Gerrard calls Eze's penalty technique 'nonsense' as Arsenal lose Champions League final shootout to PSG

Arsenal’s dream of a first European trophy ended in penalty shootout heartbreak against PSG in the Champions League final, with Eberechi Eze and Gabriel both failing from 12 yards to hand the French side the trophy.

Eze’s miss drew immediate criticism from Steven Gerrard, who said: “Penalties are hard enough. Think about the magnitude of the game, the stadium, the atmosphere — it’s hard enough without any of that nonsense. Put your foot through it, back your technique.” Gerrard later softened his assessment, acknowledging that stepping up in those circumstances is a “brave” thing to do.

Arsenal had taken the lead when Kai Havertz burst through on goal and tucked the ball into the roof of the net with a composed finish early in the match. Mikel Arteta’s tactical setup frustrated PSG for long stretches, but the reigning European champions drew level when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was fouled in the box by Cristhian Mosquera. Ousmane Dembele, the Ballon d’Or winner, stepped up to send David Raya the wrong way from the spot. Neither side could find a winner in the time that followed, and the final went to extra time before the shootout.

Viktor Gyokeres converted Arsenal’s first penalty, but Eze’s stuttered run-up ended with the ball wide of the post despite Matvey Safonov diving the wrong way. Raya kept Arsenal’s hopes alive by saving Nuno Mendes’ effort, only for Gabriel to blaze the decisive kick over the bar, confirming PSG as champions.

Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere reflected on the loss: “It will take a while to get over, but I’m pretty sure it’s not going to take another 20 years to get to another final with Mikel in charge. I fancied us for penalties but it’s a hard one to take.”