In the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, Arsenal faced a daunting challenge against Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates Stadium, suffering a 1-0 defeat that leaves them with a tough road ahead in the return leg in Paris. An early goal from Ousmane Dembele, scored just four minutes into the match, proved to be the difference as Arsenal struggled to find their rhythm in the opening stages.
Despite the loss, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains optimistic about his team's chances of making it to the final in Munich at the end of May. "It’s just half-time, I said exactly the same message after beating Real Madrid 3-0 at home," Arteta stated after the match. "We go to Paris to win, and I fully believe that we can do it." His confidence stems from the team's recent performances, including a significant victory over Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.
Arsenal had their moments, creating several chances, particularly through Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, but they were thwarted by the impressive form of PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made crucial saves to maintain his team's narrow lead. A disallowed goal from Mikel Merino, ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR review, added to Arsenal's frustration and punctured their momentum.
Reflecting on the match, Arteta expressed disappointment, saying, "We put so much into the game. We struggled first 10-15 minutes to get momentum and dominance. Disappointed not to get a draw at least." He acknowledged the quality of PSG, noting their ability to capitalize on small margins, which ultimately determined the outcome of the match.
Arteta had to adjust his lineup significantly due to the absence of suspended midfielder Thomas Partey, a key figure in Arsenal's midfield. Partey’s absence forced Arteta to shuffle his squad, with Merino moving back to midfield and Declan Rice taking on a deeper role. This tactical change was crucial as PSG dominated possession early on, controlling 75% of the ball in the first 15 minutes.
PSG's early lead came from a well-executed move involving Dembele, who found space between Arsenal's backline and midfield to score. Arteta’s tactical adjustments were tested as PSG's attacking prowess, bolstered by the recent addition of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, posed a significant threat throughout the match.
As the game progressed, Arsenal began to find their footing, creating opportunities and applying pressure on PSG. However, they were unable to convert their chances into goals. Arteta noted, "The margins are so small - we have two massive chances, probably the best two chances of the game with Gabi and Leo, one v one with the keeper. He managed to save them and then obviously the goal was disallowed. That's the margins and unfortunately we couldn't score."
Goalkeeper David Raya also played a pivotal role for Arsenal, making key saves to keep the team in the contest. He denied a low shot from PSG's Desire Doue and later faced attempts from Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos, who both missed opportunities to extend PSG's lead.
PSG manager Luis Enrique acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, "We cannot let our guard down or be complacent because they can score quickly and we are back to square one. Nothing is in the bag. We need to win when we are at home because Arsenal now have nothing to lose." His team is well aware that the second leg in Paris will be a different challenge, as Arsenal will be desperate to overturn the deficit.
Wayne Rooney, a former star striker, commented on the subdued atmosphere at the Emirates, noting that the fans were less vocal compared to previous matches. He emphasized the need for Arsenal to regain their confidence and energy in the return leg, suggesting that they must slow the game down and be more patient.
As Arsenal prepares for the second leg, Arteta's message remains clear: they must produce something special to advance to the final. "If you want to win the Champions League or be in the final, you have to do something exceptional in the tournament at some point. That's what we have to now plan and do when we get to Paris in a few days," he said.
With the tie still alive, Arsenal will look to channel their recent successes, including their impressive away victory against Real Madrid, as they head to the Parc des Princes. The stakes are high, and the Gunners will need to be clinical in front of goal to secure their place in the Champions League final.
