Steven Gerrard was unsparing in his criticism of Eberechi Eze following Arsenal’s penalty shootout defeat to PSG in the Champions League final.
The Gunners’ dream of winning a first European trophy was shattered after Eze and Gabriel both failed to score from the penalty spot following a level 90 minutes and extra time.
Arsenal had made the perfect start when Kai Havertz raced clear and tucked a composed finish into the roof of the net in the opening stages of the contest.
Mikel Arteta’s well-organised setup initially contained PSG, but the Ligue 1 giants eventually forced their way back into the game through a penalty of their own.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was fouled inside the area by Cristian Mosquera, and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele stepped up to send David Raya the wrong way and level matters.
With both sides unable to find a decisive breakthrough, the match drifted into a shootout to settle European football’s most prestigious prize.
Viktor Gyokeres gave Arsenal a strong foundation by converting the Gunners’ first penalty, with the team taking their kicks in front of the PSG supporters as the second team to shoot.
However, Eze dragged his effort wide of the post despite Matvey Safonov diving the wrong way, with the stuttered approach drawing sharp criticism from Gerrard on TNT Sports.
Gerrard 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.”
David Raya offered Arsenal a lifeline by saving Nuno Mendes’ penalty, keeping the Gunners alive and giving Gabriel the chance to extend the shootout.
Gabriel, however, blazed his kick over the crossbar with his side’s final penalty, handing PSG the trophy and condemning Arsenal to heartbreak in Munich.
Reflecting on the defeat, former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere said: “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.”
Wilshere also admitted: “I fancied us [Arsenal] for penalties but it’s a hard one to take.”
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