BUDAPEST, Hungary — The UEFA Champions League final is set to feature a clash of titans: the “best attack” (Paris Saint-Germain) vs. the “best defense” (Arsenal). This matchup promises to be a classic confrontation of unstoppable force against immovable object, a narrative that holds true in the world of football.
As of Saturday night, PSG could potentially achieve the highest-scoring season in the history of Champions League, while Arsenal has impressively conceded fewer than half a goal per game (0.43) throughout the tournament. Predictions lean towards PSG launching relentless attacks on Arsenal’s defense, which will likely rely on their time-tested, effective set-piece tactics and sporadic counterattacks.
However, it’s just as probable that we might witness a different scenario at the Puskas Arena on Saturday.
Both managers, PSG’s Luis Enrique and Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, understand the significance of tactical misdirection and adaptability. Following a thrilling, high-scoring first leg against Bayern Munich that ended 5-4 in favor of PSG, the team opted for a more cautious approach in the subsequent match. With an early goal from Ousmane Dembélé, PSG focused on controlling the match through tight passing and a deliberate tempo. Surprisingly, they held just 27 percent possession in the second half and appeared comfortable with this strategy.
This shift in approach is akin to Michael Bublé trading his signature crooning for rap—unexpected, yet effective.
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Arteta, too, has a talent for tactical surprises. Arsenal has evolved from a possession-driven strategy focused on making the extra pass—sharpened under the influence of Pep Guardiola—to a more robust, compact, and cautious style. They now capitalize on opponents’ mistakes and individual brilliance, demonstrated by the impactful signing of the unpredictable Eberechi Eze and their reliance on set-pieces.
Nevertheless, it’s crucial to recognize that Arsenal can still revert to their previous style. Evidence of this emerged in a league match against Manchester City, where they tried to engage in a more straightforward footballing contest despite falling short. Additionally, recent injuries to key players like Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka have influenced their tactical adjustments.
Now that both players are back to form, it invites speculation that Arteta might opt for a nostalgic tactical shake-up reminiscent of last season’s approach.
Indeed, there are rising indications that Arteta might attempt to fit Ødegaard, Eze, and Myles Lewis-Skelly into the same midfield alongside Declan Rice, potentially sacrificing deep-lying playmaker Martín Zubimendi, a key presence this season whose arrival was deemed vital last summer. Lewis-Skelly, still only 19, has recently showcased his versatility after transitioning from left back to midfield.
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How Arsenal can beat PSG in the Champions League final
This adaptability is a stark contrast to PSG’s approach. While the specifics of Luis Enrique’s game plan remain to be seen, one thing is certain: his squad selection is likely to be consistent. Assuming Achraf Hakimi is fit to start, the core lineup is predictable. Arsenal, however, faces crucial decisions, particularly regarding their left-back choice (should they go with the more athletic Piero Hincapié or the more pass-oriented Riccardo Calafiori?) as well as their attacking strategy: should they field the powerful Viktor Gyökeres or the more versatile Kai Havertz, who has previous experience scoring in a Champions League final?
This depth of options was part of Arteta’s vision when he advocated for significant investment in the squad last summer, securing eight new players for over $300 million. This was informed not only by past disappointments in the Premier League title race due to injuries and a thin roster but also by a clear aim to have versatile strategies to outmaneuver various opponents.
Arsenal’s substantial expenditures also reflect the urgency of the moment, sensing that their opportunity might not last long. Clubs like Liverpool are undergoing significant squad changes following their recent title success, while Real Madrid has ushered in a new era under Xabi Alonso, and Barcelona is navigating ongoing financial difficulties. Many speculate this might be Guardiola’s final season at Manchester City—a prediction that has come to fruition. Chelsea struggles with dysfunction, and Manchester United is absent from European competitions.
Thus, PSG and Bayern are seen as the likely powerhouses in their prime, prompting Arsenal to take an all-in approach.
This isn’t an aging Arsenal side, but the window won’t remain open indefinitely as the competition continues to reload and regroup. Arsenal is committed to seizing this moment.
On the flip side, having tasted success before, PSG is eager to make history again by becoming the first team aside from Real Madrid to win back-to-back titles in 36 years. Luis Enrique, a two-time winner of this trophy, believes his team is more accomplished and poised than ever, fully aware of the legacy they aim to establish.
Come Saturday, one of these two teams will achieve that ambitious goal.