Steven Gerrard believes Arsenal possess a genuine path to victory against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on May 30 in Budapest, despite the Gunners entering as underdogs. The Liverpool legend drew on his own European pedigree to outline a tactical approach that could trouble Luis Enrique's defending champions, who dispatched Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate in a dramatic semi-final.
Arsenal have reached the Champions League final just once in their history, losing 2-1 to Barcelona in 2006. That absence from European football's biggest stage for nearly two decades contrasts sharply with PSG's recent dominance, yet Gerrard suggested the underdog status might actually energise Mikel Arteta's squad. "Being the underdogs might even suit this Arsenal team," the former England captain said on TNT Sports. He pointed to his own experience in the 2005 final against AC Milan, a match many dismissed Liverpool's chances in before they claimed their fifth European Cup.
The Physical Formula
Gerrard's tactical blueprint centres on exploiting Arsenal's physical advantages and creating discomfort for PSG's creative players. His recommendations include:
- Using Arsenal's size and physicality throughout the 90 minutes
- Maximising set-piece efficiency, where the Gunners have excelled this season
- Taking PSG to areas of the pitch where the French side prefer not to operate
- Maintaining intensity to disrupt PSG's possession-based attacking rhythm
"They've got a chance. I think they need to use their physicality, their size, make every set-piece count and take PSG to places they don't want to go and make it uncomfortable for them," Gerrard explained. The Liverpool icon emphasised that every single player must deliver at their peak; there is no room for passengers against a side that has won back-to-back Champions League titles.
Building on Premier League Success
Arsenal's pursuit of the Premier League title adds significant psychological weight to their European prospects. Should Arteta's side claim their first league crown in over two decades, Gerrard believes the momentum and self-belief would carry directly into Budapest. PSG may be favourites, but Arsenal's recent consistency—maintaining a title challenge deep into the season—suggests a team capable of competing at the highest level when it matters most.
With Harry Kane's late goal denying PSG victory against Bayern on Wednesday, the French giants demonstrated their resilience and experience in knockout football. However, Gerrard made clear that the semi-final only proved PSG deserved progression, not that they are invincible. Arsenal now enter the final as dangerous challengers, capable of delivering an upset if they execute the physical, organised approach Gerrard outlined.
