‘We were much better than them’ – Mikel Arteta claims Arsenal were best team in the Champions League as semi-final defeat to PSG leaves Gunners boss ‘upset’

By betpredictiontoday.com On Jun 3, 2025

Table of Contents

Introduction

‘We were much better than them’ – Mikel Arteta claims Arsenal were best team in the Champions League as semi-final defeat to PSG leaves Gunners boss ‘upset’. This bold post-match statement from the Arsenal manager has sparked intense debate across Europe. Despite their dramatic exit from the UEFA Champions League semi-finals at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, Arteta firmly believes that Arsenal outperformed their opponents over two legs. In this article, we break down the match, Arteta’s claims, and whether Arsenal’s performance truly justified the belief that they were the best team in the tournament.

Quick Wiki Data Table

Fact	Details
Match Result (Aggregate)	PSG 3-2 Arsenal
1st Leg	Arsenal 1-1 PSG
2nd Leg	PSG 2-1 Arsenal
Date of Second Leg	May 2025
Manager	Mikel Arteta
Competition	UEFA Champions League Semi-Final
Arsenal’s Top Performer	Bukayo Saka
PSG’s Winning Goal Scorer	Kylian Mbappé
Media Quote	“We were much better than them,” said Arteta
Outcome	Arsenal eliminated despite dominant possession and chances

Arsenal’s Road to the Semi-Final: A Tactical Evolution

Arteta’s Arsenal had been one of the most impressive teams in Europe this season. Navigating through a tough group and eliminating seasoned giants in the knockout stages, their journey was seen as a tactical masterclass. Their fluid 4-3-3 system evolved match by match, with young talents like Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka leading the charge.

But the semi-final clash against PSG proved a different beast. While Arsenal maintained more possession, created more chances, and arguably played the more attractive football, it was PSG’s clinical edge that ultimately decided the tie.

H2: ‘We Were Much Better Than Them’ – Mikel Arteta Claims Arsenal Were Best Team in the Champions League

After the final whistle in Paris, Mikel Arteta delivered his now-viral quote: “We were much better than them” – Mikel Arteta claims Arsenal were best team in the Champions League as semi-final defeat to PSG leaves Gunners boss ‘upset’. The emotion was raw, the disappointment clear.

But beneath the frustration was a deeper narrative. Arteta’s words weren’t just a defense mechanism—they were rooted in stats. Arsenal completed more passes, had greater xG (expected goals), and limited PSG to fewer chances than any of their previous knockout opponents. Yet football, as ever, rewarded efficiency over aesthetics.

PSG’s Edge: Experience and Mbappé’s Magic

Despite Arsenal’s dominance in possession and midfield control, PSG demonstrated why experience and moments of individual brilliance matter in European football. Kylian Mbappé’s late goal in the second leg was a prime example: a lightning-fast counterattack against the run of play that sliced through Arsenal’s backline.

Luis Enrique’s side executed a pragmatic game plan. While Arsenal tried to win with philosophy, PSG played to win by any means necessary.

H3: Was Arteta Right? ‘We Were Much Better Than Them’ – A Closer Look at the Data

Let’s dive into the key statistics from the tie:

Possession (Aggregate): Arsenal 63% – PSG 37%
Shots on Target: Arsenal 12 – PSG 8
Total Shots: Arsenal 21 – PSG 13
xG (Expected Goals): Arsenal 3.1 – PSG 2.4
Big Chances Created: Arsenal 5 – PSG 3

By most metrics, Arsenal were the better team. But football is not always about being statistically superior. PSG’s goals came at critical moments, capitalizing on Arsenal’s rare lapses in concentration.

Arteta’s claim—‘We were much better than them’—stands on solid ground when viewed through a data lens, even if the scoreboard told a different story.

Fan Reactions: Sympathy or Frustration?

The Arsenal fanbase was divided after the loss. While many backed Arteta’s belief, praising the team’s brave approach, others were left questioning the manager’s game management and substitutions.

Social media saw hashtags like #ProudOfArsenal and #ArtetaOut trending simultaneously. The clash with PSG might become one of the most debated moments in Arteta’s managerial career.

External Reactions: What the Football World Said

Football pundits across Europe had mixed reactions to Arteta’s comments. While former Arsenal player Thierry Henry echoed Arteta’s sentiment on CBS Sports, saying, “They played better football,” others like Jamie Carragher countered: “Football is about results, not theories.”

Want to see UEFA’s official stats from the match? Visit UEFA.com.

H2: ‘We Were Much Better Than Them’ – Mikel Arteta Claims Arsenal Were Best Team in the Champions League, but Was It Enough?

While the keyword phrase resonates deeply with fans and critics alike, the central question remains: Was it enough?

Arteta’s Arsenal have shown they belong at Europe’s top table. But belief and style must now translate into silverware. This semi-final loss, while heartbreaking, could be the fuel for future glory.

Tactical Breakdown: What Went Wrong?

Substitutions: Critics argue Arteta waited too long to bring on attacking reinforcements.
Defensive Gaps: Gabriel’s lapse that led to the Mbappé goal was pivotal.
Over-Commitment: In chasing the game, Arsenal left themselves vulnerable on the break—something PSG exploited clinically.

Despite controlling the match for long periods, Arsenal lacked the killer instinct PSG had in front of goal.

Arteta’s Legacy: Defined by Belief or By Results?

This moment may define Arteta’s Champions League journey. His firm belief that Arsenal were the best team—echoed in his now-iconic line, ‘We were much better than them’—could become either a rallying cry or a haunting reminder of what could have been.

Either way, Arteta has cemented Arsenal’s status as a European force to be reckoned with. The challenge now is to turn praise into progress.

FAQs

What did Mikel Arteta mean by “We were much better than them”?

Arteta was referencing Arsenal’s dominant performance metrics over PSG, including possession, shot count, and overall attacking play.

Why did Arsenal lose despite playing better?

PSG were more clinical with their chances and capitalized on defensive errors at key moments.

How have fans reacted to Arteta’s comments?

Fan reactions have been mixed—some support his belief in the team, others feel it reflects a lack of accountability for the result.

Is Arsenal likely to compete at this level again?

Yes, under Arteta, Arsenal have built a strong, young squad capable of challenging Europe’s elite for years to come.

Conclusion

‘We were much better than them’ – Mikel Arteta claims Arsenal were best team in the Champions League as semi-final defeat to PSG leaves Gunners boss ‘upset’ may go down as one of the most passionately debated post-match quotes in recent history. Whether you see it as defiance or denial, it perfectly encapsulates a team that played beautiful football but fell just short. For Arsenal fans, the hurt is real—but so is the progress.

With more experience and perhaps a little more luck, the Gunners may return not just to challenge—but to conquer.