Former France international Christophe Dugarry has launched a blistering attack on Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta following the club’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final.
Arsenal fell short in Budapest after losing on penalties to PSG following a 1-1 draw after extra time, missing the chance to add a first Champions League title to their Premier League triumph.
The Gunners made a bright start and took the lead through Kai Havertz after just six minutes.
However, PSG gradually took control of possession before Ousmane Dembele equalised from the penalty spot.
Speaking on RMC Sport’s Rothen S’enflamme programme, Dugarry criticised Arsenal’s tactical approach, accusing the Premier League champions of abandoning their attacking identity.
He said: “We saw clearances, an Arsenal team that systematically tried to waste time. “It was simply unbearable, intolerable.
“And what almost proved terrible for football and the people who love it is that they almost gave the illusion that by creating and doing so little, you can win the Champions League.”
The 1998 FIFA World Cup winner reserved even stronger criticism for Arteta and his players, claiming they approached the final with excessive confidence.
Dugarry said: “They’re a bunch of clowns. “They arrived with an inflated ego, with Arteta saying, ‘We’re going to beat them’… I’m so glad Arsenal got the short end of the stick, and I hope that if they ever want to win it, they’ll start playing football.
“This isn’t Arsenal! This club has a history, they’re the Gunners, there’s a legacy, a style of football. They can’t play like that, it’s impossible.”
Dugarry’s comments came as debate continued over Arsenal’s decision to adopt a defensive strategy after taking an early lead against the French champions.
Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley also questioned Arsenal’s approach, arguing that the team focused too much on protecting their advantage instead of pursuing a second goal.
Burley said: “Let’s lay it out on the table, when they scored after six minutes, they tried to defend their way to the 90th minute. “Had it been PSG who scored after six minutes, they would have carried on attacking and probing and trying to win the game. “And that’s the contrast in how these two teams approach, not only the final, but approach football.”
Despite winning the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years, Arsenal ended the campaign without European silverware after their penalty shootout defeat to PSG in Budapest.
