When the Guns Went Silent: Arsenal Stumbles vs. PSG

Earlier this season, Arsenal had defeated PSG 2-0 in the group stage’s second round. Historically, Arsenal has held the edge over the French giants. In their previous five meetings before this season, Arsenal remained unbeaten with three wins and two draws. Their first encounter came in the 2007 Emirates Cup, where Arsène Wenger’s side won 2-1. The two teams clashed again in the 2016-17 group stage, drawing both matches (1-1 and 2-2). The most recent clash before this campaign was in the 2018 International Champions Cup in the U.S., where Arsenal thrashed PSG 5-1 with a deadly attacking lineup featuring Özil, Aubameyang, Lacazette, and Mkhitaryan.

Given this strong head-to-head record, Mikel Arteta and his players were confident of gaining an advantage in the first leg, especially at home, where they have been formidable in this year’s Champions League campaign. But football is a game of surprises, and Arsenal’s hopes of reaching the final were dealt a serious blow by a sharp and disciplined PSG side.

Arsenal pushed forward aggressively from the start, attempting to overwhelm PSG early. However, the visitors were prepared for counterattacks. The game’s only goal came just four minutes in, when a move down the left saw Kvaratskhelia cut the ball back for Ousmane Dembélé, whose strike hit the post and bounced in past goalkeeper David Raya. That early goal stunned the Emirates crowd and shifted the momentum.

Despite creating several chances, Arsenal couldn’t capitalize. Their best opportunity came late in the first half when Lewis-Skelly sent a through ball to Martinelli, who found himself one-on-one with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. But the Brazilian forward’s tame finish was easily saved.

Early in the second half, Arsenal thought they had equalized through Mikel Merino’s header from a set-piece. However, the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check. Moments later, Donnarumma again denied Arsenal, this time thwarting Leandro Trossard from close range. Late in the game, PSG nearly doubled their lead when Gonçalo Ramos struck the crossbar.

Arsenal pushed hard for a late equalizer but couldn't break through PSG’s resilient defense. The match ended 0-1, giving the Parisians a crucial away win and a clear advantage heading into the second leg on home soil.

While PSG now has one foot in the final, Arsenal faces a tough challenge. Their title hopes have dimmed, but supporters still believe in a possible comeback next week. If Arsenal’s attacking “guns” can finally fire, anything is still possible in Paris.