Before the first whistle blew at Emirates Stadium, Declan Rice issued a blunt warning to his Arsenal teammates as they formed a pre-match huddle. “If we don’t have the ball, we die,” he said – a sentiment that soon played out in the opening stages of their Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris St-Germain.
PSG dominated possession from the start, and their breakthrough came just four minutes in. Ousmane Dembele finished off a sweeping 26-pass sequence, converting a cross from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia with a composed strike beyond David Raya. The goal silenced a charged atmosphere that had been whipped up by fireworks and giant banners urging Arsenal to “make it happen.”
During the first 26 minutes, PSG controlled over 70% of possession and executed 165 passes compared to Arsenal’s 60. Their accuracy in the final third was equally impressive, completing more than 86% of their passes inside Arsenal’s half. Arsenal’s struggle to keep pace in this period proved decisive, with Rice’s concerns realized before the home side could respond.
Although Arsenal eventually gained a foothold, controlling more than half of the possession from that point on, the early damage was already done. The 1-0 defeat leaves them needing a comeback next week in Paris, where the challenge only intensifies.
PSG’s resurgence and Arsenal’s narrow escape
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted the opening spell proved costly. He acknowledged that PSG’s quality was evident in the goal, noting how his side had seven players behind the ball yet were undone by individual brilliance. He expressed disappointment in not securing at least a draw, despite a strong second-half response.
This version of PSG contrasted sharply with the side that lost at the Emirates earlier in the campaign. Since then, coach Luis Enrique has reshaped the squad, bringing balance and energy across the pitch. Rising star Desire Doue has flourished under his guidance, and Dembele has rediscovered form that had eluded him during his Barcelona tenure.
Kvaratskhelia has added another layer to PSG’s attack, complementing a group that once relied on marquee names like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe. Though the era of star-studded glamour may be drawing to a close, the Parisian club’s latest incarnation is showing impressive substance.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, who faced criticism for a costly mistake in October’s match, was key to PSG’s success this time. The goalkeeper produced vital saves from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, helping preserve their advantage.
Arsenal were denied a potential equalizer early in the second half when Mikel Merino’s header was chalked off after a VAR review. And with Thomas Partey suspended after a yellow card against Real Madrid, Arsenal’s midfield missed a key defensive presence – something Rice clearly felt, showing frustration at his absence.
While Arsenal will hope to overturn the deficit in Paris, they must tread carefully against a team that has already dispatched Premier League opposition in Manchester City, Liverpool, and Aston Villa. PSG’s control and clinical nature suggest they may relish an open second leg – a scenario Arsenal must navigate with precision if they are to reach their first Champions League final since 2006.
