Arsenal are back in a UEFA Champions League semi-final for the first time in 16 years. Now comes the real test. Mikel Arteta’s side welcome Paris Saint-Germain to the Emirates Stadium tonight knowing a strong first-leg performance could put them on the brink of history.
The two clubs met earlier this season, with Arsenal running out convincing 2-0 winners in the league phase. But tonight’s clash will be a much tougher challenge. PSG have grown in confidence since that loss and will believe they can overturn their previous defeat.
Arsenal, however, have the blueprint to win again. Here’s how they can do it.
Exploit PSG’s Set-Piece Vulnerability
Set-pieces could be Arsenal’s biggest weapon tonight. PSG have struggled all season when defending dead-ball situations, conceding 10 goals from set-pieces in Ligue 1 alone – one of the worst records among Europe’s elite.
Arsenal, by contrast, are specialists in this area. Since the appointment of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, the Gunners have scored more goals from corners and free-kicks than any Premier League team. They consistently threaten with near-post flick-ons, deep far-post deliveries, and second-ball chaos inside the box.
Bukayo Saka’s goal against PSG in October – stemming from a whipped free-kick that wasn’t dealt with – is a reminder of just how dangerous Arsenal can be. Without the aerial presence of Gabriel Magalhães tonight, others will need to step up, but with William Saliba, Declan Rice and Ben White, Arsenal still have serious threat in the air.
When Arsenal met PSG earlier this season at the Emirates in the UCL! ? pic.twitter.com/oi78mlX23A
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Dominate Physically in Midfield
In their 2-0 win over PSG earlier this season, Arsenal completely overwhelmed Luis Enrique’s side physically. They won more duels, made more recoveries, and controlled the middle of the pitch with aggression and organisation.
Tonight, replicating that intensity will be vital. Thomas Partey’s suspension is a major blow, removing one of Arsenal’s key defensive shields. Mikel Arteta will likely lean on a midfield trio of Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, and Martin Ødegaard to maintain balance.
PSG’s midfield is technically superb, with Vitinha and João Neves dictating tempo, but they can be unsettled by high pressing and fast transitions. Arsenal’s ability to squeeze space and win second balls could tilt the tie in their favour again.
Let Bukayo Saka Lead the Charge
Saka vs Nuno Mendes could be the key battle. When these sides met in October, Arsenal’s right flank was devastating. Over 60% of their attacks came down that side, with Saka tormenting Mendes and creating constant danger.
Saka’s return to full fitness is a major boost. Fresh from a starring role in the quarter-final win over Real Madrid, he has the ability to drag defenders out of position, draw fouls, and make decisive contributions in the final third.
Mendes is a capable defender, but Arsenal’s tactic of isolating him 1v1 against Saka worked brilliantly last time. Expect Arsenal to once again overload that side, with Ben White providing support and Ødegaard drifting into pockets of space.
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Force Gianluigi Donnarumma Into Mistakes
Gianluigi Donnarumma remains one of the best shot-stoppers in Europe, but he remains vulnerable when pressured with the ball at his feet. Arsenal’s press, especially from the front three, must be intense and coordinated.
Under Luis Enrique, PSG often build from deep with short passes, but teams that press high and force Donnarumma into rushed clearances have caused them real problems. A high-energy start from Arsenal, backed by a raucous Emirates crowd, could disrupt PSG’s rhythm early and create chances from turnovers.
Manage PSG’s Right Flank Threat
PSG’s most potent attacks come down their right-hand side, with Achraf Hakimi’s bursts from full-back and a rotating cast of dynamic dribblers like Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué.
Arsenal’s defensive structure down the left will be critical. Myles Lewis-Skelly has been outstanding in one-on-one duels this season, but he will need protection. Arsenal may ask Ødegaard or Rice to slide across when needed, while the left centre-back must stay alert to runners from deep.
If Arsenal can limit PSG’s right-flank influence, much of the Parisians’ attacking threat will be blunted.
“11 players. 60,000 people. Super convinced we can beat them.”
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Hyped for tonight, Gunners fans? ???pic.twitter.com/ugbodSOpBn
Conclusion
This is Arsenal’s biggest European night in nearly two decades. To seize the opportunity, they must play with the same belief, bravery and ruthlessness that saw them dismantle Real Madrid.
History is within reach. Now Arsenal must take the first step.
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