British media lament Arsenal defeat in Champions League

LONDON, May 17: Ten-man Arsenal's gallant 2-1 defeat by Barcelona in a controversial Champions League final was lamented by the British media today.

''So Brave, So Close'' was the back page headline in the tabloid Daily Express, while the front page of The Guardian sports section read ''Valiant Arsenal fall at the last''.

''Lost in France'' was the Daily Telegraph's poetic headline on last night's match in Paris in which Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was sent off after 18 minutes for bringing down Barca striker Samuel Eto'o.

''Brave Arsenal suffered Champions League heartbreak last night,'' said the Daily Star beneath a picture of a gloomy Lehmann walking alongside dejected striker Thierry Henry.

The Daily Mirror back page read: ''Kicked up the Barca -- Henry accuses ref as Arsenal dream is shattered'' in reference to striker Thierry Henry's claim that the referee was ''horrendous''.

Arsenal took the lead through England defender Sol Campbell after 37 minutes but goals by Eto'o and Juliano Belletti in the last 15 minutes condemned the London side to defeat.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was furious that Eto'o's equaliser was allowed, claiming he was offside.

''Arsenal came close to an unimaginable victory and left with an unforgettable defeat in the European Cup final,'' said The Guardian. ''Barcelona, for all their fame, were desperate before Henrik Larsson came on to rescue them.'' The reference was to the 34-year-old Swedish striker, who England will face at the World Cup finals in Germany, after he deftly set up both his team's goals.

The Express also paid tribute to the skilful Swede.

''Henrik Larsson drove a knife through courageous 10-man Arsenal last night as he set up both goals in Barcelona's 2-1 Champions League victory in Paris.'' The Telegraph noted: ''Europe's dream final turned into a nightmare for Arsenal last night.

''At the final whistle, Arsenal's players stood there, disbelievingly, their shirts stained by the rain and the endless sweat they had given for the cause.'' ''It was brutal to behold, the utterly sudden change of mood from joy to despair,'' the paper added.

The Mirror said: ''Arsenal had glory ripped from their grasp last night as their Champions league dream was shattered on a night of unbelievable tension.'' ''Heartbreak'' read the back page headline in the Daily Mail, which added: ''The Invincibles were minutes away from becoming the Immortals. But they had not taken into account the incredible fighting spirit of the finest attacking force in Europe.'' REUTERS