Arsenal forward Eberechi Eze has dismissed external media criticism as his team targets a historic European double against reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest on Saturday, May 30.
The Gunners recently secured their first Premier League title in over two decades, positioning them to potentially become the fourth English club to complete the continental double.
According to Opta Power Rankings, Arsenal moved into the world's top spot last week, ahead of French champions PSG.
Despite the domestic triumph, external critics have consistently questioned the tactical approach deployed by manager Mikel Arteta.
Eze, who rejoined Arsenal in a £60 million transfer from Crystal Palace, stated that internal focus and positive results remain the ultimate validation for the squad.
"You go through ups and downs and loads of noise in the media," said Eze.
The England international emphasized that the subjective nature of playing styles becomes irrelevant once a team successfully secures victories on the pitch.
"But, at the end, all that matters is who won. And it doesn't matter how you won, it doesn't matter what you did to win," said Eze.
Eze noted that achieving the title was particularly meaningful due to the squad's collective ability to block out external distractions throughout the grueling campaign.
"To do it how we've done it, for me, is also quite special because we've blocked out so much noise, so much noise, so much attention around us.
Style of play is very subjective," said Eze.
He reiterated that the ultimate metric of success in professional football is winning matches, regardless of external opinions.
"There are so many different opinions about it but ultimately, when you are winning games, that's all that matters," said Eze.
Looking ahead to the final at the Puskas Arena, the 27-year-old expressed immense confidence, noting that the momentum from their Premier League triumph provides a liberating energy for the squad.
"The Champions League final is what dreams are made of," added Eze.
Eze recalled his childhood aspirations, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the biggest game in European club football.
"These are things that you've spoken about and wanted as a kid. To be able actually to be there is a special thing," added Eze.
He affirmed that the joy and power derived from their recent domestic success would carry over into the upcoming clash in Hungary.
"Confident? Yeah for sure.
I feel like we've achieved something that means so much to us and the joy, the confidence, the power that comes with that is special.
So I'm sure we'll be bringing that on the day as well," added Eze.
Eze described the final as an unprecedented opportunity for the current generation of Arsenal players to etch their names into club folklore.
"It's quite liberating. It's an opportunity to do something that has never been done before.
Loads of people have had the opportunity," added Eze.
The forward concluded with a faithful prediction regarding the collective desire within the North London squad to seize the European crown.
"We are just another group of people that have the opportunity and I pray that we take it.
When we do, it will be a special moment for sure," added Eze.
PSG Challenge
Arsenal faces a formidable challenge against Luis Enrique's PSG side, which is aiming for back-to-back Champions League titles after defeating Inter Milan 5-0 in the 2025 final.
According to statistical data from The Analyst, PSG has scored in 27 consecutive matches in all competitions, averaging 2.24 goals per game.
However, analytical data also reveals defensive vulnerabilities for the French champions.
PSG has committed 26 errors leading to opposition shots and six errors leading to goals in the Champions League this season, ranking among the worst in the competition for high-turnover concessions.
