supporters.View DealThe French champions recorded 75% possession to Arsenals 25%, and created triple the Gunners Opta-defined Big Chances (3-1), as well as triple their shots (21-7).Gary Lineker joined Sir Alex Ferguson in that view while speaking on his Rest is Football podcast, branding PSGs win a victory for positive football.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.He said: As a fan with no skin in the game, I think Arsenal had to play that way because they wouldnt have beaten PSG any other way, but at the same time, I think football won.As a complete neutral I would say its a victory for positive football over negative football, continued the ex-Tottenham striker.Lineker praised Arsenals brilliant defending, before offering a cruel breakdown of the many areas in which PSG excelled over Mikel Artetas men.Football is entertainment and you want to see teams that are really positive, creative and have the best players and play wonderful football in terms of how football should be played, the best team won, said the ex-England international.PSG midfielder Joao Neves, who played every available minute in the Champions League final, also chimed in after his sides victory to criticise Arsenals playing style.I think we deserved this title. I saw only one team on the pitch, to be honest, said the 21-year-old.TOPICSGary LinekerSir Alex FergusonJoao NevesArsenalPSGChampions LeagueKedar BayleySocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterKedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC,he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television,you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.
