Arsenal's Champions League losers labelled 'a bunch of clowns'

Paris Saint-Germain v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League Final 2026

Former French forward Christophe Dugarry has launched a scathing attack on Mikel Arteta's Arsenal following their heartbreaking Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The World Cup winner labelled the Premier League champions "a bunch of clowns" for employing an ultra-defensive strategy, accusing the Londoners of arriving in Budapest with an "inflated ego".

Dugarry blasts unbearable tactics

Arsenal came up short against PSG in the 2026 Champions League final in Budapest, losing on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Despite Kai Havertz opening the scoring in the sixth minute, the English title winners sat back and surrendered possession.

Speaking on RMC Sport’s Rothen S’enflamme programme, Dugarry unleashed a furious rant regarding their defensive display. "We saw clearances, an Arsenal team that systematically tried to waste time. It was simply unbearable, intolerable," he fumed. "And what almost proved terrible for football and the people who love it is that they almost gave the illusion that by creating and doing so little, you can win the Champions League."

Paris Saint-Germain v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League Final 2026

Accusations of an inflated ego

The 1998 World Cup winner did not hold back in his assessment of Arteta and his squad, brutally tearing into their mentality and perceived arrogance. Dugarry felt the Gunners betrayed their own history with such a negative approach on Europe's biggest stage.

"They’re a bunch of clowns," Dugarry added. "They arrived with an inflated ego, with Arteta saying, 'We’re going to beat them'… I’m so glad Arsenal got the short end of the stick, and I hope that if they ever want to win it, they’ll start playing football. This isn’t Arsenal! This club has a history, they’re the Gunners, there’s a legacy, a style of football. They can’t play like that, it’s impossible."

Pundits question defensive mindset

It was not just Dugarry who was left bewildered by the conservative tactics employed by the Premier League winners. Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley also criticised the game plan via ESPN, pointing out how strange it was for a top team to abandon their progressive style after grabbing such an early advantage. "Let’s lay it out on the table, when they scored after six minutes, they tried to defend their way to the 90th minute," Burley noted. "Had it been PSG who scored after six minutes, they would have carried on attacking and probing and trying to win the game. And that’s the contrast in how these two teams approach, not only the final, but approach football."

Paris Saint-Germain v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League Final 2026

What next for Arteta's men?

Arsenal must now dust themselves down and prepare for their upcoming pre-season tour. While securing the Premier League title was a massive achievement, their long wait for European glory continues. Arteta and his coaching staff will need to evaluate their tactical approach in high-stakes matches to ensure they can finally conquer the continent when the new campaign kicks off.