Four Arsenal stars named in Champions League semi-finals worst XI after PSG defeat
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Arsenal’s Champions League heartbreak has been further compounded after four of their players were named in the worst XI of the semi-finals, according to data analysts at Sofascore.
Mikel Arteta’s side saw their European dreams dashed on Wednesday night, exiting the competition with a 3-1 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners had enjoyed a memorable run to the last four, finishing third in the League Phase before overcoming PSV Eindhoven and Real Madrid in the knockout rounds.
Despite creating opportunities across both legs of their semi-final clash, Arsenal were ultimately undone by PSG’s superior quality, as the French giants secured a place in the final against Inter Milan.
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The Gunners’ shortcomings were laid bare when Sofascore published their worst XI from the semi-final ties. The line-up, set in a 3-4-3 formation, included four Arsenal players, highlighting the team’s struggles in key areas.
Defender William Saliba was selected at right centre-back after receiving a disappointing average rating of just 6.40 across the two legs. Arsenal’s backline was frequently exposed by PSG’s dynamic attack, with Saliba enduring a particularly difficult tie.
Club captain Martin Ødegaard, who has faced mounting criticism in recent weeks, also featured in the worst XI, earning a 6.60 rating in midfield. The Norwegian midfielder came close to opening the scoring early in the second leg, only to be denied by a stunning save from Gianluigi Donnarumma. While Ødegaard was far from poor, PSG’s midfield trio of Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabián Ruiz proved too strong over the two matches.
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Arsenal’s biggest representation in the underperforming XI came in attack, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both making the list. Martinelli, rated 6.40, missed a golden chance early in the second leg, while Trossard, who received a 6.55 rating, was benched for the return fixture after a subdued display in the first leg.
Elsewhere in the worst XI, former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny featured after conceding seven goals during Barcelona’s heavy defeat to Inter Milan. In defence, Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí—who gave away a first-half penalty in the second leg—received the lowest rating of 6.25, while Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni completed the back three.
The disappointing individual performances will no doubt sting for Arsenal, who now turn their focus back to domestic matters after falling agonisingly short of a historic Champions League final appearance.
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