Gerrard: Arsenal Can Upset PSG if They Make it Uncomfortable in Budapest Final

Steven Gerrard has backed Arsenal to pull off a shock against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, insisting the underdog tag could actually work in the Gunners' favour.

PSG booked their place in Budapest on May 30 after seeing off Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate, with Harry Kane's late equaliser securing a 1-1 draw on Wednesday evening in the second leg. Luis Enrique's men will be chasing back-to-back European crowns when they face Premier League leaders Arsenal, who are seeking their first Champions League triumph. The Londoners' sole previous final appearance came in 2006, when Barcelona won 2-1 in Paris.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Gerrard acknowledged the scale of the task but pointed to his own experience of unlikely glory. "I know more than anyone that an underdog can win this final," he reflected, referencing his Liverpool side's 2005 triumph over AC Milan. "Arsenal will have to be the best versions of themselves. Every single player will have to turn up, but of course they've got a chance. Being the underdogs might even suit this Arsenal team."

The former Liverpool captain outlined a tactical blueprint for success: Arsenal must deploy their physical presence and aerial threat while making life difficult for PSG. "They need to use their physicality, their size, make every set-piece count and take PSG to places they don't want to go and make it uncomfortable for them," Gerrard suggested. He also noted that securing the Premier League title would provide crucial momentum heading into the final.

Regarding PSG's semi-final victory, Gerrard felt the French outfit had earned their progression. "Over the two legs they deserved to go through," he said. "The first leg was a shootout but they got their heads in front and tonight was a defensive masterclass. PSG just had the edge over them."

Owen Hargreaves, analysing alongside Gerrard, similarly believes Arsenal possess the tools to spring a surprise. "Arsenal have a chance, without a doubt," Hargreaves stated. "With that defence, the goalkeeper, Declan Rice deeper in midfield… they can definitely do it in a one-off game. But this PSG team? They've got so many ways to hurt you."

Hargreaves highlighted how Arsenal have rediscovered their belief following a difficult patch in the season. "This is a different Arsenal now," he observed. "They believe again after they went through that blip. They have a chance."