Steven Gerrard tells Arsenal how to beat PSG in Champions league final
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has delivered a clear game plan for Arsenal ahead of their Champions League final showdown with Paris Saint-Germain.
“Use Your Physicality”: Steven Gerrard Tells Arsenal How To Dethrone PSG
The French champions booked their place in the Budapest final on May 30 after eliminating Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate.
PSG now face Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who narrowly beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 over two legs to reach their first European final since 2006.
Gerrard, who famously inspired Liverpool’s miraculous comeback against AC Milan in the 2005 final, believes Arsenal can cause an upset despite entering the match as underdogs.
“I know more than anyone that an underdog can win this final,” Gerrard told TNT Sports:.
“Arsenal are playing against a high-quality team with an elite manager, so they will have to be the best versions of themselves.
Every single player must turn up, but of course they have a chance. Being the underdogs might suit this Arsenal team.”
The former England captain then outlined exactly how the Premier League leaders should approach the game.
“They need to use their physicality and their size,” Gerrard said.
“Make every set-piece count and take PSG to places they don’t want to go. Make it uncomfortable for them.”
Gerrard also noted that winning the Premier League title would provide Arsenal with massive belief.
Arteta’s side currently sit five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.
Former England teammate Owen Hargreaves echoed Gerrard’s optimism.
“Arsenal have a chance without a doubt,” he said.
“With that defence, Declan Rice deeper in midfield… they can definitely do it in a one-off game.”
PSG reached the final after a “defensive masterclass” in the second leg against Bayern, according to Gerrard, who praised Luis Enrique’s side for having “the edge” over the German champions.
Arsenal will enter the final hoping to emulate Gerrard’s 2005 heroes and silence the favourites.