Arsenal's Aerial Prowess Gives Gunners Edge Over PSG, Says Pirlo—But Paris Get His 60-40 Nod

Andrea Pirlo has pinpointed a crucial edge Arsenal possess heading into the Champions League final against PSG, even as he tips the Parisians to edge it.

The Italian midfield maestro, who lifted Europe's premier trophy twice during his time at AC Milan in 2003 and 2007, believes Mikel Arteta's men possess a structural advantage that could prove decisive in Budapest on Saturday. The Gunners, riding high after claiming their first Premier League crown in 22 years, will face holders PSG in what represents Arsenal's first Champions League final appearance in two decades.

Pirlo's key observation centres on Arsenal's set-piece arsenal. "They have two central defenders and a striker who are very good in the air. They will look to take advantage," he explained to Sky Sports. "Arsenal have the ability in these situations because they study it. I have been following them a lot in the Premier League and Champions League."

The former Juventus star continued: "They have had a great run in the last few years, not just this year, and they deserved to win the Premier League title. PSG do not have these big jumpers so they will have to look for different solutions."

Yet despite this tactical vulnerability for the Ligue 1 champions, Pirlo still rates PSG as slight favourites. His reasoning? Luis Enrique's credentials and the holders' pedigree.

"Luis Enrique is the best coach in the world at the moment," Pirlo said. "He has created a strong team, a strong mentality with young players. It is a real pleasure to see them do well and even better to watch them because it is fast, dynamic, technical football that everyone likes. It is set up well because PSG are the holders, while for Arsenal it is the first time in the final in 20 years but they come in having just won a Premier League. I make it 60-40 for Paris."

Wenger's More Bullish Take

Arsène Wenger, the man who built Arsenal into a European force, takes a markedly different view. The legendary former Gunners boss sees the contest as genuinely competitive and has backed his old club to prevail.

"I want this trophy to go to the Emirates because it's missing there," Wenger told UEFA. "We touched it before – we were thirteen minutes away from winning it – so you want it to happen this time."

The Frenchman believes Arsenal's trajectory warrants optimism. "I've always said that you work in a club to make sure it's in a good position to continue to progress. Overall, I believe this is a stage where we can grab it. I still believe it's 50-50 in the final, and if I had to bet, I would bet on Arsenal more than on Paris Saint-Germain."

Wenger emphasised the significance of Arsenal's consistency and defensive solidity. "I feel the club deserves it, this season deserves it and the consistency of the team deserves it. I think Arsenal have slowly built a history that now allows them to win it."

He identified Arsenal's defensive discipline as paramount. "This Arsenal team's main strength is their ability to keep a clean sheet, and in a final that is very important. Then you have to be efficient. Your moment will come in the game and you have to be ruthless."

The former manager also highlighted Arsenal's potency from set plays. "PSG have huge attacking potential, but Arsenal also have individual quality and are very strong on set pieces, which can have a huge influence in a final. Once you are 1–0 up, everything starts to play to your strengths when you are strong defensively. Arsenal can always be dangerous."