Arsenal are preparing for a must-win clash in Paris.
Mikel Arteta’s side trail PSG 1-0 after their first leg defeat at the Emirates Stadium and know that nothing but victory will enable them to progress to the Champions League final.
Martin Odegaard claims he is ‘fine’ amid injury concerns for the Arsenal captain after the Premier League defeat to Bournemouth.
Arsene Wenger thinks Arsenal have an advantage heading into the second leg in terms of their clear mindset of winning the game. Former star Patrick Vieira has also had his say on the outcome of the tie.
Patrick Vieira makes Arsenal Champions League claim
As per The Telegraph, former captain Vieira has been discussing the impact that winning the Champions League would have on the club and has compared it to the ‘Invincibles’ achievement from 2004.
Vieira asked during an interview: “How many times have Arsenal won the Champions League?” to which he was waiting for the obvious response of “Zero.”
The former French midfielder then explained: “Exactly. So this group of players would be remembered as much as the Invincibles [if they win the Champions League] because they would achieve something really quite special for the football club. For me, they would be as important and as big as the Invincibles.”
Vieira believes Arsenal can win in Paris after highlighting the strength of Arteta’s side away from home and their quality within the squad.
Whether the Gunners can prove Vieira correct remains to be seen but the Arsenal legend has no doubt of the magnitude of the victory should it be achieved.
Arsenal need to capitalise on PSG uncertainty
It has been seen in Europe many times before that teams who hold a slender lead after the first leg can become caught in two minds as to how to approach the game.
Luis Enrique defended his team selection for PSG’s most recent league match in resting almost his entire starting eleven but their uncertainty could play into Arsenal’s hands.
For the Gunners, the task is clear – they have to go out and win the match. For PSG, it is unlikely their home crowd will allow them to defend a slender one goal lead and that is when Arteta’s side can pounce.
Mikel Merino’s physical presence up top will be vital alongside Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka’s pace on the counter attack, Arsenal must be clinical when opportunities arise.
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