Former French international Patrice Evra anticipates a one-sided affair in the Champions League final on Saturday evening between defending champions Paris Saint-Germain and FC Arsenal.
Evra, who won the Champions League in 2008 with Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Manchester United, stated to GOAL: «If PSG has all players available, if Ousmane Dembele and the others are ready, then they will destroy Arsenal.»
The 45-year-old attributes this prediction to the current form of both teams. He believes Paris is currently at the pinnacle of football, while Arsenal’s recent performances might be misleading compared to their record.
«For me, PSG is currently dominating the football world,» Evra enthused, warning Arsenal with the memory of the defending champions’ 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in last year’s final: «I hope Arsenal doesn’t hide. If they park the bus, as they are known to do, PSG will concede them five goals like they did to Inter. (…)»
Evra Fears Arsenal Will Have ‘No Chance’
Despite PSG’s perceived favoritism, Mikel Arteta’s team is expected to approach the final in Budapest’s Puskas Arena with confidence, having recently secured the English championship after a 22-year drought. The club has also impressed in the Champions League, finishing top of their group with eight wins in eight games and conceding only four goals.
However, criticism of Arsenal’s playing style persists, with the team often relying on a solid defense and exceptional strength in set-piece situations.
While Evra acknowledges that «anything can happen in a game,» he contrasts the teams’ recent performances: «If you look at PSG’s semi-final against Bayern Munich and compare it to Arsenal’s against Atletico — that’s something else. (…) When I compare the styles, PSG can beat Arsenal the way Inter was beaten back then. If Mikel Arteta doesn’t have a plan to play better football, they will have no chance.»
Arsenal and PSG have met before in the Champions League last year, with contrasting outcomes. While the Londoners won 2-0 in the group stage, the French side ultimately prevailed 3-1 in the semi-final.