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Gary Lineker has delivered a candid evaluation of Arsenal’s place among Europe’s elite after their dramatic Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Even though Mikel Arteta guided the Gunners to a momentous Premier League triumph, the former England striker feels the north London club still trails behind three of the continent’s powerhouses in terms of pure footballing entertainment.

Football reigned supreme in Budapest

Arsenal’s dream of completing a historic double ended in heartbreak in Budapest. Kai Havertz gave them an early advantage, but Paris Saint-Germain levelled through an Ousmane Dembele penalty before emerging victorious in a nerve-racking penalty shootout. While the outcome was difficult to accept for Arsenal fans, Lineker stated that the better team ultimately came out on top.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the football legend remarked that PSG’s attacking brand of football deserved to win the competition. “It was obviously disappointing for Arsenal but I do think the best team in the tournament has won again,” said Lineker. “Watching it purely as a fan, I think Arsenal had to play that way because they wouldn’t have beaten PSG with any other approach, but at the same time I believe football won.”

The entertainment elite

Lineker didn’t stop at praising PSG; he went further to identify three clubs he believes currently play at a higher artistic level than Arteta’s Arsenal. While he acknowledged the Gunners’ defensive excellence, he maintained that they remain just outside the elite circle of teams that produce “wonderful football.”

“I know there are many different ways to play and there’s nothing wrong with being defensive,” Lineker said. “But football is also about entertainment, and fans want to see teams that are positive, creative, full of top players and playing beautiful football. For me, this season the three sides that have shown that are PSG, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona.”

Arteta’s tactical pragmatism

Arsenal’s cautious approach in the final has drawn discussion among fans and pundits, with some suggesting Arteta was overly conservative against the reigning champions. Lineker, however, conceded that a defensive setup was necessary given PSG’s superior individual talent. Despite Arsenal’s consistency throughout the competition, their campaign ended in disappointment when Eberechi Eze and Gabriel missed their penalties in the shootout.

Reflecting on the contest, Lineker noted: “Arsenal are outstanding defensively, and PSG didn’t create much because of their organisation, but as a neutral observer, I think it was a good result for football. In terms of how football should be played, the best team won.”

Dealing with the pain

Arteta was visibly emotional after the loss, calling the experience “painful” as his side came agonisingly close to an unforgettable double. Despite the defeat, he showed great sportsmanship in praising the victors, who claimed back-to-back Champions League titles. “They are a superb team and I congratulate them. The individual quality they possess and the way they are managed – they are a top, top team,” Arteta said.

Nevertheless, the mood lifted for Arsenal shortly after, as the team celebrated their first Premier League crown in 22 years with an open-top bus parade through north London. Thousands of fans turned up to cheer their champions, with the Premier League trophy gleaming amid a sea of red smoke and jubilation.