“It’s Not Over Yet” – Arsenal Legend Previews Huge Champions League Clash with PSG | OneFootball

Exclusive: Arsenal Legend Previews Huge PSG Clash

Arsenal’s entire 2024/25 season, and some would say Mikel Arteta’s reign at the club, has come down to tonight’s UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg clash with PSG. Off the back of a 0-1 home defeat to the Parisians at the Emirates Stadium, it’s gonna take a historic performance to secure a spot in the final.

It was Ousmane Dembele who scored the decisive in that one, but late missed chances from Desire Doue and Goncalo Ramos gave the Gunners some hope heading into the return leg.

Since the first leg, both sides suffered shock defeats in their domestic leagues. Arsenal squandered a lead at home to AFC Bournemouth in a 1-2 home defeat, whilst PSG made ten changes and also fell to a 1-2 defeat to Strasbourg.

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour spoke exclusively to EPL Index and shared his thoughts on the first-leg defeat and how Arteta’s side must repond…

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Reaction to Arsenal 0-1 PSG

When asked about what went wrong for Arsenal, Parlour pointed out the absence of Thomas Partey as a major reason, saying: “Arsenal missed Thomas Partey’s presence in the centre of midfield. They struggled to cope early on with the way PSG pressed and won back possession quickly.”

“The closing down throughout the game should have been better, I think they gave PSG too much respect and as mentioned, Partey was a big miss as it meant Declan Rice’s game changed and also Merino’s game too. Merino has been doing a good job as the number 9 which worked well in both Madrid games.”

But it wasn’t just the absence of Partey that was felt by Arsenal, with Parlour pointing out a few other key-players who were sidelined for the first-leg, saying: “If you look at Arsenal’s team, you are missing the spine of the team in Gabriel, Partey and Havertz, but they will have Partey back next week, who can get Arsenal having more control of the game.”

“Arsenal had a lack of real attacking options off the bench last night and this is where they will look to add to their squad over the summer with more quality in that area.”

Can Arsenal Make a Comeback?

Despite the defeat in the first-leg, Parlour remains optimistic on Arsenal’s chances of reaching the UEFA Champions League final, saying: “Scoring first in Paris is vital for Arsenal and in Saka and Martinelli, they have the tool to do this.”

“Merino as number 9 will also help and he can cause PSG problems. It’s not over, but it’s key that Arsenal don’t concede early and can grow into the game in Paris.”

Arsenal have been hugely impressive on the road in Europe, which Parlour thinks could give Arteta’s side an edge in the return leg, saying: “You look at Arsenal’s away record in Europe this season and it is pretty good. Winning in Madrid and heavily against PSV. They have nothing to fear and also from set pieces Arsenal can look to capitalise.”

The winner of this tie, whether it be Arsenal or PSG, will face Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final in Munich after the Italian giants defeated Barcelona 7-6 on aggregate.