Arsenal clashed with PSG at the Emirates Stadium in the Champions League semi-final first leg.
Mikel Arteta named Mikel Merino in midfield amid Thomas Partey’s suspension and Belgian international Leandro Trossard started in the false nine role.
Arsenal got off to the worst possible start as too much space in midfield allowed Ousmane Dembele to drive with the ball and then fire home from the edge of the box past David Raya.
Merino had a goal ruled out just shortly after half time for an offside and it proved to be a frustrating evening for the hosts as they fall to a narrow defeat in the first leg.
So with that said, here’s a look at a few things we learned from Arsenal’s clash with PSG.
READ MORE: Arsenal player ratings against PSG as Myles Lewis-Skelly impresses, but there’s two 4/10s
Arsene Wenger in attendance for Champions League clash
Arsene Wenger has rarely been seen at the Emirates Stadium since his glorious departure in 2018 but such as the size of the occasion for his beloved club, he was in attendance for the PSG clash.
Arteta heaped praise on Wenger before the game by stating the Gunners were only in this position of strength because of him.
Thomas Partey’s absence felt immediately
Partey received a needless yellow card in the final few minutes of their clash with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu to miss the first leg with suspension.
The PSG opener came from exactly where the Ghanaian midfielder is so adept at operating in – that space in front of the back four.
Ousmane Dembele was allowed to turn and have the freedom of the pitch before waiting on the edge of the box unmarked to fire home.
It was exactly the sort of position that Partey has covered all season and just three minutes into the match, Arsenal felt the absence of the holding midfielder.
PSG’s fluidity in attack causes Arsenal nightmares
Arsenal were warned to stop Khvicha Kvaratskhelia before the game but the Gunners defence were caused all sorts of problems by the Georgian and his team mates in attack.
Kvaratskhelia along with Dembele and Desire Doue were given the freedom to roam around the PSG front line and Arsenal just could not handle the creativity and movement of the trio.
In truth, the Gunners could have been two or three down at half time and had Raya to thank with some vital stops.
Arsenal fans boo referee upon return from half time
UEFA’s referee appointment of Slavko Vincic was not a popular one in North London as he was roundly booed by the home supporters upon the half time resumption of play.
The Gunners mood with the officials was not lifted early in the second half with Merino’s disallowed goal and Arsenal felt as though decisions did not go their way throughout the game.
Martin Odegaard struggles continue
On a night where the Gunners needed their big players to really turn up once again, captain Martin Odegaard struggled to make any impact on the game.
His usual combinations with Bukayo Saka were well marshalled by PSG doubling up on the winger but Odegaard failed to capitalise on any extra space given to him.
The skipper’s final ball was found wanting on a couple of occasions and frustrated fans with a number of set piece deliveries.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
