20 years since Arsenal won the Champions League
Steven Gerrard has outlined the exact recipe Arsenal must follow to defeat PSG in the Champions League final.
PSG’s defence of the Champions League title continued with a dramatic semi-final victory over Bayern Munich. Luis Enrique’s side won 6-5 on aggregate after winning the first leg 5-4 in Paris, before holding the Germans to a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena.
Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé put PSG in the lead after just three minutes, and Harry Kane’s late equaliser proved to be only a consolation. Now PSG will face Arsenal in the final – 12 months after the French capital club crushed Inter Milan and won the tournament for the first time.
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“An underdog can win this final”
Gerrard, who himself won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, believes Arsenal will go in as “underdogs” before the clash. However, he insists that the Premier League leaders “certainly have a chance”.
“I know better than most that an underdog can win this final. It was a complete mismatch when we played against AC Milan, but anything can happen,” Gerrard said on TNT Sports.
“Arsenal face a team of the highest quality with an elite manager, so Arsenal have to be the best version of themselves.
“Every single player has to show up, but of course they have a chance. Being the underdog could even suit this Arsenal team.
“If they win the Premier League, it will give them enormous confidence and belief even before the final.
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– Set pieces and unpleasant play
“They certainly have a chance. I think they have to use their physique, their size, make every set piece count and take PSG to places they don’t want to go – make it uncomfortable for them,” Gerrard added.
On PSG’s win over Bayern Munich, Gerrard said:
“Over two games, they deserved to advance. The first game was like a penalty shootout, but they took the lead early. Tonight it was a defensive masterclass.
“Bayern and Kompany played their part in the match, but the best team progressed. PSG simply had the upper hand.
“This is a different Arsenal”
Gerrard’s former England teammate Owen Hargreaves also gave Arsenal hope ahead of the tempting final.
“Arsenal have a chance – without a doubt,” he said.
“With that defence, the goalkeeper and Declan Rice deep in midfield… They can definitely do it in a single game.
“But this PSG team? They have so many ways to hurt you.
“It will be fascinating. But this is a different Arsenal now. They believe in themselves again. They have a chance.
Arsenal secured their first Champions League final since 2006 with a narrow 2-1 aggregate victory over Atlético Madrid. Mikel Arteta’s side are also on their way to the Premier League title – they currently lead by five points ahead of Manchester City.
