Former Nigeria international Emmanuel Okocha believes Arsenal have already achieved a successful season regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
After ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League title, Arsenal now have the opportunity to crown a remarkable campaign by lifting Europe’s biggest club trophy when they face PSG at the Puskás Aréna.
Victory would see Mikel Arteta’s side join an elite group of English clubs to win both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League in the same season.
Speaking ahead of the final, Okocha said the match is too close to call, insisting that handling the pressure of the occasion could prove decisive.
“Finals are always difficult to predict because anything can happen,” Okocha said.
“Every player feels the pressure, and usually the team that remains calm and focused has the best chance of winning. It is not about doing something extraordinary, it is about playing your normal game and managing the psychological side of the occasion.”
The former midfielder believes Arsenal’s development under Arteta means their season should already be viewed as a major success.
“For me, Arsenal have already had a successful season,” he said.
“This is not only about what they have achieved this year. Since Arteta arrived, there has been steady progress. They have challenged consistently at the top of the Premier League, qualified regularly for the Champions League and continued improving season after season.
“Winning the Premier League is a huge achievement on its own. Whatever happens in the Champions League final, they have taken another big step forward.”
Arsenal head into the showpiece event after one of the most demanding campaigns in the club’s modern history. The final will be their 63rd match of the 2025-26 season, their busiest schedule since the 1979-80 campaign when they played a club-record 70 games.
The Gunners have also impressed throughout this season’s Champions League, remaining unbeaten in 14 matches. Goalkeeper David Raya has played a crucial role, recording nine clean sheets on Arsenal’s route to the final.
Okocha believes ending their long Premier League title drought has given Arsenal a significant confidence boost ahead of facing the defending European champions.
“Winning trophies always increases belief and momentum,” he said.
“PSG are also coming into the final with confidence after winning their league title. They are a very strong team and have improved a lot under Luis Enrique.
“But winning the Premier League after such a long wait gives Arsenal extra belief. That achievement can help them mentally going into a game of this magnitude.”
PSG, managed by Luis Enrique, are appearing in consecutive Champions League finals and are aiming to become only the second club in the modern era to successfully defend the trophy after Real Madrid.
While PSG boast one of the youngest squads among Europe’s elite clubs, Okocha dismissed suggestions that age could influence the outcome.
“Once you step onto the pitch, age does not matter,” he said.
“Players earn their place because they deserve to be there. Experience can help, but confidence, quality and mentality are just as important. In a final, everyone is equal once the game starts.”
Saturday’s meeting will be the eighth competitive encounter between Arsenal and PSG. The head-to-head record is evenly balanced, with both clubs claiming two victories and sharing three draws, although PSG won their most recent meeting.
The final will also mark the first major European final between clubs from France and England, adding another historic chapter to one of the most anticipated Champions League finals in recent years.
