Arteta Sees Silver Lining In Gunners' Tears

Boss hails Arsenal as best team, says crying after defeat by PSG shows players' hunger

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PARIS - Mikel Arteta defiantly insisted Arsenal were the best team in the Champions League this season, despite their semi-final exit against Paris Saint-Germain on May 7 which left his players in tears.

The Spaniard's Premier League side crashed to a 3-1 aggregate defeat after losing 2-1 in the second leg at the Parc des Princes. It was a painful loss for the Gunners, who created numerous chances in the early stages, only to be denied by a series of superb saves from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Goals from midfielder Fabian Ruiz and defender Achraf Hakimi put PSG in control and, although forward Bukayo Saka reduced the deficit, it was too late to spark a sensational fightback.

PSG will meet Inter Milan in the final on May 31, while Arsenal face up to a trophy drought that has now extended to five years.

Arteta responded to the loss in combative fashion, claiming Arsenal were as good as the Ligue 1 champions and were unlucky not to have beaten them.

"When you look at the two games, their best player on the pitch has been the goalkeeper. He has been the difference for them in the tie," Arteta said.