Arsenal have set a new unwanted club record following their defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals of the Champions League this evening.
The English club had a mountain to climb on their trip to the French capital, trailing 1-0 from the first leg at the Emirates last week, and they were unable to turn the tide tonight.
Arsenal were beaten again in Paris, as goals from Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi ultimately put the game beyond them, with Bukayo Saka‘s late strike proving little more than a consolation.
That has continued a worrying trend for the club under current manager Mikel Arteta, who has fallen short in a cup competition once again.
© Imago
Arsenal set all-time low following PSG defeat
Elimination in Paris tonight means Arsenal have now been knocked out in each of their previous four semi-final ties – the worst streak in the club’s history.
All four ties were two-legged affairs, and the Gunners’ record across the eight individual matches in that run is hugely concerning.
Apart from goalless draws with Villarreal in the Europa League in 2021, and Liverpool in the EFL Cup in 2022, Arsenal have lost all other six matches in that run, scoring just two goals.
Those ties against Villarreal and Liverpool saw Arsenal lose in their other leg, while Newcastle United also recorded back-to-back 2-0 wins over the Gunners in the EFL Cup semi-finals this season.
It contributes to a fifth straight season without a trophy now for Arteta and Arsenal, who are also on course to finish second in the Premier League for the third campaign running.
© Imago
Wasteful Arsenal punished
With injuries to some key players, Arteta has had to adapt this season, and that has seen them warm towards a more direct approach throughout the season.
Tonight was no different, and even though they have come in for some criticism for that, it did lead to a number of good chances this evening.
Thomas Partey‘s long throws were dangerous in the first half, while David Raya also created as many chances as any other Arsenal player in the opening 45.
Arsenal amassed an xG of 3.14, the most any club has managed against PSG in a single game this season, while the 19 shots the visitors racked up is their highest tally in a UCL knockout game for nine years.
However, even when those chances came their way, they once again failed to take them, including Saka, who missed a 0.8xG chance shortly after pulling a goal back for the Gunners.
No Data Analysis info
