Three things we learned as Ousmane Dembélé hands PSG the advantage over Arsenal | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain take a slender one-goal advantage back to the Parc des Princes thanks to a 1-0 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. PSG are now just one game away from booking their place in what would be their second Champions League final.

Dembélé evidences his metamorphosis on the big stage

PSG’s victory in North London was secured thanks to a goal from Ousmane Dembélé, who continues his surprising arc from destabilising but profligate winger to ruthless finisher. This wasn’t a vintage Dembélé performance and for long periods, he was shackled and kept out of the game but it is a performance that is in keeping with what the France international’s evolution. His finish was one that for many years, he looked incapable of taking, at least on a regular basis but it is one that is becoming a trademark.

It was a chance worth just 0.09xG and another one taken first time. That, in many ways, has been the secret to Dembélé’s success, as well as his more central positioning, which naturally puts him closer to the goal. At the start of February, 15 of Dembélé’s 19 goals had been taken with just one touch. There has been more variety of late, with only six of his last 14 being first-time finishes. However, Dembélé is a player who seems to thrive when he feeds more off instinct and that showed once again with his game-winning moment in the fourth minute.

Donnarumma tailored for the big occasion

PSG’s win was won thanks to their efficiency in both boxes. Dembélé was efficient at the other end and Gianluigi Donnarumma was unstoppable at the other. Donnarumma is a goalkeeper who, despite his imposing figure, seemed to shrink on the big stage. His error against Real Madrid in the 2022/23 season was his most high-profile gaff and one that naturally led to doubts about the Italian’s footwork but also his mentality to play in a team seeking to compete for the Champions League.

But it hasn’t just been the errors, it was also his inability to impact games. As recently as the first leg against Liverpool earlier in this campaign, his inability to keep out Harvey Elliott’s late effort was a prime example, or even his display at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season during the Champions League ‘League Phase’. But Donnarumma is now rewriting the narrative.

Granted, the doubts about footwork and ability to deal with balls into the box remain, but he is proving decisive in the big moments. There was the man of the match performance to help PSG progress at Anfield, then the game-defining saves at Villa Park and now another standout display at the Emirates.

His performances in England this season have been of the highest standard. His save from Gabriel Martinelli, and particularly the one from Leandro Trossard in the second half, could define this tie. You could argue that Donnarumma has always had an impact in the big games, just not always a positive one. That has now changed.

PSG learn lessons from chastening Villa Park experience

The Italian, however, didn’t have many saves to make. He was well protected by those in front of him. The experience at Villa Park, where Aston Villa came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 on the night, has left its traces. On that night, the midfield disappeared with many key players completely transparent and played through time and time again. The game management from Luis Enrique’s side came in for considerable criticism. The physicality of this PSG side, or the lack thereof, was questioned. Pre-match, João Neves admitted that Arsenal were a more physical side but that did not show on the night with PSG winning more ground duels (54% to 46%). It showed that it was a question of organisation, positioning, focus, remaining compact and not allowing the game to be stretched, as it was against Aston Villa.

Their efforts to manage the game better, without having the majority of the ball, as they are accustomed to having (only 45% possession in the second half) is testament to those lessons learnt. Trossard’s effort was Arsenal’s only shot on target in the second half and, despite the talent on display, Arsenal’s attackers were kept quiet by a defence that remained compact and did not lose focus. The context, granted, was different. It was not all or nothing as it was at Villa Park. The true test will come at the Parc des Princes next week; PSG, in phases, will have to be prepared to suffer and it is a question of whether they can withstand.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle