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Arsenal’s wait for their first European title continues after falling to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, with Joao Neves taking a subtle jab at the Gunners’ defensive approach.

The final, held at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, saw PSG retain their European crown after a dramatic penalty shootout victory. Kai Havertz gave Arsenal an early lead in the sixth minute, but Ousmane Dembele equalised from the spot following a foul by Cristhian Mosquera on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia midway through the second half.

The match went to penalties, where Gabriel missed the crucial spot-kick after Eberechi Eze and Nuno Mendes had both seen their efforts saved, sealing PSG’s triumph.

After taking the early lead, Arsenal fell back into a deep defensive block, allowing the reigning champions to dominate possession. Their main attacking outlet became long balls towards Havertz, who was isolated up front for much of the game.

Speaking after the match, Neves said, “The emotion is there. It’s the second time I’ve become a European champion. What makes me happiest isn’t just the victory, but being part of a team with such incredible players, staff, and management.”

He added, “Joining PSG was the best decision of my career. I love everything about this club. We deserved the win today because PSG were the only team who truly wanted to play.”

Arsenal’s pragmatic style has come under scrutiny before. Earlier this season, Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler was caught on camera telling Piero Hincapie to “f****** play football” during a Premier League clash between the two sides. Following his team’s 1-0 defeat that day, Hurzeler criticised Arsenal further, claiming that “Arsenal are making their own rules.”

The north London side were chasing their first European trophy, two decades after losing the 2006 Champions League final to Barcelona in Paris. However, history repeated itself as they once again fell short on the continental stage.

PSG manager Luis Enrique also weighed in after the match, suggesting Arsenal’s early goal came from fortune rather than design. “I think the match started in the best possible way for them,” Enrique told TNT Sports. “After that, the pressure was on them because they know how to defend.”

While Arsenal will still parade their Premier League trophy through the streets of north London, their celebrations will be bittersweet, with only one piece of silverware to show for their efforts this season after the heartbreak in Hungary.