Ferguson criticises Arsenal’s tactics after PSG’s Champions League victory
Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly sent a scathing message to Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi following the French club’s Champions League final triumph over Arsenal on Saturday evening, reports BritPanorama.
According to French publication L’Equipe, the former Manchester United manager texted Al-Khelaifi to offer his congratulations while delivering a withering assessment of the Gunners’ performance in Budapest. Ferguson’s message allegedly read: “Nasser, this is Alex Ferguson. Well done, it was a tough night for you, but you played against a boring team that did nothing but defend. Enjoy your holidays, you deserve it.”
Ferguson, who lifted European football’s biggest prize twice during his time at Old Trafford, appeared unimpressed by Mikel Arteta’s tactical approach. Arsenal had a promising start with Kai Havertz finding the net within the opening six minutes at the Puskas Arena. However, they retreated into a defensive strategy, inviting PSG to take control of the match.
The holders eventually found their breakthrough midway through the second half when Ousmane Dembele converted from the penalty spot after Cristhian Mosquera fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the box. The contest ended goalless after extra time, leading to penalties where Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes failed to convert their shots, handing PSG a 4-3 victory and their second consecutive European crown.
Statistical analysis of the final highlighted Arsenal’s defensive performance, with Arteta’s side managing less than 25 percent of possession over the full 120 minutes of play. Former Scotland international Craig Burley was critical of the Gunners’ tactics, stating on ESPN, “Let’s lay it out on the table, when they scored after six minutes, they tried to defend their way to the 90th minute. That’s embarrassing. That’s 1980s football back in England.”
PSG midfielder Joao Neves reflected on the victory, saying, “The emotion is there. It’s the second time I’ve been a European champion. We deserved it today because PSG were the only team that wanted to play.” Al-Khelaifi, meanwhile, praised the resilience of Arsenal, referring to them as a “great team” and expressing good wishes for their future.
This match serves as a vivid reminder of the tactical battles that define football at the highest level, highlighting how a single approach can dictate the narrative in crucial moments of the game.
