Journalist Tran Giap: "It would be a mistake to rate Arsenal lower than PSG in the Champions League final"

Ex-Manchester United star Gary Neville thinks Arsenal are seen as underdogs against PSG in the Champions League final. However, does reality reflect that view?

Gary Neville's assessment ahead of the Champions League final between Arsenal and PSG has drawn significant attention from experts. The former Manchester United captain argued that the English side would enter the match as the "underdog" against a PSG team at the peak of their power under Luis Enrique.

Neville regards PSG as the strongest team in Europe right now and asserts that Arsenal will face an extremely tough challenge if they want to cap off their historic season with a Champions League title.

However, according to journalist Tran Giap from the Sports and Culture Newspaper, Neville's assessment somewhat underestimates Arsenal's true strength under Mikel Arteta.

"PSG is clearly a very strong team. They have experience, composure, and a top-tier coach like Luis Enrique. But calling Arsenal the 'underdog' is, in my opinion, not entirely accurate," journalist Tran Giap commented.

Specifically, modern football is no longer a game decided solely by the number of stars or squad value, but depends greatly on how a team is organized and operates. "PSG may have more outstanding individuals, but Arsenal is currently one of the best tactically structured teams in Europe."

Also according to journalist Tran Giap, Arsenal's greatest strength lies in their stability and discipline in play. "The current Arsenal doesn't play on emotion. They play based on structure and organization. Every position, every distance between lines, and every pressing situation is very carefully calculated."

In his view, this factor is especially crucial in big matches, particularly a Champions League final, where pressure and emotions often cause many teams to lose their balance.

"Arsenal doesn't press recklessly or charge forward at all costs. They control the tempo of the match very well and know how to make opponents play the way they want."

According to journalist Tran Giap, this is precisely the foundation that could help Arsenal make a difference against PSG, despite the French team being rated higher in terms of experience and individual quality.

The 2025-26 Champions League final will take place at 23:00 on May 30, 2026. PSG are the reigning European champions. They have also just won Ligue 1. Meanwhile, Arsenal are making their second appearance in a Champions League final. They have also just won the English Premier League after a 22-year wait.