Jason Cundy Claims Arsenal 'Are Not on the Same Level' as PSG in Champions League
Published April 2, 2026 11:00pm
Jason Cundy has asserted that Arsenal 'are not on the same football level' as Paris Saint-Germain, yet he maintains that Mikel Arteta's squad still possesses the capability to secure the Champions League title this season. Arsenal, who remain the only unbeaten team in the Champions League this term after a 3-1 aggregate triumph over Bayer Leverkusen in the last-16, are set to face Sporting CP in the quarter-finals, with the first leg scheduled for next Tuesday.
PSG's Dominance and Arsenal's Quadruple Hopes Dashed
In contrast, PSG required a playoff victory over Monaco to advance to the Champions League last-16, but Luis Enrique's team showcased their prowess with an impressive 8-2 aggregate win against Chelsea last month. Meanwhile, Arsenal's aspirations for a quadruple this season were halted before the international break following a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.
Cundy, while acknowledging Arsenal's potential, emphasized that Arteta's side is 'nowhere near' the standard demonstrated by PSG. 'We [the Premier League] are an unbelievable league, but the truth is, the last couple of seasons, the league has actually been pretty goal,' Cundy stated during an interview with talkSPORT.
Cundy's Analysis of PSG's Superiority
He elaborated on PSG's excellence, noting, 'I watched PSG [against Chelsea], all jokes aside, that is a football team, a proper football team. They don't rely on long balls, set-pieces, or long throws; they are a proper team.' Cundy highlighted that PSG, who won the Champions League last season, embodied everything he admires in a football club, with their ball movement and creativity setting them apart.
'Last season, they were the best side I saw in any competition, and they went on to win the Champions League,' he added. However, Cundy clarified that this does not diminish Arsenal's abilities, stating, 'But that doesn't necessarily mean Arsenal, who have faced criticism, aren't capable of overpowering teams in the Premier League.'
Arsenal's Path to Champions League Glory
Despite his lack of affection for Arsenal, Cundy expressed appreciation for their tactics, including what he referred to as the 'dark arts' of the game. 'I've got no love, I hope Arsenal fall at the last every time, but you've got to appreciate a good side,' he said. 'Arsenal can go on and win this Champions League by being who they are.'
He contrasted Arsenal's style with that of PSG and Barcelona, noting, 'Going forward, Barcelona, that's the beautiful game, the way they move the ball through the thirds. Arsenal are not that team, and that's okay; you don't have to be like that.' Cundy described PSG's performance against Chelsea as an eye-opener, asserting, 'They are miles ahead of anything in the Premier League in terms of football. PSG, no team can touch them with the ball at their feet.'
Quarter-Final Draw and Liverpool's Prospects
The Champions League quarter-final draw has set up intriguing matchups, including Paris Saint-Germain vs Liverpool, Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich, Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid, and Sporting CP vs Arsenal. Cundy also commented on Liverpool's chances, expressing doubt about their ability to match PSG. 'From what I've seen of Liverpool this season and PSG in the Champions League, I don't think they are capable. I genuinely don't think they are capable of matching PSG because they have got the lot, and they are ruthless, utterly ruthless.'
In summary, while Jason Cundy firmly believes Arsenal are not on the same footballing level as Paris Saint-Germain, he insists that Mikel Arteta's team can still find a way to triumph in the Champions League this season, leveraging their unique strengths and strategies.
