Paul Coyte & Clive Allen: 'They didn't take their chances!' - Arsenal crash out of Europe

Arsenal out - but were they the best?

Following Arsenal’s 3-1 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Mikel Arteta claimed his side had been the better team over the two matches. Clive Allen, though, disagreed.

“I thought they were very good,” Allen said. “But they weren’t better. PSG were the better side over two legs.”

He acknowledged Arsenal’s overall performance, but was firm in his assessment of their shortcomings.

“They had chances. Donnarumma was in good form, but that’s his job - he’s the goalkeeper. He was fantastic. Whether that’s the difference between the two sides or not, the fact is Arsenal didn’t take their chances.”

Allen concluded that although Arsenal had performed admirably, the result was “bitterly disappointing.”

Manchester United – “An almost unassailable lead”

Turning to Manchester United’s impressive 3–0 away win against Athletic Bilbao, Allen was emphatic about their position heading into the second leg.

“I think it is over,” he told Coyte. “The magnitude of that performance, the confidence they would have gained from it - it puts them in an incredible position.”

The game had hinged on a controversial sending-off, which swung momentum firmly in United’s favour.

“It was a night where everything went right for them. Yes, the red card changed the game, but United took full advantage. That’s credit to them.”

Despite Coyte suggesting that the tie might still hold some danger if Bilbao scored early, Allen was adamant.

“I can’t see them getting beat tonight. Not with a three-goal advantage. I see Manchester United in the final.”

Spurs head north with high hopes and high tension

With Tottenham preparing for their Europa League semi-final second leg against Bodø/Glimt in Norway, the nerves were obvious - especially from Paul.

“I’m nervous,” he admitted. “I don’t know if it’s the idea of a European final or just that we’re heading to the Arctic Circle.”

Allen urged calm.

“You’ve said exactly the word - relax. They’ve got to stay calm.”

He warned that Bodø/Glimt’s record at home is formidable, especially on their artificial pitch.

“They’ve beaten Roma 6–1, Olympiakos 3–0. There’s only one team that’s gone there and actually won a European match.”

Allen called for a performance like the one Spurs produced away to Frankfurt earlier in the competition.

“They’re capable of it. But they’ve lost Maddison, there are doubts over Solanke. There are a lot of questions going in.”

He also shared a personal memory of playing on artificial surfaces in Europe.

“When we went to Young Boys in Switzerland, we lost the first leg on plastic. But we turned it around in the second leg and qualified for the Champions League. That’s the mindset they need.”

As for the impact of the surface itself?

“It’s a different type of game. The ball rolls differently, you have to pass with accuracy, you can’t play into space. And Bodo play that short, sharp style - it’s what they thrive on.”

Allen predicted a close match.

“I’m going for a hard-fought 2-2 draw. If Spurs score first, they’ll be comfortable. But if Bodø/Glimt score early, it’ll be a real battle.”

Chelsea’s quiet progress

Chelsea, now 4–1 up over Swedish side Djurgården ahead of their second leg at Stamford Bridge, were given short shrift in terms of drama.

“Chelsea have come into decent form now,” Allen said. “They’ve played a different team in Europe, given young players great experience, and they’ve looked comfortable.”

He expects them not only to reach the final, but to win the competition outright.

“They’ll win it comfortably - I’m saying 3-0 tonight.”

Three English clubs eye European finals

With Arsenal eliminated but three other English clubs still in strong positions, Clive summed up with a hopeful glance at what could lie ahead.

“Let’s keep our fingers crossed for three English finalists,” he said.