Arsenal's Pain Fuels Ambition After Champions League Heartbreak

"Pain." That was the first word out of Mikel Arteta's mouth in his post-match news conference when asked how he would sum up the Champions League final defeat to Paris St-Germain in Budapest.

On Sunday, Arsenal will get on an open-top bus parade to celebrate their Premier League title, less than 24 hours after their final heartbreak. The Gunners, who were unbeaten in the Champions League this season heading into Saturday's final, missed out on becoming European invincibles with their penalty shootout defeat.

Arsenal are hurting but they will fly back from Hungary early on Sunday before joining their fans to celebrate a season to be proud of. Before the game, manager Arteta said he wanted to use the Premier League success as a platform to reach bigger destinations and to aim for more silverware. Unfortunately, his side fell at the final hurdle in their pursuit of a first European trophy, in their first final in the competition since 2006.

Arsenal produced a battling display but lacked attacking quality as PSG dominated with 75% possession and eventually won on penalties after centre-back Gabriel skied his penalty in the shootout. Despite the disappointment, Arsenal have had an excellent season, winning the Premier League for the first time in 22 years. Could the manner of the defeat be what pushes Arsenal on next season?

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Arteta expressed his dejection at the full-time whistle, stating, "It is very tough to accept when you are so consistent all the way to the final and in the end you lose the trophy on penalties." He also mentioned a controversial decision where Arsenal was not awarded a penalty in the second half when Noni Madueke tangled with Nuno Mendes, saying, "I watched all the penalties in the competition in the last 72 hours to understand what a penalty is and what is not, and that easily can be a penalty."

Looking towards the future, Arteta said, "We need to do better, we have to improve and find different margins to get the outcome that we want." He has already turned his mind to next season, planning to review the team and make important decisions to reach a new level. Arsenal is set to invest again, targeting a midfielder, left winger, and striker in the upcoming transfer window.

Despite the loss, the club is in a strong position, with players like Bukayo Saka and exciting youngsters such as Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, Max Dowman, and Marli Salmon showing promise for the future. European football expert Julien Laurens noted, "It is cruel for Arsenal fans, but it is inevitable that this club win the Champions League."

Arteta concluded, "I want to thank [the fans] for everything they've done for us throughout the season. Difficult moments like this, they've been with us. It's been a joy to see the reaction they've had when we've been able to win a league after 22 years. Tomorrow we'll have a great day, I'm sure."

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