All eyes at Arsenal are on the upcoming Champions League duel against Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta’s side will be looking for their first three points of the new format of the tournament, with PSG providing the next test.
The Gunners drew 0-0 with Atalanta in the opening fixture of the competition, a game that saw David Raya earn the headlines for his double penalty save.
With one point on the board, Arsenal have the chance to impress a home crowd on match day two as Luis Enrique’s side arrive in the capital.
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Declan Rice shares Arsenal stance ahead of PSG battle
It’s rare for a fixture of such stature to grace the Emirates as early as the second match day of the Champions League calendar.
As a result, there’s a sense of excitement around North London ahead of the blockbuster clash, as Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice explained prior to the game.
Speaking to Football London after the Gunners’ 4-2 win over Leicester City, Rice previewed what he believes will be an ‘exciting night’ in N5.
“We are coming up against probably tougher teams than you normally would in a group-stage format. We have got an exciting night here, which is our second game.
“Usually you would find these games in the quarter-finals or semi-finals, so for it to be our second game is massive. It is a big game because we need to get points on the board in this new format.”
The Arsenal midfielder then went on to share an insight into how the squad as a collective are feeling ahead of the fixture.
“We will be ready and we are excited because we have not played PSG before. They are a top team, so we will be ready for that one.”
Mikel Arteta gives PSG assessment
If there’s one person in the Arsenal camp who is familiar with PSG, it’s Arteta, who spent a season on loan at the French club during his playing career.
Aside from being clued up about the club as a whole, Arteta is aware of the challenges Luis Enrique’s side will bring to the Emirates, sending a message to his players in the pre-match press conference on what to expect from the Ligue 1 leaders.
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“They are really tough. They dominate every phase of play. They have very clear intentions,” Arteta said.
“When they don’t have the ball they want it straight back and they confront you. That’s Luis [Enrique]. Anywhere he is, he plays the same context.”
PSG have had an impressive start to the season, winning five of their opening six Ligue 1 fixtures, as well as winning their opening Champions League match against Girona.
The opportunity is there for Arsenal to now claim their first three points of the tournament, with a huge test against the Parisians awaiting.
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