Hope can be found in Arsenal’s cruel defeat

Sadly, it wasn’t to be. After taking an early lead against PSG, Arsenal were resolute in defence in their first Champions League final since their 2006 defeat to Barcelona. But a clumsy penalty dragged PSG level midway through the second half.

Neither side could find another goal, and the game moved to extra time. As is so often the case, fear of making a mistake kept chances few and far between.

So, to penalties. Not quite a coin toss, but not far off either. And the gods weren’t smiling on Arsenal. We lost 4–3. It felt bitterly cruel.

Still, if there were notes of optimism to be found, they were in the arc over the last three years: quarter-final, semi-final, final. Maybe next year will be our year.

I hope today’s celebrations of Arsenal’s Premier League win aren’t dampened by the defeat. The players have poured their heart and soul into all 63 games this season. As a group, they’ve taken another proper step forward, regardless of the Champions League loss.