Vitinha was one of the stars of the show for Paris Saint-Germain during their dominant first leg performance against Arsenal in north London.
Arsenal had every reason to feel optimistic before kicking a ball against PSG — Mikel Arteta’s side had just knocked out the Champions League holders.
But for the first 20 minutes at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal could only watch on as PSG demonstrated why they had already beaten Liverpool and Aston Villa over two legs.
The Parisiens were superb and former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Vitinha was at the heart of that performance, winning the Man of the Match award.
Thomas Partey’s absence owing to suspension was always going to be problematic for Arsenal, and PSG’s midfield didn’t need further invitation to take over the game.
Vitinha discusses Thomas Partey returning for Arsenal
That being said, Vitinha actually made a comment about Partey when speaking to Amazon Prime after full-time.
The PSG star discussed his side’s performance first and foremost — one that was unrecognisable from the Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar era in Paris.
And perhaps the biggest hope for Arsenal going into the second leg will be that Partey can make a huge difference breaking the lines, something Vitinha was asked about.
Discussing PSG’s performance first, Vitinha said: “It was a great night, mostly for the group. It was a very good performance for the team.
“We had the ball most of the game. This game we had to adapt to the different circumstances and we did it. We defended well and we attacked well.”
Then asked about PSG’s 26 passes before their goal, Vitinha continued: “That shows the dynamic that we have and the strong collective. It is not over and we have to have a strong match in Paris.
“He [Donnarumma] had a great match but the team was the key. We could have scored more but we are glad for 1-0 and we will do everything in our power to go to the final.”
And finally the midfielder was questioned about Partey playing next week: “I don’t know. He’s a good player.”
Mikel Arteta needs to make changes
As of right now it does appear very obvious how Arsenal will line up in Paris next Wednesday.
Partey should replace Leandro Trossard in Arteta’s side and the likes of Declan Rice and Mikel Merino will both shift one spot forward.
France’s media critiqued Rice’s performance in the pivot for Arsenal in Tuesday’s defeat and it does now appear as if he’s best utilised as a number eight.
Of course, without Merino up top Arsenal also lacked a focal point, there was no one to hit long when PSG were dominating in the first half.
Perhaps it was a night when some key absences told for the home side — it was quite the sight to see Kai Havertz and Riccardo Calafiori standing alongside Partey on the touchline not in match day kit.
A frustrating night, but one that the Gunners can still remedy in France.
