French newspaper L'Equipe has delivered scathing criticism of Arsenal following their Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.
The Gunners were defeated 2-1 in Tuesday's second leg, resulting in a 3-1 aggregate loss that ended their European campaign.
Arsenal had started brightly as they attempted to overturn their 1-0 first leg deficit at the Emirates.
However, after PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made several crucial saves in the opening stages, the French side took control through Fabian Ruiz's long-range effort before Achraf Hakimi added another in the second half.
French newspaper L'Equipe has delivered scathing criticism of Arsenal following their Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain
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L'Equipe's post-match analysis was particularly harsh on several Arsenal players and manager Mikel Arteta.
The respected French publication handed out brutal ratings to the Premier League side while praising PSG's star performers.
Donnarumma received the highest rating with an impressive 9/10 score from L'Equipe.
The Italian goalkeeper was hailed as "one of the heroes of the qualification campaign" by the French newspaper.
L'Equipe praised his crucial interventions, writing: "He first kept Paris alive in a fiery start with a first exploit past Odegaard, he produced another exceptional header to save a curling shot from Saka."
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Arsenal lost 2-1 to PSG on Wednesday night with Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi on target for the hosts
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Ruiz and Joao Neves were also highlighted with strong 8/10 ratings.
Ruiz was described as the "best proof" of PSG's progress this year.
The publication lauded the Spaniard's goal as an "incredible left footed gem" that helped turn the tie in PSG's favour.
These standout performances were instrumental in PSG securing their place in the Champions League final.
In stark contrast, Arsenal players received brutal ratings from the French newspaper.
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Myles Lewis-Skelly, Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino were all given harsh 3/10 scores for their performances.
L'Equipe was particularly critical of teenager Lewis-Skelly, writing: "So brilliant in the quarter-finals against Real, so unremarkable in the semi-finals."
The publication noted he "lost too many balls" and "conceded a penalty for a handball".
Partey's role in both PSG goals contributed to his low rating.
Merino was criticised for "dropping too deep rather than attempting to get on the end of crosses by Saka".
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Captain Martin Odegaard was among four Arsenal players given 4/10 ratings.
Despite showing improvement from the first leg, L'Equipe deemed the Norwegian's contribution "insufficient" for a Champions League semi-final.
Jurrien Timber, Jakub Kiwior and Gabriel Martinelli also received the same low score.
Arsenal manager Arteta similarly faced harsh criticism from L'Equipe following the defeat.
The French newspaper suggested the Spaniard lacked tactical flexibility during the crucial encounter.
Mikel Arteta cut a frustrated figure as Arsenal lost to PSG in the Champions League
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"It feels like he had a plan A but no plan B, unable to adapt to PSG's opening goal," wrote L'Equipe.
Arteta was then criticised for his delayed response to Arsenal's struggles.
"He waited until Paris were awarded a penalty (69th minute) to make his first changes while his team was struggling, but he failed to give his team a second wind," the publication added.
In contrast, PSG manager Luis Enrique received more favourable assessment.
Despite being described as "loud, grumbling and angry on the bench", the publication credited his faith in his players - with PSG now set to face Inter Milan on May 31.
