Arsenal's Champions League Title Shot Feels Liberating, Says Eze Ahead Of PSG Final

Arsenal approach the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain with a sense of freedom, according to Eberechi Eze, after ending the club's 22-year wait for a Premier League title and putting themselves one match away from a first European crown.

Eze, who arrived from Crystal Palace last summer, believes that securing the domestic title has changed the squad's mindset, reducing tension ahead of the meeting with PSG and allowing Arsenal to focus on creating history in Europe's top club competition.

The North London side are contesting their first Champions League final since 2006, when Barcelona denied them the trophy, and Arsenal now chase a maiden triumph that would add a European title to the Premier League success already achieved this season.

If Arsenal defeat PSG, they will become the 25th different team to win the Champions League or European Cup and the third first-time champion in the past four editions, following Manchester City in 2023 and PSG in 2025, underlining how the competition's roll of honour is still growing.

Victory in this final would also see Arsenal join Chelsea as Champions League winners from London, making the English capital the first city with two separate champions and only the third city overall with multiple winners, after Milan and Manchester in European football history.

England could also move further clear of other nations in terms of club variety; Arsenal would be the seventh different English side to lift the trophy, while no other country has produced more than three distinct Champions League or European Cup winners.

"The Champions League final is what dreams are made of, Eze told Sky Sports. These are things that you've spoken about and wanted as a kid. To be able actually to be there is a special thing."

Arsenal Champions League momentum and Eze confidence vs PSG

Eze links Arsenal's relaxed mood to the emotional lift of winning the league, explaining that the team now carry strong belief and energy into the showdown with PSG, viewing the match as a rare chance to complete a double that would redefine the club's modern era.

"Confident? Yeah for sure. I feel like we've achieved something that means so much to us and the joy, the confidence, the power that comes with that is special. So I'm sure we'll be bringing that on the day as well. It's quite liberating. It's an opportunity to do something that has never been done before. Loads of people have had the opportunity. We are just another group of people that have the opportunity and I pray that we take it. When we do, it will be a special moment for sure."

Arsenal Champions League defensive structure vs PSG

Much of Arsenal's progress to the final has been built on organisation without the ball, with Mikel Arteta facing criticism at times for a pragmatic, defence-first approach that values structure and set-piece strength ahead of expansive attacking play.

Those methods have delivered outstanding numbers in Europe this season, as shown below.

Arsenal have recorded nine clean sheets in the Champions League, three more than any other side, and conceded only six goals, while PSG have allowed 22 goals, giving the English champions a strong defensive platform against opponents who have been more open at the back.

Arsenal Champions League resilience and media noise vs PSG

Arsenal's season almost unravelled in April, when defeats to Bournemouth and Manchester City raised doubts about their title push, yet Eze believes handling that difficult stretch has left the squad mentally stronger before facing PSG on the biggest European stage.

"You go through ups and downs and loads of noise in the media, Eze said. But, at the end, all that matters is who won. And it doesn't matter how you won, it doesn't matter what you did to win. To do it how we've done it, for me, is also quite special because we've blocked out so much noise, so much attention around us. Style of play is very subjective. There are so many different opinions about it but ultimately, when you are winning games, that's all that matters."

With a Premier League title secured, a strong defensive record in Europe and a chance to become London’s second Champions League winner, Arsenal head into the final against PSG with belief, viewing the match as a rare opportunity to match historic milestones for both club and city.