Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has offered his former club some words of advice ahead of a critical Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain.
Mikel Arteta‘s men have a Parisian mountain to climb next week following an excruciating 1-0 loss in the first leg of their European tie on Tuesday, where Ousmane Dembele‘s fourth-minute goal made the difference at the Emirates.
Mikel Merino thought he had equalised for the Gunners at the start of the second half, only for his header to be ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR check, and Arsenal just could not beat the impenetrable wall that was Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos also spurned golden chances to add to PSG’s lead in the second half, and speaking to Sports Mole, Parlour lamented the absence of the suspended Thomas Partey as a key factor in Arsenal’s downfall on Tuesday.
“Arsenal missed Thomas Partey’s presence in the centre of midfield,” the Arsenal Invincible said. “They struggled to cope early on with the way PSG pressed and won back possession quickly.
“After conceding such an early goal, Arsenal had to adjust their football, which they did and credit to Mikel Arteta, they created a couple of good chances and on another day draw or win the game.
Parlour: ‘Arsenal gave PSG too much respect’
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“The closing down throughout the game should have been better, I think they gave PSG too much respect and as mentioned, Partey was a big miss as it meant Declan Rice’s game changed and also Merino’s game too.
“Merino has been doing a good job as the number nine which worked well in both Madrid games. I thought he played well last night, unlucky with his goal being ruled out. Two very good saves by [Donnarumma] from Martinelli and Trossard which kept Arsenal from scoring on the night. I was impressed with Dembele and Kvaratskhelia and also Vitinha had an excellent game.
“You are missing the spine in Gabriel, Partey and Havertz, but they will have Partey back next week, who can get Arsenal having more control of the game. Arsenal had a lack of real attacking options and this is where they will look to add to their squad over the summer. But Arsenal are still in the tie.”
If Arsenal are to reverse their 1-0 deficit and progress to meet either Barcelona or Inter Milan in the Munich final next month, they must do something that has only ever been done twice before in the Champions League.
Only two clubs have ever reached the UCL final after losing the first leg of the semi-final at home, but Arsenal are on a four-game winning sequence in Champions League away matches, scoring at least two goals on each occasion.
Furthermore, PSG have struggled for consistency at the Parc des Princes in the 2024-25 tournament – winning four, drawing one and losing two of their seven Champions League home games this term – and Arsenal will have the influential Partey back from his ban next week.
For Parlour, there are a few factors that will determine whether Arteta’s men can pull off an exceptional comeback in Paris, but scoring first and avoiding another early concession are particularly key for the 52-year-old.
Parlour: ‘Vital for Arsenal to score first in Paris’
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Asked how Arsenal can turn the semi-final around in Paris, Parlour replied: “Arsenal got into the game after around 20 mins, and with Partey back, it’s so important Arsenal win the midfield duels and get on the ball. Scoring first in Paris is vital for Arsenal and in Saka and Martinelli, they have the tools to do this.
“Merino as number nine will also help and he can cause PSG problems. It’s not over, but it’s key that Arsenal don’t concede early and can grow into the game in Paris. You look at Arsenal’s away record in Europe this season and it is pretty good. Winning in Madrid and heavily against PSV.
“They have nothing to fear and also from set pieces Arsenal can look to capitalise. It’s a very tough ask, but providing Arsenal can gain some control of the game in midfield, stop Vitinha dictating the game, then they can create chances to score.
“Being clinical is key as well. There won’t be loads of chances, so the ones Arsenal can get, they have to look to score from.”
However, before Arsenal can focus purely on matters in Paris, the Gunners must welcome Bournemouth to the Emirates for Saturday’s Premier League showdown, while PSG travel to high-flying Strasbourg in Ligue 1 on the same afternoon.
Luis Enrique‘s men have already wrapped up the top-flight title, though, while Arsenal are yet to guarantee the top-five Premier League finish that would secure Champions League football again for next season.
Ray Parlour was speaking to Sports Mole on behalf of NetBet Sports Betting.
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