Wayne Rooney shared a candid assessment of both Arsenal’s players and supporters following their 1-0 defeat to PSG in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday night.
The 39-year-old former England striker was part of Prime Video’s live coverage, joining Clarence Seedorf, Daniel Sturridge, Theo Walcott, and host Gabby Logan.
PSG took the lead early through Ousmane Dembélé, securing a narrow win to take back to Paris for the return leg on May 7 at the Parc des Princes.
Speaking on Prime Video, Rooney said: “I think PSG were clearly the better side. Tactically they were spot on—disciplined, patient, and effective in pressing during Arsenal’s goal kicks.”
Rooney continued: “I was underwhelmed by Arsenal’s performance—and honestly, the fans as well. Against Real Madrid, the crowd was electric, but tonight it felt flat. Almost like they assumed the job was done and a spot in the final was guaranteed. Tonight, the fans needed to lift the players, and the players needed to respond, but neither really showed up.”
His remarks followed Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s rallying call the day before, where he urged supporters to fully back the team, asking them to “bring their boots” and share the fight.
Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott also weighed in: “Arsenal are still in it. At 2-0, it could’ve been over, but PSG might regret not adding to their lead.”
Clarence Seedorf added that Arsenal lacked the right mindset: “Fear crept in. I’ve said before they need a mental shift to go further. PSG did what I expected Arsenal to—press smart, sit back when needed, and counter decisively. That’s Champions League football.”