PSG 2-1 Arsenal (agg 3-1): Analysis
- Published
Arsenal delivered a top-class display in Paris, but the bitter truth is they could not deliver enough of the "magic moments" manager Mikel Arteta had demanded and their barren run without a trophy now extends to five years.
They stunned Paris St-Germain and their supporters with a blistering early salvo, but Declan Rice headed a great chance wide before Gianluigi Donnarumma again broke their hearts and hopes of a comeback.
Arteta could not have asked for more from his players against this talented PSG team, who beat Manchester City in the league phase, then eliminated Liverpool and Aston Villa in the knockout rounds.
Arsenal could not turn their early domination into the goal that would have applied pressure on a nervous PSG in those opening stages, leaving them at risk from the danger Luis Enrique's side possess.
And so it proved with Georgian genius Khvicha Kvaratskhelia hitting the post and Bradley Barcola forcing a fine save from Raya before Ruiz broke the deadlock.
How Arsenal cried out for a natural striker when they had control. Emergency striker Mikel Merino provided a focal point but little else in terms of attacking threat.
Arsenal's players, understandably, looked crestfallen as Parc des Princes was engulfed in wild scenes of celebration.
Arteta now has to lift them to ensure they finish in the Premier League's top five and return to the Champions League next season.