Luis Enrique's Paris Saint-Germain are Arsenal's opposition in the Champions League final. The PSG manager has chosen to flatter the Gunners ahead of their matchup on May 30.
Enrique was quoted on ESPN saying, "Without the ball, they are the best team in the world, and with it they can score a lot. It is a wonderful combination for them."
PSG defeated Arsenal 3-1 on aggregate on their way to winning the Champions League last season. Therefore, Enrique has an idea of what he will be up against. However, this title-winning Arsenal side is much more of a threat than the one that PSG defeated in the semi-finals of the European competition last year.
The Gunners now have a proper center-forward in Viktor Gyokeres. When they met PSG in the last campaign, Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard were used as makeshift strikers. Their back line is more solid, and Gabriel is fully fit, as he missed their matchup with the French side last season. Jakub Kiwoir played instead of Gabriel, and he is now on loan at FC Porto.
PSG will be meeting a much tougher Arsenal in the Champions League this season
Arsenal wrapped up the Premier League title this week after Manchester City could only draw 1-1 with AFC Bournemouth. This sparked wild celebrations amongst Arsenal fans and even players. Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Jurrien Timber were seen at the Emirates Stadium at five in the morning on Wednesday.
They face Crystal Palace on the final day of the Premier League season this Sunday, where they will be able to get their hands on the trophy. Then the following Saturday, the Gunners have the chance to do the double.
Credit must go to Mikel Arteta. Arsenal have come so close to winning the title over the past three seasons. He has been in charge of the Gunners since 2019. However, he was not always seen as a success, as before this season, he had won just one FA Cup and two Community Shields.
He learnt from the best when working as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City. However, he has not followed Guardiola's playbook and moulded a team in his own style. Soccer is developing, and Arteta knows how teams need to shape up without the ball.
Guardiola is leaving City at the end of the season, and Arteta is set to be rewarded with a new contract at Arsenal. We could be in for an era of Arteta's side dominating English and European soccer.
