UMVA has learned that former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack is urging the Gunners to make Paris Saint‑Germain’s keeper Matvey Safonov the centerpiece of their Champions League game plan in Budapest.
Arsenal, fresh from clinching their first Premier League crown in 22 years, now chase a historic double against the defending European champions.
PSG arrived in the final riding the momentum of a dominant display against Bayern Munich and a resounding victory over Inter Milan in last season’s final, boasting an attacking trio of Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doué, while Vitinha, João Neves and Fabian Ruiz command the midfield.
Stack, a member of Arsenal’s legendary “Invincibles” side, says Safonov’s performances have revealed a glaring weakness.
He points to moments in the Bayern ties where the Russian goalkeeper appeared uneasy on crosses and corners, suggesting a “mistake in him” that could be exploited.
“From what I’ve seen, he looks vulnerable under pressure, especially from set‑pieces,” Stack told the press, emphasizing Arsenal’s own prowess from dead‑ball situations.
He describes Safonov as physically slight, lacking the commanding presence expected of a world‑class custodian, and recommends isolating him with relentless aerial attacks.
PSG’s goalkeeping saga has been turbulent: Lucas Chevalier arrived from Lille last summer, only to lose his place, while Safonov has started every knockout match for the French giants.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Arsenal’s defensive solidity this season—built on disciplined organization and lethal set‑piece threats—could be the perfect weapon to expose the perceived frailty in Safonov’s game.
If the Gunners can flood the box with well‑timed deliveries, they may force the “feeble” keeper into a mistake that could decide the fate of the final.
