Arsenal have all of it to do in the event that they wish to attain the Champions League closing after Ousmane Dembele’s early aim handed PSG a 1-0 victory on the Emirates Stadium.
PSG made a blistering begin by means of Dembele earlier than world-class saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma to disclaim Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard stored the Gunners at bay.
It was a irritating evening for Arsenal, who noticed Mikel Merino’s header dominated out for offside, with the followers venting their fury at referee Slavko Vincic at half-time and full-time, nevertheless it may have been even worse for the north London facet had PSG taken one in all two clear-cut probabilities within the closing phases.
Mikel Arteta’s facet now face an uphill process in subsequent week’s second leg in Paris as they appear to maintain alive their dream of a primary Champions League success within the membership’s historical past.
PSG present class however tie not lifeless for Arsenal
Arteta requested the Arsenal followers to carry the noise, they usually actually did that, however PSG silenced the Emirates early on. Dembele began the transfer, charging ahead earlier than choosing out Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who breezed previous Jurrien Timber with ease. The Georgian returned the ball to Dembele and, in acres of area, he discovered the web by way of the within of the far submit to complete a 26-pass transfer.
It was a nervy begin from Arsenal and PSG didn’t want a second invitation to proceed to place the house facet below stress. The guests took full management of the sport with Arsenal struggling for any form of rhythm.
The possibilities stored coming for PSG as Arsenal’s frustration grew. David Raya needed to be alert to maintain out Marquinhos’ header earlier than making a brilliant save low right down to his proper to disclaim Want Doue. The rebound got here out to Fabian Ruiz, whose shot hit each posts with the ball staying out, though the offside flag finally went up.
Luis Enrique’s facet struggled to maintain their relentless tempo up and it allowed Arsenal to get a foothold again into the competition. Jakub Kiwior’s header was simply saved by Donnarumma, however the Gunners began to construct some momentum.
Bukayo Saka’s cross simply evaded Martinelli on the far submit earlier than the Brazilian ahead was brilliantly denied by Donnarumma after being performed in behind the PSG defence.
The Arsenal followers made their emotions identified in direction of the referee, they usually had been as soon as once more pissed off by the officers when Merino’s ‘equaliser’ straight after the break was dominated out by VAR for offside.
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Arsenal’s Declan Rice whips in a cross for Mikel Merino to place it at the back of the web however VAR dominated it out for offside
Nevertheless, Arsenal’s momentum continued as Declan Rice powered ahead on a trademark run. He performed Trossard in on aim however the Belgium worldwide was brilliantly denied by one other large hand from Donnarumma.
Arsenal used the slogan ‘make it occur’ earlier than the sport however they might not discover a approach by means of a cussed PSG defence.
Ultimately, the Gunners had been fortunate to maintain the deficit to at least one as substitute Bradley Barcola pulled a shot broad when by means of on aim, whereas Goncalo Ramos’ late effort beat Raya however rattled off the crossbar in an enormous let off for the Gunners.
Arsenal dwell to combat one other day
Evaluation from Sky Sports activities’ Zinny Boswell at Emirates Stadium:
“You could sense the disappointment emanating around the Emirates when the final whistle sounded.
“Arsenal created sufficient to at the very least draw the sport, however they go to Paris subsequent week a aim down. They’ve given themselves an enormous job to show this tie round.
“The difference between the two teams, who both had to defend for their lives at times, was ultimately the quality of Dembele’s strike after four minutes. It was a 26-pass move from PSG, who have now beaten Liverpool, Aston Villa, Man City and Arsenal this season.
“Arsenal’s forwards could not ship regardless of their staff dominating for longer spells within the second half and having extra probabilities.
“Donnarumma, of course, produced one of the saves of the season to keep out Trossard, but they will be very disappointed by the way they played in the final third, particularly when it was clear they have the quality to hurt PSG.
“The optimistic is that Arsenal do dwell to combat one other day. They’ve an enormous process forward however not an inconceivable one subsequent week in Parc des Princes.”
What’s subsequent for Arsenal and PSG?
Arsenal journey to France for the return leg in opposition to PSG subsequent Wednesday on the Parc des Princes.
However earlier than that, the Gunners host Bournemouth within the Premier League’s late afternoon kick-off on Saturday, dwell on Sky Sports activities, whereas PSG head to Strasbourg in Ligue 1 earlier on the identical day.
The Champions League closing takes place on Saturday Might 31 on the Allianz Area in Munich, with the winner of this semi-final tie taking over both Barcelona or Inter Milan.
