Arsenal are fresh from Champions League final heartbreak but there is no time to wallow.
Sunday’s Premier League title celebrations in north London may have refocused minds on next season’s missions, when they will aim to stay at the top of the English game and go a step further in Europe.
Defeat by Paris St-Germain in Budapest on Saturday night came only on penalties, but Arsenal’s limitations against opposition of the highest class were evident before the spot-kicks.
The Gunners had less than 25% of possession, and Kai Havertz’s early opening goal was their only shot on target in 120 minutes of football.
After the game, PSG midfielder Joao Neves said Luis Enrique’s side had been “the only one who wanted to play”.
Former Arsenal defender and Premier League winner Matthew Upson told BBC Sport that Havertz’s early goal killed the game in one sense.
“Had it been 0-0 throughout the first half, I think you might have seen a slight difference in Arsenal, but once you get that goal naturally you just slightly slip into protection mode,” Upson said.
“Every team does it and obviously PSG then dominated the ball, but the possession stats are pretty scary really for a final with two teams who are the best around. To have a 75-25% difference in possession is almost unheard of really in a Champions League final.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described PSG as “the best team in the world”.
He said it was their prowess that dictated Arsenal’s style.
He also hinted that his side could look to emulate the French side’s style of play in the future.
“What they are able to do with the ball, with individual actions, I haven’t seen it,” Arteta said.
“It’s not the plan to play in certain areas when you don’t have the ball, but they force you to do that.”
So does the Spaniard need to refine his style for next season to push Arsenal to the next level, build up their possession numbers, and keep challengers at bay?
Or will we see more of the same Premier League title-winning formula from the Gunners?
