PSG vs Arsenal reaction splits between João Neves swipe and Luis Enrique praise

PSG's Champions League final win in Budapest produced two very different reactions. João Neves took the sharper line, saying PSG were “the only team willing to play”. Luis Enrique went the other way, telling Arsenal they are “getting closer and closer” and will win the competition soon.

How the final turned before the shootout

Kai Havertz scored for Arsenal in the 6th minute, giving Mikel Arteta's side the start they wanted. PSG levelled through Ousmane Dembélé, who converted from the penalty spot in the 65th minute after Cristhian Mosquera brought down Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

The shootout was decided by missed penalties from Gabriel Magalhães and Eberechi Eze. The brief gives conflicting reporting on the final shootout score, but both outlets agree PSG won it and Arsenal left Budapest empty-handed.

Why Enrique's praise matters more than the swipe

Enrique's comments were fuller and more revealing than Neves's jab. “Arsenal are getting closer and closer,” he said. “This team adds a bit more attacking power and desire. This team can have everything.” He also said they “played great” and that they “try to take the match into phases they are strong.”

That is a fair read of where Arsenal are. The numbers in the brief back it up, with Arsenal winning all 8 matches in the Champions League phase and conceding only 4 before the final. They also went into the game as Premier League champions and had won their last five matches in all competitions.

Neves had the final word in tone, though not in substance. His own final rating was 7.6, which fits the edge in his post-match message. PSG's 4-3-3 also helped them keep pressure on Arsenal after falling behind early, and the shape held up once the game opened out.

The bigger takeaway is that both reactions are true to type. Neves leaned into the win. Enrique leaned into the performance level of the beaten side. On the evidence here, the coach's line feels more credible, because it matches how Arsenal reached the final and how close the game stayed after the opener.

Arsenal do not have a consolation prize for that, only a run that ended in penalties. PSG move on as winners, and the post-final story now sits between a public swipe and a pretty clear endorsement of what Arteta's team are becoming.