Former Arsenal defender predicts Arsenal - PSG score
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 28.05.26. | 18:10
Even though the current champions are clear favorites, the former Gunners in not a pessimist
The last time Arsenal won the Premier League, it was 2004 and Col Campbell was there. The last time when Arsenal were in the Champions League final in 2006, Sol Campbell was there. In fact, the former Gunner even scored the opening goal against Barcelona, before Eto'o and Belletti scored two goals in the space of four minutes, and ended Arsenal’s dreams of a European title. On Saturday, the Gunners will try again, for the first time after 20, to win the same trophy, and will face the current champions, PSG. On paper, the French team is the favorite, but that doesn’t mean that Campbell is pessimist.
🗣️ Sol Campbell on his #UCL final goal: “I was like a fairytale, I’d been through so much, so many ups and downs. To come to the Champions League final, and score? It was beautiful. It’s just f****** s***, [we lost] isn’t it? I knew then that was my last chance.” ❌ [@gunnerblog] pic.twitter.com/LtlOhBbslX
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) May 27, 2026
The former Arsenal defender talked for Guardian about the club’s season and the upcoming Champions League final.
“The wait has been so heavy and it was all pent up, building year after year, always coming so close but never getting over the line. That’s why you saw such an outpouring of joy and togetherness. It’s been incredible because we’ve been waiting such a long time” said Campbell.
Former England international worried that the Gunners would lose some of their star players if they failed to win the title.
“They had a fantastic transfer window and bought some really top players. But if they hadn’t won the league then those vultures from other big clubs would have been circling and looking to pick off some of our best players. This could have been a really difficult summer for Arsenal. Players go off to the World Cup and they can get itchy feet while they’re away. They’re looking at other players who won things and they’ve got international teammates saying: ‘Our club are looking at you. I’ve seen some of the biggest deals happen at the World Cup when you’re away with players from other clubs for six weeks. That could have been a big problem for Arsenal – but not now. Everyone’s solid, everyone’s stable, everyone’s happy” he said.
The fact that the Champions League is coming after the end of the Premier League is not necessary a bad thing, according to Cambell. He also points out that these chances don’t come very often and needs to be used.
“You need to strike while the iron’s hot. You don’t know when you’re going to have that same beautiful run to the final. We’ve got an incredible defence, they’ve got incredible forwards, but after winning the league there is slightly less pressure on Arsenal. It’s still not going to be easy” said former Arsenal captain.
As any former Gunners player, Campbell hopes that Arsenal can win, and even predicted the final score.
“It would be incredible if we can get a 3-2 win. But we’ve got to find a way to quieten down their front line. They are very good when they find space. You can’t double up. You start doubling up on PSG and one or two of their players become a bit free, that creates a problem. You need some really good guys who can survive a one-on-one attack. If you keep on doubling up that creates space for PSG to attack and that’s what they want. PSG are favourites, but sometimes you just need a little luck” he concluded.