There is no denying it will take a monumental Arsenal effort against PSG if they are to lift the Champions League trophy for the first time.
Reigning champions PSG have netted 44 goals in just 16 matches in Europe – with six of them coming in the semi-final against Bayern, who themselves scored 43.
Only Barcelona, who scored 45 times in 16 matches in 1999-00, have more in a single season.
One only has to look at last season’s final to appreciate how quickly Luis Enrique’s PSG side can blow teams away. Inter Milan conceded just once in their eight league-phase matches, but shipped five in one of the most one-sided European finals.
The Gunners defeated PSG 2-0 at Emirates Stadium in the league phase of last season’s competition, but the French side prevailed in the semi-finals, running out 3-1 aggregate winners on their way to clinching their maiden title.
Arsenal will now hope to avenge that heartbreak in perfect fashion in Hungary at Puskas Arena.
“The final will be fascinating,” Hargreaves said. “PSG will be more attacking than they were against Bayern, but this is a different Arsenal now.
“They went through a little blip the last few weeks. They believe now. They have a chance. They just have to believe.”
“It’s interesting the way people have viewed Arsenal in recent weeks – people think the wheels were coming off,” former Blackburn Rovers striker Chris Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“But they are a very capable team. Arsenal have a real chance – it can be 50/50 game. Arsenal are capable on their day.”
Arteta’s side are not shy in front of goal, either. They have 67 goals in 35 Premier League matches – with only Manchester City bettering their record in the English top flight with 69 in 34 games.
Of course, having the best defence is not a guarantee of success in the Champions League.
According to Opta, only Bayern Munich – in 2019-20 with a per-game xGA of 0.62 – and Manchester City – in 2022-23 with a per-game xGA of 0.81 – have won the competition while boasting the season’s best xGA record since 2013-14.
But what it offers Arsenal and Arteta is a solid platform to build on, against what will be a formidable challenge in the Hungarian capital.
