Champions League

WATCHING this week’s Champions League semi-finals was the golden ticket for fans.And four West Ham players appeared to agree.West Ham players Max Kilman, Danny Ings and Aaron Cresswell were at Parc des Princes, as was back-up keeper Wes FoderinghamCredit: GettyMartin Odegaard & Co endured Champions League woe as Arsenal exitedCredit: AFPKeen-eyed viewers might have been surprised to see the quartet in the stands as Arsenal took on Paris Saint-Germain in the French capital – a day after Inter Milan completed a 7-6 aggregate triumph over Barcelona.Managers often blame testing midweek trips to Europe for poor Premier League displays just days later.But amid a tough domestic season for the Hammers, their players knew the pressure was off them – and all on the Gunners – who trailed 1-0 for Wednesday’s return leg.Two of the London Stadium stars were former England men in left-back Aaron Cresswell, 35, and 32-year-old striker Danny Ings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey were joined by ex-Wolves centre-back Max Kilman, 27.And third-choice stopper Wes Foderingham, 34, who has yet to play a senior game since arriving at West Ham last June, was there too.But for most of the season, Europe has been the furthest thing from the Hammers’ minds.Club chiefs sacked manager Julen Lopetegui in January after half a season in the lower reaches of the Prem.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd successor Graham Potter has hardly fared better.With three top-flight games left, West Ham are fourth bottom, albeit safe from the drop.Arsenal fan Micah Richards MISSING from CBS Sports panel for crunch clash with PSG… as he parties with Gooners in ParisThat’s because promoted trio Ipswich, Leicester and Southampton have long been guaranteed to go straight back down.The Hammers’ foursome could afford to wear big grins at Parc des Princes as they saw the Gunners take the strain.They wondered to their seats, seemingly unrecognised by those around them.And one possible answer as to why they had made the trip across the channel loomed large in just the third minute.West Ham legend Declan Rice was in prominent action – with Arsenal’s record £105million buy heading a gaping chance to level the tie off target.PSG stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma soon produced two stunning saves.But Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi fired home to put PSG 2-0 up on the night, 3-0 on aggregate.And Bukayo Saka’s bundled reply on 76 minutes proved in vain.Read More on The SunBut although it was a contrasting night for the Hammers and the Arsenal team they were watching, both sets of players will have to get over their travels in time for massive Prem matches on Sunday.West Ham visit Manchester United, while the second-placed Gunners travel to new champions Liverpool.Arsenal ratings v PSG ARSENAL’S Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get go. And so it proved.Despite early pressure, Arsenal found themselves behind following a Fabian Ruiz volley.Achraf Hakimi then added a brutal second mere moments after David Raya had kept Arsenal in the tie by denying Vitinha from the penalty spot.But Bukayo Saka, who had been denied all night by old nemesis Donnarumma, finally bested the Italian in the 76th minute when he made the most of a deflected cross to round him and fire into the net.With the deficit on the night halved, Saka then had the chance to level the score as he was found free in the middle with an open goal at his mercy.But the winger was unable to keep the ball down once he made contact and saw his effort sail miles over the bar.PSG then saw out the result without further worry to book their spot in the Munich final against Inter Milan.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners in Paris. More

ARSENAL’S Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get go. And so it proved.Arsenal fell to a 3-1 aggregate defeat to PSGCredit: PABukayo Saka scored but then missed a great chance to equalise on the nightCredit: RexFabian Ruiz scored the opener with a sweet volley off his chest before the breakCredit: GettyVitinha was denied from the spot for the first time in his career by David RayaCredit: EPABut Hakimi then added a second to put the tie beyond ArsenalCredit: PADespite early pressure, Arsenal found themselves behind following a Fabian Ruiz volley.Achraf Hakimi then added a brutal second mere moments after David Raya had kept Arsenal in the tie by denying Vitinha from the penalty spot.But Bukayo Saka, who had been denied all night by old nemesis Donnarumma, finally bested the Italian in the 76th minute when he made the most of a deflected cross to round him and fire into the net.With the deficit on the night halved, Saka then had the chance to level the score as he was found free in the middle with an open goal at his mercy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the winger was unable to keep the ball down once he made contact and saw his effort sail miles over the bar.PSG then saw out the result without further worry to book their spot in the Munich final against Inter Milan. Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners in Paris.David Raya – 7/10Such was Arsenal’s early dominance, the Spaniard had very little to do.So it would have been even more frustrating to pick the ball out of his net from practically PSG’s first big chance, having watched Kvaratskhelia smack his far post moments earlier.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesHe was in conversation for a few minutes with goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana before the penalty, and it paid off as he tipped it past his left post for a corner.Nothing he could do about PSG finally making it 2-0 three minutes later.French riot police ‘tear gas entire streets’ as fans ‘throw fireworks’ in chaotic scenes before PSG vs ArsenalJurrien Timber – 7The Dutchman was targeted constantly by Kvaratskhelia in the first leg, and struggled as a result. This time, he had a point to prove, and at times he did.Cutting inside with the ball, he was so effective in putting Arsenal in promising positions to attack and tear apart the PSG midfield in the opening 15 minutes.And in defence, Kvaratskhelia barely got a sniff. The one time he did, he curled an effort onto Raya’s post.William Saliba – 7One poor moment was an underhit pass to Kiwior that was pounced upon and nearly converted, but other than that, the Frenchman was a rock in Paris.He was one of the reasons why PSG were not as potent in attack in this second leg, oozing confidence and calm. He did not get many chances to attack a good set-piece, however.Jakub Kiwior – 6Did nothing wrong at the back, but he just does not have the physical presence from attacking set-pieces that the injured Gabriel does.It’s not his fault. No matter how well he plays or how few mistakes he makes, Kiwior will always be compared to the Brazilian, and had he been fit, Arsenal may well be in a Champions League final.On a positive note, if Arsenal are to sell the Pole this summer, his transfer value has now increased significantly having navigated the latter stages of Europe’s biggest competition.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 5A night where the teenager perhaps looked his age, having played for most of his breakthrough campaign like a seasoned pro.He was brilliant at times under pressure on the ball, but then the errors and lapses in concentration appeared, and that’s when he really started to struggle.After PSG went 1-0 up, a poor pass inside his own half handed the hosts a counter-attacking opportunity that should have ended up in the net.Arteta decided to persist with the 18-year-old after the break, only for Lewis-Skelly to pick up a 56th minute booking, something he really did not need.To cap off a poor night, an outstretched hand to block a shot was deemed a penalty after a VAR check. He was quickly subbed off.Thomas Partey – 6A welcome return having missed the first leg due to suspension, and immediately improved Arsenal’s midfield, as well as nullifying PSG’s press.The Gunners look so much more controlled and balanced with the Ghanaian in the team, but he still has the sorts of games that make you want to tear your hair out.It was summed up for PSG’s second – the one that killed any chance of reaching the final – as Partey was too weak in a challenge on the edge of the box, the ball ending up in Raya’s bottom corner.Declan Rice – 6He called for “big balls and magic moments” in the pre-match build-up.But when it came to actually sticking one of those magic moments away, he fluffed his lines inside the opening three minutes, heading wide from Timber’s cross after just three minutes.It was one of three big chances missed by Arsenal, which really set the tone, and Rice was unable to conjure up any more magic.Not a bad performance, but without the required sprinkling of magic to really drive a team to a major final.Martin Odegaard – 6The Norwegian was in the spotlight in Paris, widely criticised for his recent performances, and even some ludicrous suggestions that he should be stripped of the captaincy.He turned up in the first half here, dictating and weaving and creating in tight pockets of space, and was unlucky not to see his thumping effort from range creep inside the post before it was palmed away by the huge hand of Donnarumma.Faded away slightly after the break, just when Arsenal needed something special.Bukayo Saka – 6He had the beating of Mendes again and was so dangerous cutting in, but just couldn’t manoeuvre enough space in the first half to test Donnarumma.That changed in the second half. He could have had a hat-trick in truth. Donnarumma tipped a brilliant curled thump over the bar in the 64th minute.But Saka persisted and got his goal 12 minutes later. The comeback could have well and truly been on had he not blazed over the bar with Donnarumma scrambling and an open goal gaping.Gabriel Martinelli – 5 Should have tucked away an opener from close range but for a great Donnarumma stop.He looked at it from the first whistle, skinning Hakimi a few times down the left and worked incredibly hard defensively.And yet, there was not much else. The Brazilian simply needs to do more if he has a long-term future at Arsenal, with the club looking to bolster in his position on the left wing this summer.He was also involved in PSG’s first goal, diving in too soon on Ruiz before his emphatic finish.Mikel Merino – 5A really uneventful evening following his return to the No.9 position. There were a few good flick-ons and hold-ups that helped Arsenal garner some momentum.But overall, his presence was just a constant reminder of what Arsenal are lacking in that position and what they need to find if they are to compete for major trophies and reach semi-finals and finals in the future.Read More on The SunSubsRiccardo Calafiori (for Lewis-Skelly, 68) – 6A few decent crosses from the left, giving something different to what Lewis-Skelly offers in that role. Good to see the Italian back after weeks out with a knee issue.Leandro Trossard (for Martinelli, 68) – 6Created Saka’s goal with a fine bit of wing play and delivery. Should he have started over Martinelli? Hindsight is a wonderful thing…Ben White (for Timber, 83) – N/A More

NOT for the first time, Mikel Arteta’s failure to do the bloody obvious and sign a no9 properly bit him on the backside.Declan Rice had called on his team to show “big balls” but what they really needed in this semi-final was a big striker.Paris Saint-Germain are into the Champions League finalCredit: ReutersAchraf Hakimi netted the winner in a thrilling game at the Parc des PrincesCredit: AFPArsenal suffered a frustrating evening with missed chances in front of goalCredit: RexArsenal suffer defeat in the semi-final 16 years on from their previous last four knock-outCredit: GettyDeclan Rice glanced an early header narrowly wideCredit: GettyFabian Ruiz scored a superb opener for PSGCredit: ReutersDavid Raya saved a Vitinha penaltyCredit: EPAOllie Watkins, who Arsenal tried to sign in January, would have made a difference. The same goes for Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, a forward they wanted last year and will try and look to bring in again this summer.While swashbuckling PSG continued their emergence as a major European football force, Arsenal will now be left to reflect on what could have been.Fabian Ruiz put PSG ahead and, while Vitinha saw his 69th-minute penalty superbly saved by David Raya, Achraf Hakimi made it 2-0 with a great finish.Bukayo Saka pulled one back and then missed a great chance which, maybe, could have forced a PSG collapse.READ MORE ON ARSENALYet ultimately, Arteta’s team did not really do enough despite a late flourish and can not have too many complaints.Yet had Arsenal scored three times in a terrific early spell when PSG seemed to be doing their best to choke on the big occasion, we would certainly have had a very different semi-final. Maybe one to match the madness of the one 24 hours earlier.While Paris may be known as the city of love, Arsenal fans will not feel that way.It is 19 years since Arsene Wenger’s fine team were beaten in the final by Barcelona at the Stade De France and this latest defeat will be just as painful.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSPSG will fancy their chances against Inter Milan in the final but so would Arsenal and rightly so. This game, but also this season, has been one hell of a missed opportunity for Arsenal.PSG may have reached the final five years ago but it feels as though this could now be their time.French riot police ‘tear gas entire streets’ as fans ‘throw fireworks’ in chaotic scenes before PSG vs ArsenalSaka pulled one backCredit: ReutersThey have now beaten Manchester City this season in the group stages and then dumped Liverpool, Aston Villa and now Arsenal out of the competition.Initially, Arsenal overwhelmed PSG in an absorbing start but they had nothing to show for it.Declan Rice headed Jurrien Timber’s cross wide and Gianluigi Donnarumma used his knee to keep out a volley from Gabriel Martinelli.Donnarumma seems to save his best for English teams as he saved two penalties in the Euro 2020 final shoot-out and was then also the spot-kick hero at Anfield.He was at full stretch to turn around a low, powerful shot from Martin Odegaard with the PSG defence once again struggling with a long throw from Thomas Partey.Donnarumma asked for treatment, claiming to be injured, but he was doing it to waste a bit of time as his team were on the ropes. He tried to take the sting out of Arsenal’s confident, high energy start and it certainly worked.PSG finally found the zip which was lacking in the first 20 minutes and after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia hit the post, Ruiz struck his first ever Champions League goal.Rice picked up a booking for wrapping his legs around Kvaratskhelia but it got much worse from Vitinha’s free-kick.Partey delivered a headed clearance but Ruiz delivered a magnificent first touch with his chest to steer the ball away from Martinelli and then unleashed a fine finish from the edge of the area. It did seem to take a slight touch off William Saliba who turned his back ahead of the shot.Arsenal ratings v PSG ARSENAL’S Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get go. And so it proved.Despite early pressure, Arsenal found themselves behind following a Fabian Ruiz volley.Achraf Hakimi then added a brutal second mere moments after David Raya had kept Arsenal in the tie by denying Vitinha from the penalty spot.But Bukayo Saka, who had been denied all night by old nemesis Donnarumma, finally bested the Italian in the 76th minute when he made the most of a deflected cross to round him and fire into the net.With the deficit on the night halved, Saka then had the chance to level the score as he was found free in the middle with an open goal at his mercy.But the winger was unable to keep the ball down once he made contact and saw his effort sail miles over the bar.PSG then saw out the result without further worry to book their spot in the Munich final against Inter Milan.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners in Paris.Arteta went crazy in his technical area. He called over Rice for some advice and tried in vain to get a message to Saka but it was too noisy inside the stadium. Martintelli was ordered to the touchline before being dispatched to the other side of the pitch to give Saka instructions.There was a moment when Saka delivered a ball into the area but there was no-one there and he threw his arms in the air with frustration.Saka produced Arsenal’s best chance after the hour but once again, Donnarumma used his huge frame to somehow keep out the effort.A minute later, VAR spotted a handball from Myles Lewis-Skelly which blocked a shot from Hakimi.Raya delivered an excellent save to keep out Vitinha’s penalty, although a super-slow run-up made his spot-kick easy to predict.Defender Hakimi then delivered a striker’s finish after a mistake by Partey to put Enrique’s team in total control.There was some hope for Arsenal when Saka rounded Donnarumma to pull one back while PSG players appealed in vain for a foul from Leandro Trossard on Marquinhos.Read More on The SunAnd the moment which could have maybe changed the tie came when Saka somehow missed from close range but he shinned the ball over from a few yards.Once again, had Arsenal had a No9, it could have been oh so different. 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PSG were handed a controversial penalty in their Champions League clash with Arsenal.The Gunners were chasing the game when disaster struck when Felix Zwayer was sent to the monitor in the second half.PSG were given a penalty for a handball by Myles Lewis-SkellyCredit: TNT SPORTSVitinha’s effort was appallingCredit: ReutersArsenal were already trailing 2-0 on aggregate as Fabian Ruiz had scored in the first half.It quickly appeared that Mikel Arteta’s side were in trouble as replays showed that Achraf Hakimi’s strike had hit Myles Lewis-Skelly’s outstretched hand.Zwayer had initially waved play on when the incident occurred and only gave a penalty at a second viewing after a VAR referral.The intervention came despite no appeals from the PSG players.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSome even thought it could have been for an earlier challenge on Bukayo Saka.Fans reacted to the bizarre moment on social media as one said it was one of the “worst decisions ever” while another called it “bulls***”.The German is one of Uefa’s top referees but does have a chequered past as he was previously banned for match-fixing.Vitinha stepped up to take the penalty but completely fluffed his lines.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe midfielder took an age to perform his run-up before hitting a tame effort to the right side of the goal.Arsenal stopper David Raya made the save as he stopped the former Wolves star continuing his perfect record from the spot.Arsenal fan Micah Richards MISSING from CBS Sports panel for crunch clash with PSG… as he parties with Gooners in ParisMark Halsey on PSG penaltyPSG’s second-half penalty was absolutely ridiculous.It hardly even touches Myles Lewis-Skelly’s hand from Achraf Hakimi’s shot.The Paris Saint-Germain man did not even appeal and it must have been a feather of a touch on his hand.It was not a clear-and-obvious error, so VAR should never have got involved.The touch did not change the direction of the ball and Lewis-Skelly’s arm was in a natural position for that phase of play.Justice was done as keeper David Raya saved Vitinha’s penalty because it should never have been one in the first place.And fans have hailed the effort as one of the “worst ever”.One posted: “Possibly the worst penalty I’ve ever seen, that ‘run-up’ is ridiculous.”A second wrote: “This is the worst penalty I’ve ever witnessed.”A third commented: “What a terrible penalty by Vitinha.”A fourth said: “That Vitinha penalty run-up was the worst ever.”Another added: “Vitinha taking a penalty that bad to achieve justice in the game. Top class.”PSG did extend their lead just minutes later as Hakimi was able to beat Raya from the edge of the box.Arsenal did force their way back into the match as Saka scored in the 76th minute to get themselves off the mark in the two-legged affair.Read More on The SunThe goal turned out to be just a consolation as the Gunners could not muster another serious attempt on goal.Arteta’s side crashed out at the full-time whistle as PSG progressed to the final to take on Inter Milan in Munich. More