Mikel Arteta has been studying Paris Saint-Germain ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with the Parisians.
On the second match day of the 2024/25 Champions League campaign, Arsenal welcome Ligue 1 leaders PSG to the Emirates.
The stage is set for a blockbuster fixture to unfold in North London, with Arteta’s side gunning for their first win in the tournament this season.
Arsenal were held to a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Atalanta on the opening night, seeing one point on the board in the new format.
Luis Enrique could surprise Arsenal with change to PSG attack
PSG got off to a strong start in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Girona to earn three points to kick off their campaign.
Luis Enrique’s side got to the semi-final of the tournament last season and will not be underestimated by Arteta’s squad at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
While the Arsenal boss would have tirelessly studied the Parisians ahead of the meeting, Enrique could be about to spring a surprise on his countryman using one key player.
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In their previous fixture against Rennes, Enrique utilised attacking midfielder Kang-in Lee in the number nine role, taking the place of Randal Kolo Muani.
Ahead of the Arsenal clash, L’Equipe now expects the PSG manager to repeat the switch in personnel against the Gunners, having reaped the benefits of playing the Korean in advanced areas in Ligue 1.
After PSG’s win over Rennes, Enrique dubbed the forward as ‘exceptional’, focusing on his versatility that could now cause Arteta’s side problems.
“He is such a versatile player,” Enrique said.
“He played more down the middle, as a false number 9 but with a lot of freedom. He was exceptional.”
In the Rennes victory, Lee scored and played a tremendously influential role going forward, recording an impressive seven key passes, via Sofascore.
Mikel Arteta’s defence should be wary of Kang-in Lee’s role
In PSG’s favoured 4-3-3 system, Lee assumes a role behind the front line of attack, usually playing to the side of Vitinha who controls centrally.
Enrique is clearly aware of the Korean’s ability to play higher up the pitch, with the rewards incredibly high as seen from his performance against Rennes.
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Now, Arsenal should be wary of what Enrique’s secret weapon could do to the Gunners, with the back four needing to be briefed on every surprise PSG could pull at the Emirates.
Fortunately, Arteta’s trusted central defensive partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are clued up on the Parisians, having both spent time in Ligue 1 earlier in their careers.
It’s set to be a fascinating battle in North London, with it yet to be known whether Enrique will pull the same trick from his sleeve as he did in PSG’s last fixture.
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