Arteta reiterates Arsenal ‘best in Europe’ claim | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has reiterated his view that Arsenal were the best team in the Champions League this season.

Arsenal exited Europe in midweek after a 2-1 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain. The North London side lost home and away to the French champions in the semi-finals this week, though Arteta insisted post-match that Arsenal had been the better side.

Arsenal led the xG in the tie, creating 5.11 to Paris Saint-Germain’s 3.08 over the two contests. Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Liverpool, Arteta said the statistics back his view.

“I’ve watched it back, seen all the stats. We had the best stats and best goal difference in the semi-final so it is very clear.

“But it is not about the winning probability, it’s about making it happen and making it count. When you look at the most important stat I normally give you, the best platform to win football matches is crystal clear – who was better.”

Arsenal’s exit from the Champions League means the Gunners will end a fifth consecutive campaign without silverware.

The North Londoners face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday and Arteta has confirmed his team will give the newly-crowned Premier League champions a guard of honour.

“They deserve it,” he said.

“They’ve been the better team. What their coaching staff have done…and they fully deserve it and that’s sport.

“When someone’s better you have to respect that.”

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