The most fitting way for Arsenal’s season to end, it appeared, necessitated by end game penalties in Budapest at the finals of UEFA Champions League where a victory to hold that championship together with the Premier League would put Arsenal on top of English football at its best.
But here is the mourning for Arsenal funs now. Good luck for them.
The red flares were lit, but the red half of North London were in mourning. Second again, 20 years after their first Champions League final. In the plush seats, flanked by Luis Figo, Arsene Wenger had looked pensive more than an hour earlier.
The scoreline could have given him grounds to smile, but he had seen this situation before. Arsenal one up in the Champions League final? That did not end happily in 2006. It wouldn’t in 2026 either.
Mikel Arteta, the master of detail, the manager who seemed to leave nothing to chance, appeared to have neglected one key element. Matvei Safonov, Paris Saint-Germain’s utterly unconvincing goalkeeper, saved nothing: not in the match, and not in the shootout either.
Arsenal only needed to get their penalties on target, especially with David Raya making a terrific stop from Nuno Mendes. But Eberechi Eze followed a stuttering run-up by side footing wide.
Live by the set-piece, die by the set-piece? Maybe. Arsenal’s Champions League campaign ended with defeat and yet undefeated.
They did not lose a game in 90 or 120 minutes, let alone a tie. Results gave them a fine claim to be Europe’s best team this season. But against the side who retain the distinction of being champions of Europe, who pass the eye test as the outstanding outfit, they played with an inferiority complex.
Arsenal completed 199 passes, PSG 837. Indeed, Arsenal only completed 1.3 passes per kilometre their players ran; over 150, some 6.6 more than PSG. It was the price of not having the ball. Uefa’s possession statistics gave them a 36 percent share, Opta’s a mere 24.7; the latter felt the more accurate.
It was one of those days when it seemed Arteta had remembered precious little of his education at La Masia; when, of his managerial mentors, he resembled David Moyes more than Pep Guardiola. And yet, when his right-back was a centre-back, his left-back was a centre-back and his two centre-backs were centre-backs, he looked more like Tony Pulis than either.
But perhaps it would have been foolhardy to play PSG at their own game. Bayern Munich tried in the semi-final, contested a classic and lost 5-4 at the Parc des Princes. That was the game of the competition; the true final, some might say. But the Gunners had progressed to the actual final their way. The endless attrition of Arteta’s Arsenal meant they were the side PSG could not destroy.
It had been billed as attack against defence. Arsenal gave themselves a lot of defending to do, partly by doing too little attacking. After Kai Havertz’s sixth-minute goal, they did not have a shot on target in the remaining 114 minutes; nearer 124, given the added time. Which, given the vulnerability of PSG and the frailties of Safonov, may have been a missed opportunity.
But PSG did not attack to their full capability; they were devastating against Inter in last season’s final, dragged into dullness by Arsenal. Arteta’s side saw off Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha, all substituted.
Gabriel missed the decisive spot kick which handed the Champions League title to PSG
PSG’s blistering attackers were nullified by Arsenal’s solid defense.
Arsenal delivered a masterclass in off-the-ball shape, in organisation, in concentration. They defended in a 4-4-2-0 formation, no one near the half-way line. Forget two banks, this was three. But it was an approach that meant they had to be flawless, and they were not.
Cristhian Mosquera, the third-choice right-back, got the wrong side of Kvaratskhelia for a second. Penalty. The lead that Arsenal held for 59 minutes was wiped out.
And their defensiveness came at a cost: to themselves. Martin Odegaard went off after just 12 touches in 65 minutes. That felt a waste of a talent. Bukayo Saka was muted, too. Leandro Trossard got an assist, but by charging down a clearance.
The exception among the attackers was the terrific Havertz. Arteta had shown his clinically unsentimental streak by omitting Viktor Gyokeres, whose finest Arsenal performance came in the first leg of the semi-final against Atletico Madrid, whose grandfather fled Hungary. Havertz started and became just the third player to score in Champions League finals for two clubs; but, like Mario Mandzukic, the second did not come in victory.
PSG won the penalty shootout and the Champions League for the second year in a row (Getty)
The German is a curiosity of a footballer; not really a forward, not really a midfielder but very much a Kai Havertz. He was a sign, though, that wherever Arteta had a selection dilemma, except perhaps Myles Lewis-Skelly for Martin Zubimendi in midfield, he took the more defensive option.
Defence could have worked, too. Defence, indeed, won Arsenal’s last European trophy, the 1994 Cup Winners’ Cup. The now familiar chant of “1-0 to the Arsenal” dates back to victory over Paris Saint-Germain this season.
When it was 1-0 to the Arsenal again, it looked like they may bore their way to glory in a way Wenger’s great aesthetes never could on the continental stage. But Arsenal have been accused of reducing football to a procession of set-pieces. And when there were 10 penalties in a row, they missed two. Set-piece again, oh no, oh no.
If Arsenal won the UEFA championship game which they had close to their hands it could have been parties from Budapest to England cities and Nairobi.
That actually would have been nice, but it did not happen for Arsenal fans. Good luck next time.
Meanwhile on the ground things are not bad for the mighty Gor Mahia
Ruto congratulates Gor Mahia for clinching 22nd league title
“This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work, discipline, and resilience,” Ruto said
President William Ruto has congratulated Gor Mahia Football Club after the team secured the 2025/2026 SportPesa Premier League title, marking a historic 22nd league championship for the Kenyan football giants.
The President hailed the club’s consistency and dominance in local football, describing the achievement as a reflection of discipline, resilience and hard work throughout the season.
He commended the players, technical bench, management and supporters for their role in the success, noting that their commitment had once again propelled the club to the summit of Kenyan football.
“Congratulations Gor Mahia Football Club on winning the 2025/2026 SportPesa Premier League title and securing a historic 22nd league championship. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work, discipline, and resilience that have defined your campaign throughout the season,” he said.
Ruto said Gor Mahia continues to hold a special place in the history of Kenyan football, adding that the club’s legacy has inspired generations of young players across the country.
“For generations, Gor Mahia has occupied a special place in the hearts of football fans across our country. The club’s rich legacy continues to inspire young Kenyans to pursue their dreams, embrace teamwork, and strive for excellence,” he said.
He noted that the victory represents not only success for the club but also progress for Kenyan football as a whole.
Ruto also encouraged the team as they prepare to represent Kenya in the CAF Champions League, urging them to carry the nation’s pride onto the continental stage.
The President expressed confidence that the team would continue to perform strongly and raise Kenya’s profile in international football.
“As you prepare to represent our nation in the CAF Champions League, carry with you the pride and goodwill of all Kenyans. Hongera K’Ogalo on this historic achievement. May this success inspire even greater triumphs in the years ahead and bring further glory to Kenyan football,” he added.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed congratulated Gor Mahia FC praising them for their consistency and excellence throughout the season.
“Congratulations Gor Mahia FC for winning the 2025/26 SportPesa League title and for a record 22nd time,” he said.
The FKF President said that the champions will take home Sh15 million from the Sh20 million prize pool.
He described the reward as a fitting recognition for a season marked by discipline, competitiveness and strong performances.
Hussein also extended appreciation to all clubs that participated in the league, commending them for raising the level of competition.
“To every other club in the league, thank you for making this season unforgettable. Your commitment and competitive spirit pushed the standard higher week after week,” he said.
He noted that the campaign had been one of the most competitive and successful in recent years.
SportPesa, Azam Media and Kenya Broadcasting Corporation were credited for helping elevate the league into a more engaging sporting spectacle.
Hussein also appreciated fans for their unwavering support throughout the season, calling for continued engagement to grow Kenyan football further.
He said the federation remains committed to improving the league despite existing challenges, adding that plans are underway to raise standards in the coming season.
“As a federation, we are proud of what we have built together this season. We remain committed to raising the bar even further,” he said.
Hussein pledged closer collaboration with clubs, partners and stakeholders to make the next season more competitive, rewarding and commercially viable for all involved in Kenyan football.
Adongo Ogony is a Human Rights Activist and a Writer who lives in Toronto, Canada
