The Parisians secured a narrow 1-0 victory over the Gunners in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final, during a thrilling clash held at the iconic Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
The visitors took the lead in the fourth minute through forward Ousmane Dembélé, a goal that silenced the Premier League side in front of their home fans and former manager Arsène Wenger, who was watching from the stands.
Before the half-time whistle, Brazilian international, Gabriel Martinelli, had a clear chance to level the score after receiving a well-crafted through pass from Arsenal’s wonderkid, Lewis Skelly.
However, PSG shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma denied him the chance to celebrate.
In the second half, Arteta’s men came out strong and thought they had equalised when Mikel Merino headed in a goal from Declan Rice’s free kick.
However, after a VAR check, the goal was disallowed for clear offside.
The visitors showed greater hunger for goals in the closing minutes of the game, with Bradley Barcola and his teammate Gonçalo Ramos wasting two quick chances to score before the final whistle.
Speaking after the game, the Gunners manager pointed the very mistake that his team did to give the visitors an opportunity to outsmart them.
As per the Standard, the 43- year old tactician admitted that PSG started the game better, saying it was due to their ability to beat Arsenal’s press and the individual quality that led to the opening goal.
He noted issues with how his team handled possession after winning the ball, which he called a key moment.
Arteta said: “They began the game stronger for two reasons. First, they escaped our press with a series of passes and sequences. Then, their individual quality produced the opening goal. We also had problems after winning the ball back, and against a team like them that phase is crucial.”
“And then the team was started to be better, better, and better. We have two massive chances, one-v-one chances. And at this level, the keepers and the boxes made the difference, and, he certainly did in the match”.
