Arsenal legend Perry Groves has slammed TalkSPORT co-hosts Gabby Agbonlahor and Jason Cundy for taking delight in Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League final victory over the Gunners. Mikel Arteta’s side suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat on Saturday night, with the match ending 1-1 after extra time.
The Final Defeat
Kai Havertz gave Arsenal an early lead, but Ousmane Dembele equalized from the spot in the second half. In the shootout, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes missed their penalties, with Gabriel firing over the bar to spark wild celebrations for PSG. It was a devastating blow for Arsenal, who came close to winning their first Champions League title.
TalkSPORT Hosts’ Reaction
Agbonlahor and Cundy did not hide their glee. Agbonlahor said: “You know what won today? Football won. Sitting back, parking the bus, defensive tactics. Football won. PSG by far the better team, especially second half. Arsenal stunk out the Premier League to win it and they tried to stink out the Champions League and they failed. You don’t deserve to win the Champions League playing like that.”
Cundy added: “They are the biggest failures in Europe, their records in Europe stinks. Here’s the truth, you deserve to win the Premier League, you didn’t deserve to win the Champions League.”
Groves Fires Back
When Groves joined the show, he rejected their commiserations. “I don’t want your commiserations,” said the 61-year-old. “Stick your commiserations where the sun don’t shine. I don’t want your hollow words. Stick it. You’re pleased. It’s a weird thing, I don’t get people taking great pleasure from other people’s misfortunes. I was brought up to want to be successful myself and reach my goals, but if someone else is successful then be pleased for them.”
However, Groves admitted an exception: “The only caveat to that is that mob up the road, Spurs, because if they’d have won it in 2019 I’d have emigrated, I’d have gone to Sydney with my boy. But other than that…you’d rather a French team beats an English team! I don’t get it. It just shows how shallow you are. I want an English team to do well. I don’t hate. That’s the difference. How energy sapping is that? It’s very shallow.”
Defending Arsenal’s Tactics
Groves also defended Arsenal’s defensive approach in the final, where PSG had 75.3% possession. “It’s elite sport! If it turns basketball, PSG win. Everybody knows, because they’ve got better forwards. You have to try and find a way,” he said.
Rival Clubs Mock Arsenal
Chelsea were quick to taunt Arsenal, posting on social media: “Come and visit London’s Home of Trophies. Book your Stadium Tour at Stamford Bridge now.” They later added: “We probably deserve another red card for that last post! But in all seriousness, congratulations to Arsenal on winning the Premier League and a great run in the Champions League. Looking forward to picking up the battle again with you next season.”
Groves concluded by emphasizing the importance of supporting English clubs in European competitions, criticizing those who take pleasure in another team’s failure.
