Arsenal have it all to do if they want to reach the Champions League final after Ousmane Dembele’s early goal handed PSG a 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium.
PSG made a blistering start through Dembele before world-class saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma to deny Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard kept the Gunners at bay.
It was a frustrating night for Arsenal, who saw Mikel Merino’s header ruled out for offside, with the fans venting their fury at referee Slavko Vincic at half-time and full-time, but it could have been even worse for the north London side had PSG taken one of two clear-cut chances in the closing stages.
Mikel Arteta’s side now face an uphill task in next week’s second leg in Paris as they look to keep alive their dream of a first Champions League success in the club’s history.
PSG show class but tie not dead for Arsenal
Arteta asked the Arsenal fans to bring the noise, and they certainly did that, but PSG silenced the Emirates early on. Dembele started the move, charging forward before picking out Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who breezed past Jurrien Timber with ease. The Georgian returned the ball to Dembele and, in acres of space, he found the net via the inside of the far post to finish a 26-pass move.
Clinton Morrison gives his reaction to PSG’s early goal against Arsenal in the Champions League
It was a nervy start from Arsenal and PSG did not need a second invitation to continue to put the home side under pressure. The visitors took full control of the game with Arsenal struggling for any sort of rhythm.
The chances kept coming for PSG as Arsenal’s frustration grew. David Raya had to be alert to keep out Marquinhos’ header before making a super save low down to his right to deny Desire Doue. The rebound came out to Fabian Ruiz, whose shot hit both posts with the ball staying out, although the offside flag eventually went up.
Luis Enrique’s side struggled to keep their relentless pace up and it allowed Arsenal to get a foothold back into the contest. Jakub Kiwior’s header was easily saved by Donnarumma, but the Gunners started to build some momentum.
Bukayo Saka’s cross just evaded Martinelli at the far post before the Brazilian forward was brilliantly denied by Donnarumma after being played in behind the PSG defence.
The Arsenal fans made their feelings known towards the referee, and they were once again frustrated by the officials when Merino’s ‘equaliser’ straight after the break was ruled out by VAR for offside.
Arsenal’s Declan Rice whips in a cross for Mikel Merino to put it in the back of the net but VAR ruled it out for offside
However, Arsenal’s momentum continued as Declan Rice powered forward on a trademark run. He played Trossard in on goal but the Belgium international was brilliantly denied by another giant hand from Donnarumma.
Arsenal used the slogan ‘make it happen’ before the game but they could not find a way through a stubborn PSG defence.
In the end, the Gunners were lucky to keep the deficit to one as substitute Bradley Barcola pulled a shot wide when through on goal, while Goncalo Ramos’ late effort beat Raya but rattled off the crossbar in a huge let off for the Gunners.
Arsenal live to fight another day
Analysis from Sky Sports’ Zinny Boswell at Emirates Stadium:
“You could sense the disappointment emanating around the Emirates when the final whistle sounded.
“Arsenal created enough to at least draw the game, but they go to Paris next week a goal down. They have given themselves a huge job to turn this tie around.
“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 couldn’t deliver despite their team dominating for longer spells in the second half and having more chances.
“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 positive is that Arsenal do live to fight another day. They have a big task ahead but not an impossible one next week in Parc des Princes.”
What’s next for Arsenal and PSG?
Arsenal travel to France for the return leg against PSG next Wednesday at the Parc des Princes.
But before that, the Gunners host Bournemouth in the Premier League’s late afternoon kick-off on Saturday, live on Sky Sports, while PSG head to Strasbourg in Ligue 1 earlier on the same day.
The Champions League final takes place on Saturday May 31 at the Allianz Arena in Munich, with the winner of this semi-final tie taking on either Barcelona or Inter Milan.
