José Mourinho has backed Arsenal to overcome Paris Saint-Germain in the upcoming UEFA Champions League Final after being impressed by the Gunners’ dominant display against Crystal Palace yesterday.
Arsenal rounded off their remarkable domestic campaign with a confident 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park, a performance that once again highlighted why many now see Mikel Arteta’s side as favourites to conquer Europe. Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke secured another important win for the Premier League champions, while the overall display showcased the team’s tactical discipline, composure in possession, and relentless intensity.
According to reports surrounding Mourinho’s reaction to the match, the former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United manager was particularly impressed with Arsenal’s control of the game from start to finish. Mourinho reportedly believes Arsenal now possess the maturity, defensive structure, and winning mentality required to defeat PSG on the biggest stage in European football.
The Portuguese coach is known for his tactical understanding of knockout football, having won the Champions League twice during his legendary managerial career. Mourinho has always placed huge importance on defensive organisation and emotional discipline in major finals, and Arsenal’s recent performances appear to have convinced him that Arteta’s side is finally ready for the next step.
Arsenal’s victory over Crystal Palace was about far more than simply collecting another three points. The match demonstrated how balanced this team has become under Arteta. Even with the title already secured and one eye on the Champions League final, Arsenal still played with hunger, precision, and confidence. Youngster Max Dowman also made headlines after becoming the youngest Premier League starter in history, underlining the depth and belief currently flowing throughout the squad.
Mourinho is said to have admired the way Arsenal controlled the tempo without panicking. Against Crystal Palace, the Gunners looked calm under pressure, circulated the ball quickly, and defended as a unit whenever Palace attempted to build momentum. Those qualities are often essential in Champions League finals, where one mistake can decide the outcome.
The former Porto and Inter Milan boss reportedly believes Arsenal’s midfield could be the key area against PSG. With Declan Rice providing authority and leadership, Martin Ødegaard dictating attacking play, and Arsenal’s pressing structure functioning almost perfectly in recent weeks, Mourinho feels the English champions are capable of disrupting PSG’s rhythm.
PSG, meanwhile, arrive at the final with enormous attacking talent and individual quality. The French side have impressed throughout the competition and possess dangerous players capable of changing matches instantly. However, Mourinho reportedly feels Arsenal currently look like the more complete and balanced team overall.
One factor that may also influence the final is Arsenal’s growing confidence. After finally ending their long wait for the Premier League title, Arteta’s players now appear fearless. Their celebrations after the Crystal Palace victory reflected a squad full of belief, unity, and determination to make history by completing a famous double this season.
Mourinho has always respected teams that combine tactical intelligence with emotional resilience, and Arsenal seem to have developed both qualities this year. Throughout the season, Arteta’s side have shown they can win matches in different ways — dominating possession, surviving pressure, or grinding out difficult results when necessary.
That adaptability could prove decisive against PSG. Mourinho reportedly believes Arsenal are no longer the inexperienced side that previously struggled in major European moments. Instead, they now resemble a team fully prepared for elite-level pressure.
The praise from Mourinho will undoubtedly excite Arsenal supporters even further ahead of the final. Despite his historic rivalry with the club during his years managing Chelsea, Mourinho has often acknowledged quality when he sees it, and this Arsenal side appears to have earned his admiration.
For Arteta, receiving recognition from one of football’s greatest tacticians represents another sign of how far the club has progressed. Since taking charge, the Spanish manager has transformed Arsenal from a rebuilding project into Premier League champions and serious European contenders.
Now, with the Champions League final approaching, the belief around Arsenal continues to grow stronger. From pundits and former players to legendary managers like Mourinho, many are beginning to feel this could finally be the season the North London club conquers Europe for the very first time.