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Despite Mikel Arteta’s bold tactical maneuvers, ARSENAL faced elimination from the Champions League at the hands of PSG.
The manager claimed that the Gunners were the “superior team,” yet the disparity was clear within both penalty areas.
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PSG’s success can largely be attributed to goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and significant contributions from scorers Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi.
Conversely, Arsenal fans are left questioning why the club didn’t secure a striker.
1. Striker Deficiency
This is a critical issue—Arsenal must heavily invest in a top-tier No9 this summer.
Time and again, Arsenal recovered possession high up the pitch and advanced toward the box.
However, Mikel Merino, despite not playing as a striker, inexplicably drifted left instead of positioning himself centrally, leaving no one to capitalize on incoming crosses.
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At other times, Declan Rice, covering significant ground, ventured into the box but failed to make the right movements, leading to confusion for the PSG defenders.
Ultimately, the Parisians began to welcome crosses, executing an impressive total of 43 clearances throughout the match, a task simplified for centre-backs Marquinhos and Willian Pacho.
Addressing the striker issue must be Arsenal’s primary focus in the next transfer window—a quality centre-forward could have propelled them to the final.
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2. Audacious Arteta
Arsenal was relentless in the early stages, deserving at least one goal through their high press and aggressive tackles.
To support Bukayo Saka’s runs against PSG’s left-back Nuno Mendes, Jurrien Timber played a role similar to that of a right-sided No10.
Mikel Arteta’s assertion that PSG’s bench demonstrated Arsenal was the superior team across both legs
When Arsenal held possession deeper, William Saliba would shift across while Martin Odegaard dropped back to retrieve the ball.
This allowed Timber to advance and then move wide for interplay with Saka.
The strategy posed a dilemma for PSG—should they send a midfielder to track the Dutchman, risking their balance, or allow him to roam free while doubling down on Mendes with Saka?
This tactic forced key player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia into extensive defensive responsibilities.
Timber exhibited commendable effectiveness in this role, frequently linking up with Merino and Saka to overwhelm the right side.
That bravery nearly resulted in an early goal—credit to Arteta.
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3. Remarkable Donnarumma
The Italian goalkeeper was essential to PSG’s win. His save against Odegaard is one of the best you’ll ever see; it ought to be on a loop at their training facility, as it was truly outstanding.
He couldn’t see the shot until it was through two defenders, and Odegaard struck it with precision—it was heading for the corner and bounced just before reaching him.
He adjusted his positioning, performing little steps on his line akin to a tennis “split step” to prepare for a dive to either side.
Though Donnarumma’s save percentage isn’t as high as that of other goalkeepers in the Champions League this season, PSG’s control of the game leads to limited shots against him, showcasing how alert he remains.
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4. Unsung Ruiz
Fabian Ruiz may operate quietly, but he is key for both PSG and Spain, last year’s Euro winners, and deserves recognition among the world’s elite.
His overall play astounds, but his movement leading to the goal was especially savvy.
When PSG earned a free-kick from the flank, he positioned himself next to Arsenal’s defense.
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Unfortunately, Arsenal’s depth was insufficient, and the delivery was too far for David Raya to manage, leading to defenders scrambling back to clear the ball from danger.
Ruiz demonstrated intelligence by staying alert on the edge of the box, anticipating a potential loose ball.
His keen movement away from the backline and toward the opposite direction opened space for the eventual goal.
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5. Hakimi’s Prowess
Achraf Hakimi was consistently active, frequently operating alone on the right flank.
This gave the right-winger ahead of him the freedom to drift inside and create overlaps in other areas of the field.
Hakimi boasts impressive skills, but his tactical awareness in finding space is exceptional.
PSG advances the ball upfield by forming diamond shapes, with Hakimi consistently one step ahead.
He penetrates inside when Desire Doue stays wide or overlaps, serving as a wide option when necessary.
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