Post by Michael Shittu (@michael_shittu)

Joao Neves Causes a Stir With Comments About Arsenal After Champions League Final

Arsenal have been criticised for their display against PSG, as midfielder Joao Neves claims they were the only team who "wanted to play" in the Champions League final.

It comes as the Gunners were left narrowly defeated on penalties at the hands of the Ligue 1 champions, who sealed the European title in back-to-back seasons.

Gabriel Magalhaes's penalty was decisive, as he blasted the ball over the bar, ensuring that Mikel Arteta's side are still chasing their first Champions League triumph.

The match itself played out in a set pattern, with Arsenal scoring early and then dropping into a mid-block, while PSG dictated possession but created few clear-cut chances.

While it was ultimately a game of chance that saw them defeated in the end, the Gunners have received some criticism for their style of play.

Arsenal Criticised By PSG Star
joao neves
Speaking after PSG's win over Arsenal, Joao Neves paid tribute to his team, but also took aim at the Gunners for how they approached the game.

He told French television outlet M6: "The emotion is there. It's the second time I've been a European champion. It's not even the victory itself that pleases me, but playing with such teammates, this staff, and this management.

"Coming here was the best decision I've ever made. I love everything here. We deserved it today (Saturday), because PSG were the only team that wanted to play."

It's a clear shot aimed at Arsenal, who were looking to frustrate PSG after taking the lead, but were unable to see it through for the victory in the end.

The Gunners managed just 28% possession to PSG's 72%, showing a clear difference in approach across the full 120 minutes that the North London team just couldn't cope with.

"This year was different. It was harder, more physical," Neves reflected on the Champions League campaign as a whole. "We were European champions, so we defended our title.

"We're part of PSG history (he's interrupted by Luis Campos). We're all happy. I want to enjoy this with my teammates now."

While it'll be a celebratory mood in Paris, it's Arsenal who are left wondering "What if?".

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