"They are the best team in Europe, but they are not invincible." William Saliba isn't sulking after the Champions League final — he's filing it away and coming back.
The Arsenal and France defender spoke to France Football in the aftermath of the Gunners' penalty shootout defeat to PSG, and his tone was measured rather than mournful. Saliba acknowledged PSG's quality without flinching, but made clear Arsenal consider themselves capable of closing that gap.
The final still stings
Arsenal opened the scoring. They had a chance to make it 2-0 just before halftime that would have changed everything. Instead, a penalty levelled it, extra time resolved nothing, and the shootout did the rest.
Saliba didn't hide the regret. But he also hit back at the criticism Arsenal absorbed throughout the tournament — the kind that follows a team whose style doesn't always generate applause. His point was simple: if that second goal had gone in, would anyone have been questioning them? Probably not.
It's a fair shout. Arsenal reached a Champions League final as Premier League champions. That's not a team to dismiss, whatever your aesthetic preferences.
What this means for next season
PSG now have their sights on a third consecutive Champions League — something only a handful of clubs have ever managed. The club's president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has said it publicly, and the players have echoed it. That ambition, backed by the squad depth they currently carry, makes them the team to beat in Europe again come August.
Arsenal, meanwhile, celebrated their league title through the streets of London the day after the final. A consolation, yes — but also a reminder of where they stand domestically.
- Arsenal conceded a penalty to draw level after opening the scoring
- The Gunners missed a chance to go 2-0 up before halftime
- PSG won on penalties to claim the Champions League
- Saliba confirmed Arsenal intend to challenge again next season
PSG's odds to retain the Champions League will open short, and rightly so. Arsenal are in the conversation — but Saliba's own words put the distance in perspective. They're chasing. PSG are defending.
