Arsenal secured a 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain during the Champions League group stage in October.
“With all due respect, I believe we will win the second leg.”
Should Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino’s confident prediction inspire optimism among supporters?
Following Arsenal’s home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, many fans responded as if hopes of progression were diminished.
Yet, as Merino went on to note, signs remain that the contest is far from concluded.
Manager Mikel Arteta was quick to point out in his post-match comments that it is simply “half-time” ahead of the return fixture in Paris next Wednesday.
Arsenal retain the opportunity to overturn the deficit and reach their first Champions League final since 2006.
This is how they might achieve it.
In the early stages, PSG controlled proceedings with 75% possession across the first 15 minutes and took an early lead through Ousmane Dembele’s fourth-minute goal.
Despite coming under sustained pressure in the first half, Arsenal gradually grew into the match.
Arteta identified and addressed a key tactical issue in the first half, acknowledging that Arsenal performed “much better” thereafter.
The improvement was evident, and although PSG saw late chances for Bradley Barcola and Gonçalo Ramos, Arsenal also generated noteworthy opportunities.
Gabriel Martinelli forced an impressive save from Gianluigi Donnarumma prior to the break, and Leandro Trossard produced another fine effort after halftime.
Statistically, Arsenal registered a higher expected goals metric (1.65) than PSG (1.14), with more shots on target (5 vs. 4), and Donnarumma was called into action five times, compared to four saves by David Raya.
A goal from Merino was disallowed following a header from Declan Rice’s free-kick in the second half, highlighting Arsenal’s capability to find the net and level the tie in the return leg.
Thomas Partey has featured in 46 matches across all competitions for Arsenal this season.
A key challenge for Arteta was the absence of Thomas Partey in midfield.
His suspension after an untimely yellow card against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu forced a reshuffle in the centre of the park.
Partey’s anticipated return will allow Rice to resume an advanced midfield role in which he has thrived, while Partey’s presence will add stability at the base of midfield.
With Rice operating further forward, captain Martin Odegaard—who was subdued in the first leg—may also be given more creative freedom.
The team missed Rice’s driving runs from deep, while Partey could help contain Dembele, who often drops into pockets of space between midfield and defence.
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Luis Enrique’s side have secured the Ligue 1 title and were aiming for an unbeaten campaign, but they fell to defeat against Nice in their latest home league outing.
While PSG had already accomplished their primary domestic objective, Arsenal will be encouraged by the evidence that PSG’s strongest lineup can be beaten at home.
Aston Villa claimed a 3-2 victory in the quarter-finals’ second leg, Liverpool edged PSG 1-0 in the round of 16, and Atletico Madrid also secured a group-stage win at the Parc des Princes.
Contexts and opposition will differ, but these results provide Arteta with valuable case studies as he prepares his strategy.
Arsenal themselves have shown pedigree on the continental stage, including a five-goal haul away at Sporting, a seven-goal display against PSV Eindhoven, and a notable 2-1 win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
It is also worth recalling Arsenal’s 2-0 triumph over PSG earlier in this season’s group stage.
Ousmane Dembele has notched eight Champions League goals in this campaign.
While every manager wants to select their best XI, Luis Enrique faces uncertainty over the fitness of match-winner Dembele.
Dembele was forced off in the 70th minute, making way for Barcola.
Asked about Dembele—who has 32 goals and 12 assists in all competitions—the PSG boss described only a minor issue, saying it was “nothing serious.” If Dembele is absent from the starting line-up, Arsenal could be handed a significant boost.
Nevertheless, PSG maintain impressive attacking depth, with Barcola, Ramos—who struck the crossbar—Lee Kang-In, and Warren Zaïre-Emery all available if required.
Despite Arsenal’s recent dip in Premier League form, winning just once in four, their overall away record this season remains strong.
The Gunners have amassed eight away league victories, seven draws and only two defeats.
Those back-to-back losses came at Bournemouth and Newcastle earlier in the campaign.
In the Champions League, they have suffered just one away defeat this season, a 1-0 loss to fellow semi-finalists Inter Milan.
Arteta has faced scrutiny regarding his ability to lead Arsenal to silverware.
Notably, Arsenal are without a victory in their past seven semi-final matches across all competitions (L5 D2), having failed to score in each, which tempers expectations ahead of the return leg.
Merino, however, remains positive.
“Paris is a formidable challenge, but we have consistently demonstrated that we can compete with anyone and, with all due respect, I believe we will win the second leg,” he said.
“We have proved our ability to win at grounds like the Bernabeu and against any Premier League opponent, which brings us confidence.”
“The outcome on Tuesday changes nothing; our mindset remains the same—to win every game.”
“We enter the second leg with confidence and energy, motivated to deliver for our fans and ourselves.”
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