Paris Saint-Germain secured a valuable 1-0 away victory against Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final clash at the Emirates Stadium.
The only goal of the match came in the fourth minute when Ousmane Dembele found the bottom right corner with a spectacular strike, putting the French champions ahead.
Arsenal pushed for an equaliser, but were repeatedly thwarted by PSG`s goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma. He made a crucial save to deny Gabriel Martinelli just before halftime, ensuring PSG went into the break with their lead intact.
Early in the second half, Mikel Merino thought he had levelled the tie for Arsenal, but his effort was ruled out for a marginal offside after a VAR review.
Donnarumma continued his impressive performance, getting down well to his right to stop Leandro Trossard from scoring the equaliser around the hour mark.
In the closing stages, Goncalo Ramos had a chance to double PSG`s advantage, but his shot hit the crossbar, sparing Arsenal from a potentially decisive two-goal deficit heading into the second leg.
The result means Arsenal face a difficult task next week in Paris at the Parc des Princes. They need to overcome the one-goal disadvantage to reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2006, with this competition now representing their last chance for silverware this season.
Match Details
- Match result: Arsenal 0-1 PSG
- Arsenal starting team: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Rice, Merino, Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
- PSG starting team: Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz, Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia
Analysis
Mikel Arteta faces a significant tactical challenge in the return leg against Luis Enrique`s well-drilled PSG side. He needs to devise a strategy that allows Arsenal to attack effectively while containing PSG`s potent forward line.
Despite improvements under Arteta, significant silverware has been elusive. The tie in Paris is crucial and could define Arsenal`s season.
Arteta often highlights positives after matches, but internally, he must address the team`s shortcomings. Although Arsenal tend to dominate possession, they lacked sufficient penetration in the final third against PSG, a problem that must be solved for the second leg.
Individual battles also played a role. Bukayo Saka had a quiet game, well marshalled by Nuno Mendes, who successfully contained the Arsenal winger. Saka will need to find a way to trouble Mendes in Paris.
Luis Enrique`s tactical plan succeeded in neutralizing Arsenal`s key playmakers, notably limiting Martin Odegaard`s influence in dangerous areas.
This defeat marks Arsenal`s first home loss in the Champions League this season. The club also extended an unfortunate streak, failing to score in their last six Champions League semi-final matches. A more attacking mindset is essential for the return leg.
The disappointment among Arsenal`s players was evident. After the euphoria of their previous home win against Real Madrid, this loss was a stark contrast. How the squad responds to this setback will be telling.
Declan Rice played a deeper midfield role due to Thomas Partey`s absence, which seemed to impact Arsenal`s build-up play and the connection between midfield and attack, particularly for Odegaard.
The atmosphere at the Emirates, while initially vibrant, seemed to drop significantly after PSG`s early goal, lacking the sustained intensity seen in some previous matches. Arsenal will encounter a very different and likely more intimidating atmosphere in Paris.
Ultimately, Luis Enrique`s tactics were effective. The early goal settled PSG, and they managed the game well, looking relatively comfortable for large periods and limiting Arsenal`s clear-cut opportunities.
Credit: Getty
Credit: EPA
Marcus Bellamy