Ahead of facing PSG in the Champions League Final, Mikel Arteta is drawing lessons from last season.

Saturday, 30 May 2026 | 07:04

Author: Arif S

Manajer Arsenal Mikel Arteta.
Source: Antara/Xinhua/Ulrich Hufnagel

Summary

1. Mikel Arteta is using Arsenal's three matches against PSG from last season as evaluation reference ahead of the Champions League final in Budapest.

2. Although Arsenal secured one win and suffered two defeats against PSG in those prior encounters, Arteta assesses that both teams have since developed in different ways.

3. The Spanish manager is optimistic that his squad can correct the weaknesses that were observed during the previous meetings between the two sides.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is using experience from facing Paris Saint-Germain last season as reference for evaluation ahead of the Champions League Final at Puskás Aréna, Saturday evening 30 May 2026. Arsenal and PSG are already very familiar with one another after meeting on three separate occasions last campaign.

Last season, The Gunners secured victory over PSG in the Champions League group stage, but were outperformed by the French side across both legs of the semi-final tie.

Arteta confirmed that lessons gathered from those three matches are being used to prepare his squad for the upcoming final fixture.

Champions League Final: Arsenal Chase New History, PSG Aim for Back-to-Back Titles

Enrique is not complacent over PSG's resounding victory in last season's Champions League final.

PSG eliminated Bayern Munich and will face Arsenal in the Champions League final.

"We are absolutely drawing on examples and everything we learned across those three games, there are so many valuable takeaways from those encounters," Arteta stated, in quotes published on the club's official website Saturday.

Even so, the Spanish head coach emphasised that current circumstances differ greatly from last season. He noted that both Arsenal and PSG have undergone significant development, meaning previous head-to-head results cannot be used as an absolute benchmark for this match.

"It is correct that we have evolved in different ways, and they have also developed along their own path. Their entire situation is also different now," Arteta added.

Ahead of the showpiece final in Budapest, Arteta confirmed Arsenal's preparations are proceeding fully according to plan. All squad members, including Bukayo Saka, are in excellent mental condition and fully prepared for the huge challenge of the final.

Arteta stated Arsenal have rightfully earned their place in the final after delivering consistent performances throughout the entire competition. The team's entire focus now is to complete their run by claiming the first Champions League trophy in the club's history.

"It is going very well. Preparations are excellent, extremely focused, and the mood is very positive. We are here because we earned this right, through the way we have played and performed across this whole tournament," he concluded.

With the foundation of last season's experience and all the progress built over the current campaign, Arsenal aim to apply lessons from their prior defeats, overcome PSG and lift the Champions League trophy in Budapest.

Quick Answer

Mikel Arteta Uses Last Season PSG Matches For Champions League Final Preparation

Mikel Arteta is using Arsenal's three previous matches against PSG from last season as evaluation reference for the upcoming Champions League final in Budapest. While Arsenal won one and lost two of those games, Arteta notes both sides have since evolved significantly.

Arteta is reviewing all three prior Arsenal vs PSG matches from last season for final preparation
Arsenal recorded 1 win and 2 defeats against PSG in their previous head-to-head encounters
Both clubs have developed differently, so past results are not a definitive match benchmark
All Arsenal squad members including Bukayo Saka are in good condition ahead of the final

Mikel Arteta is drawing direct lessons from Arsenal's three matches against PSG last season as the club prepares for the Champions League final at Puskás Aréna in Budapest on 30 May 2026. The two sides are already very familiar opponents after meeting repeatedly during the prior campaign.

Previous head to head history

Last season, Arsenal secured a victory over PSG during the Champions League group stage, but were defeated by the French club across both legs of the tournament semi final. Arteta has confirmed all observations and takeaways from these three fixtures are being actively used to structure final preparations for his squad.

"We are absolutely drawing on examples and everything we learned across those three games, there are so many valuable takeaways from those encounters," the manager stated via Arsenal's official club channels.

Evolution of both teams

Despite using past matches for reference, Arteta has emphasised that previous results cannot be treated as a definitive guide for the upcoming final. Both Arsenal and PSG have undergone significant development and changed circumstances since those fixtures were played.

"It is correct that we have evolved in different ways, and they have also developed along their own path. Their entire situation is also different now," he added.

Current squad preparation status

As of pre-final preparations, Arteta has confirmed training is proceeding fully according to plan. All squad members including Bukayo Saka are reported to be in excellent mental condition, with a positive focused mood across the group.

Arteta noted Arsenal have rightfully earned their place in the final after consistent performances throughout the competition. The squad's full focus is now set on claiming the first Champions League trophy in the club's history.

Built on lessons from prior defeats and progress made over the current campaign, Arsenal will aim to overcome PSG and lift the European trophy in Budapest.