Arsenal FC was stunned by France’s biggest football club, Paris Saint-Germain, in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final game. Following their surprise win over serial winners Real Madrid, Arsenal went into the game against PSG as favourites to win the coveted Champions League trophy. Alas, they started the game at the Emirates on the back foot.
The Gunners conceded a goal four minutes after kickoff, which obviously affected the team’s confidence. They were dominated for the first 30 minutes of the game with the likes of Dembele, kvaratskhelia, Vintinha and other PSG boys running riot against Arsenal right at the Emirates.
The tie isn’t done yet. Arsenal will travel to Parc des Princes next week, and they have another 90 minutes to clinch a place at the finals of the competition.
There are some talking points from yesterday’s outing.
Arsenal fans have been unfair to Martin Odegaard
Odegaard has recently received tongue lashes from the fanbase of Arsenal because of a series of dismal outings, including the game against Paris Saint-Germain. While he is rightly criticised, the fanbase has been unfair to the midfielder. Recall that the former Real Madrid maestro picked up an ankle injury while on international duty last year, in August – he returned in November of the same year but he has failed to show up in a string of matches.
His return from injury coincided with Saka’s absence, who also suffered a hamstring injury and was sidelined for a while. It was believed at that time that Odegaard missed his understanding with Saka on the pitch, hence his poor form. Regardless, Saka has returned to the fray, but Odegaard has continued to drop stinkers.
Odegaard has not fully recovered from his last injury. There are reports that he will undergo a post-season surgery to permanently fix his injury. Until then, he may not return to his best.
Arsenal lacked experience
The game against PSG was Arsenal’s first semifinal in about 20 years, and a chunk of Arteta’s boys have not played at this level. Arsenal were timid to the extent that they failed to hold on to possession in the first 30 minutes of the game.
Despite finishing the last three seasons as runners-up, Arsenal have had a relatively young and inexperienced team. Ethan Nwaneri and Lewis Skelly are enjoying their full debut season. Though they have held their own, you’d have noticed a lack of experience in their display.
Arsenal are still among the favourites to win the title, but even if they don’t, the team’s future is really bright if Arteta can keep this crop of players together.
Midfield Balance
Arsenal lacked balance in the middle of the pack and had no out ball up top without Havert or Merino.
In Paris, it will be very different. Partey will be back in the fray, Rice will return to his box-to-box position, and Merino will likely return as the inverted forward.
Despite the lack of balance, Arsenal had so many chances, but for PSG’s goalie Donnarumma. Arsenal are expected to be better in Parc des Princes and they have a chance.
Other Talking Points
Arsenal hadn’t lost at home in European competitions for four years (0-1 against Olympiacos).
Paris Saint-Germain beat Arsenal for the first time, after two defeats and three draws in five competitive matches.
Paris Saint-Germain have advanced to 17 of 18 European knockout ties after winning the first leg away from home. They only failed to do so against Manchester United in 2019 (winning 2-0 at Old Trafford and losing 3-1 in Paris in the second leg)