Steven Gerrard Champions League final advice: Arsenal must be physical to beat PSG

Steven Gerrard believes Arsenal can upset PSG in Champions League final but warns of brutal test in Budapest

Steven Gerrard has suggested Arsenal may actually benefit from being written off ahead of their Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, insisting the Premier League side can cause an upset if they make the game uncomfortable.

The final in Budapest on May 30 will see Mikel Arteta’s team face the reigning European champions, with PSG coming through a dramatic semi-final tie against Bayern Munich.

Harry Kane scored late in a 1-1 draw on the night, but it was not enough to stop the French side progressing 6-5 on aggregate.

Arsenal, meanwhile, arrive at their first Champions League final since 2006, when they lost narrowly to Barcelona. It is a long-awaited return to this stage, but also a meeting with a PSG team now chasing back-to-back titles.

The French champions are expected to go in as favourites, though Gerrard believes that label could actually work in Arsenal’s favour.

“Underdogs might suit Arsenal” – Gerrard’s verdict

Speaking on TNT Sports, the former Liverpool captain reflected on his own experiences in high-pressure finals and suggested that unpredictability is exactly what gives Arsenal hope.

“I know more than anyone that an underdog can win this final. It was a mismatch when we played AC Milan but anything can happen,” Gerrard said.

He stressed that Arsenal will need near-perfect performances across the pitch if they are to compete with PSG’s quality and tactical discipline.

“Arsenal are playing against a high-quality team with an elite manager so 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.”

It is not exactly the kind of message designed to remove nerves in north London, but it does reflect the reality of the situation.

PSG have experience, momentum and a squad built to handle nights like this. Arsenal, on the other hand, are still relatively new to this level again.

Gerrard also pointed to belief as a possible factor, particularly if Arsenal complete a Premier League title win before the final.

“If they can win the Premier League that will give them immense confidence and belief going into the final as well,” he said.

How Arsenal could trouble PSG

Gerrard also outlined the type of approach he believes could give Arsenal a chance in Budapest, focusing on physicality and set-pieces as potential equalisers in what is expected to be a high-level tactical battle.

“They’ve certainly got a chance. I think 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,” he explained.

It is a fairly direct assessment, but one that reflects how finals of this magnitude are often decided. Fine margins, moments of pressure, and the ability to disrupt rhythm tend to matter as much as possession or territory.

PSG, for all their attacking quality, have also shown they can be pushed physically in spells, even if they ultimately found enough control to eliminate Bayern Munich.

PSG’s route and Gerrard’s take on Bayern tie

Looking back at PSG’s semi-final, Gerrard had no hesitation in acknowledging that Luis Enrique’s side earned their place in the final.

“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.

“Bayern and Kompany played their part in the tie but the best team have gone through. PSG just had the edge over them.”

That defensive improvement has been one of the quieter but more important developments in PSG’s European run this season. While their attacking talent is well known, it was their organisation and control over two legs that ultimately separated them from Bayern.

Harry Kane’s late goal in Munich briefly raised tension, but PSG managed the tie overall with enough composure to see it through.

Hargreaves also backs Arsenal to compete

Gerrard was not the only former midfielder offering encouragement to Arsenal.

Owen Hargreaves also believes Arteta’s side have a genuine chance, particularly because of their defensive structure and midfield balance.

“Hargreaves thinks Arsenal definitely has a good opportunity. He mentioned their strong back players, their goalie, and Declan Rice playing further back in the middle of the field as key factors.

”He believes they could absolutely win a single game. However, he pointed out that the PSG team is very dangerous and has many ways to cause opponents trouble.

It will be a very interesting match, as this Arsenal team is different now. They feel confident again after experiencing a short period of bad form. Ultimately, he believes they have a real possibility of winning.”

That idea of belief is becoming a recurring theme around Arsenal this season. After a slightly uneven spell earlier in the campaign, their form has steadied, and they now head into the biggest match of their recent era with momentum rather than doubt.

What it all means ahead of the final

The picture is now set: PSG arrive as reigning champions, sharp and confident after another statement European run. Arsenal arrive as challengers, still learning at this level but increasingly convinced they belong here.

Gerrard’s view captures the balance perfectly. PSG may be stronger on paper, but finals are rarely decided on paper alone. Arsenal’s physicality, defensive strength and set-piece threat could all become crucial if they are to disrupt the favourites.

Still, the margin for error is almost non-existent.