Arsenal are out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage after falling to a 3-1 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Gunners were hoping to overturn their 1-0 deficit from the first leg, but they weren’t able to make the most of their bright start at the Parc des Princes.
Fabian Ruiz gave PSG the lead in the 27th minute and Achraf Hakimi made it 2-0 on the night in the 72nd minute.
Although Bukayo Saka struck back in the 76th minute, Arsenal were unable to build on it and secure what would have been a remarkable turnaround.
Arsenal also conceded a penalty after Myles Lewis-Skelly was penalised for handball in the box, but David Raya saved Vitinha’s penalty.
Many Gunners fans were talking about Lewis-Skelly during and after the game, and they also discussed Riccardo Calafiori, who replaced him in the 68th minute.
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Arsenal fans felt Riccardo Calafiori should’ve come on earlier for Myles Lewis-Skelly
Many Arsenal fans acknowledged that Lewis-Skelly had a poor game and lacked discipline, and felt Arteta should have brought Calafiori on earlier than he did.
“I have been an Arteta fan but this is on him,” one fan wrote on X. “MLS has been shaky for too long. Calafiori should have come on since.”
Another said: “Arteta should take the blame for this defeat.
“Martinelli has no business starting the second half. Calafiori should have been introduced as MLS got his card. Another huge unfortunate gamble from Arsenal manager.”
There were also comments on Arsenal’s improvement since Calafiori came on, with one fan saying: “Since Calafiori and Trossard come on we are so much better by the way.
“Again and again I say it Martinelli is that nearly player he won’t ever be the one. MLS is so young had a hard night. But Cala is natural left back.”
Another fan said: “You guys now agree with me Calafiori could have started the game.”
And another said: “Not going to blame Arteta for anything. He has one responsibility tonight – take off MLS early in the second half. He didn’t.
“Calafiori is what we needed in that area. Someone to bully and push. He’s done his best and should learn from it.”
How Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori fared against PSG
Lewis-Skelly has enjoyed a superb breakthrough season for Arsenal, but he had a difficult night against PSG.
He was caught in possession a number of times, was booked for tangling with Bradley Barcola, and he gave away a penalty, even though it was harsh.
Meanwhile, Calafiori was bright when he came on, trying to get forward at every possible opportunity.
The Italian created a great chance for Bukayo Saka to potentially make it 2-2 on the night, but he fired over.
Arsenal will now need to quickly regroup ahead of their return to Premier League action, where they’ll need to stave off the chasing pack.
The Gunners are next in action on Sunday when they head to newly-crowned champions Liverpool.
Arsenal then wrap up the season with a home game against Newcastle United on Sunday 18 May and a trip to Southampton on 25 May.
