Arsenal are paying the price for Arteta's choices.

Arsenal's inherent problems once again surfaced in their most important match of the 2024/25 Champions League semi-final second leg.

Arsenal's poor finishing cost them dearly.

In the early hours of May 8th, Arsenal lost to Paris Saint-Germain with an aggregate score of 1-3 after two legs, thus ending their dream of winning the European championship.

Former Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes that manager Mikel Arteta's refusal to sign a quality striker during the mid-season transfer window has cost Arsenal dearly.

"From what I know, the decision not to buy a striker was Arteta's," Keown told CBS . "Aston Villa offered Arsenal for Ollie Watkins in January, but the manager ultimately didn't accept."

Arsenal traveled to Paris aiming for a victory to advance to the Champions League final. However, that dream was shattered when the "Gunners" missed several golden opportunities in the second leg of the semi-final.

Towards the end of the second half, with the score at 2-1 in favor of PSG (3-1 on aggregate), Bukayo Saka's incredible miss in front of an empty net almost ended Arsenal's chances of a comeback.

Arsenal created numerous chances, with a total of 19 shots. However, their poor finishing cost them dearly. Shots from Rice and Mikel Merino were simply disappointing. If a true striker had been given those opportunities, Arsenal could have scored.

"Look at Rice's header or Merino's late finish," Keown commented. "Both shots went to places where a top striker would normally score. How can Arsenal keep relying on midfielders to find the back of the net?"

The lack of a true center forward has been detrimental to Arsenal throughout this season. The Gunners finished the 2024/25 season without winning any trophies. Mikel Arteta continues to face pressure after more than half a decade as manager at Emirates without bringing home any major titles, apart from one FA Cup win.

Source: https://znews.vn/arsenal-tra-gia-vi-lua-chon-cua-arteta-post1551718.html