Luis Enrique Hails Arsenal's Defensive Prowess Ahead of Champions League Final Showdown

Luis Enrique has delivered a glowing assessment of Arsenal's defensive capabilities as Paris St Germain prepare to face the Gunners in this month's Champions League final.

The PSG boss reserved particular praise for Mikel Arteta's side's work without possession, declaring them unrivalled in that department. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Enrique acknowledged Arsenal's attacking prowess too, but singled out their pressing and shape as the defining characteristic of their play.

"We've faced Mikel Arteta's Arsenal and we're well aware of their quality in possession," Enrique explained. "But defensively, they're the best team in the world—there's simply no question about it. They're also lethal going forward and can put plenty of goals past you."

Arsenal clinched their first league crown since 2004 on Tuesday, ending a two-decade drought. Enrique suggested their presence in Budapest on May 30 was entirely predictable given their overall standard.

The Spanish tactician underlined how crucial defensive discipline would be in the final itself, using Ousmane Dembele as an example of the commitment required. He highlighted how the PSG forward's tireless work ethic off the ball often goes unnoticed compared to his attacking contributions.

"He's constantly defending, regardless of the occasion or how much time remains," Enrique noted. "That's crucial. People tend to focus on what strikers do in the box—goals and assists—but they overlook the defensive side. When you haven't got the ball, defending is everything."

Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman offered his own take on the Gunners' achievement and their prospects in Europe. Speaking on Sky Sports following the title triumph, he reflected on the emotional significance of ending the long wait.

"This brings back plenty of memories, but we're talking about the current Arsenal, today's team," Seaman said. "Every Arsenal supporter has now witnessed us win the league, and that's something truly special."

Seaman acknowledged the frustration of the 22-year gap between titles, particularly given the club's winning tradition during his playing days. Yet he stressed that the breakthrough would galvanise the squad moving forward.

"You'd never have imagined it would take that long," he continued. "We used to win trophies regularly when I was here—that was the standard. Going that long without one was tough. But none of that matters anymore. We've done it again."

The former custodian believes the psychological impact of finally tasting success could prove transformative for Arteta's team, potentially triggering a period of sustained dominance.

"The mental weight that's been lifted will be enormous," Seaman suggested. "I wouldn't be shocked if they go on to rack up more titles now they've had a taste of it."

He also defended the narrative around Arsenal's three consecutive runner-up finishes, viewing them as evidence of progression rather than failure.

"Three seasons of finishing second is ordinarily considered strong," Seaman reasoned. "Yet some people made it out to be negative. It wasn't. It showed we were getting closer each time. We've taken another step, and now we're in with a genuine opportunity to do something really special with that double."

When pressed for his prediction regarding the final, Seaman kept his response simple: "Winning is what matters, not the manner of it. But there's something rather nice about '1-0 to the Arsenal', isn't there?"