Arsenal’s heartbreaking begin in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg match with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Tuesday night. And yet Mikel Arteta’s side found themselves 1-0 down within three minutes. This became the earliest goal that Arsenal have ever conceded in the knockout rounds of the competition.
Scoring Overview
Ousmane Dembele • 7 ’
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia • 1 Assist
This early blow proved prophetic as it was the beginning of a difficult evening for the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium.
Though surprising for how early it came, Dembele’s surprise shot was a big one. It reminded us of Edinson Cavani’s hot-starting goal for PSG, which came just 42 seconds into a game in September of 2016. This early concession forced Arsenal to play from behind and left them chasing the match to try and get back on terms.
It was the Gunners who had the difficult time getting their groove going. PSG were able to flex their attacking muscle with an eye-popping 26-pass sequence leading up to Dembele’s strike. Kvaratskhelia continued his run of form as he glided past Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber with the utmost grace before providing a pinpoint pass from the left wing. Dembele capped the counter with a fine left-footed finish. The way the ball fit into the inside of the far post left Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya with little to no time to respond.
Arsenal’s Response and Missed Opportunities
Arsenal did their best to recover from the opening setback and press for goalscoring chances. They were met with a resilient PSG defense, led by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made several key saves throughout the match. One of those moments occurred when he denied Leandro Trossard with a huge hand save. Soon after, he showed off his cat-like reflexes again. His best stop came in the second half when he dove low to his right and denied Desire Doue’s close-range effort.
Arsenal had plenty of reason to be frustrated too, like this Mikel Merino goal disallowed for offside. This decision further exacerbated the Gunners’ woes. They really, REALLY deserved an equalizer against a massively strong PSG squad that had already beaten some of the best teams on earth this season, including Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Manchester City.
“But, other than that, there wasn’t anything apart from the goal. It’s a very individual moment that matters at this level.”
In the early stages of the second half, you saw what Arsenal could be.
“After that, the team went better and better and it’s disappointing to not get a draw at least.”
Players and fans alike felt this way, and rightfully so. They saw the potential for an upset, despite the early hole.
PSG’s Dominance and Tactical Execution
PSG’s response across the match was equally extraordinary. The French giants displayed tactical discipline and exceptional teamwork that allowed them to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities. Led by their astute mastermind, manager Luis Enrique, PSG played to their game plan to perfection. Through a brilliant on pitch defensiveness and shone with a attacking creativity.
Perhaps it is a mark of PSG’s poise under pressure, of how playing away from home to a superior team favored them on the back foot.
“Emotions are doubled in this kind of match and it’s difficult to analyse a match like that.”
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, was very honest about the task they face. He is preparing his players for the important second leg in Paris next Wednesday at the Parc des Princes. He knew it would take a star turn of a performance to truly clear that red ink.
“Very difficult to play. It was a great atmosphere but we showed the kind of team we are.”
Arteta had said, underlining his faith in his squad’s ability to get the season back on track.
PSG carries a slim 1-0 advantage as they head into the return leg. Like us, both teams are looking forward to their June meeting in France. The stakes could not be higher! The victor of this semi-final tie will face either Barcelona or Inter Milan in the Champions League final on Saturday, May 31, at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
“We are going to have to do something special in Paris,”
Perhaps most importantly, Arsenal have to out-will their opponents. They will have to improve markedly on this display to progress beyond one of Europe’s elite clubs. Look forward to a thrilling showdown in the second leg! Indeed, each side is pumped up and looking for a coup-de-grace victory in one of football’s most hallowed competitions.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Final
With PSG taking a narrow 1-0 lead into the second leg, both teams now look forward to their upcoming clash in France. The stakes are high, as the winner of this semi-final tie will face either Barcelona or Inter Milan in the Champions League final scheduled for Saturday, May 31, at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Arsenal will need to channel their determination and improve upon their performance if they are to advance past one of Europe’s elite clubs. The second leg promises to be an exhilarating encounter as both sides aim for glory in one of football’s most prestigious tournaments.
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