Take note Andrea Berta, Arsenal star who completed just six passes vs PSG spared Martin Odegaard’s blushes

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal were rocked by Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.

For the first time this season, the first leg of a Champions League knockout game did not go to plan for Mikel Arteta.

After beating PSV 7-1 in the first leg of the round of 16 and then winning 3-0 against Real Madrid in the opening half of the quarter-final, PSG showed Arsenal how gruelling the Champions League can be.

Arsenal lost 1-0 to PSG at the Emirates to give them a vast uphill battle to climb in Paris, with several starters desperately needing to up their game.

• READ MORE: Five things learned from Arsenal v PSG including Arsene Wenger’s return and Thomas Partey’s costly absence

Gabriel Martinelli failed against PSG

Martin Odegaard was slammed against PSG as the Arsenal captain was exposed for failing to make any impact.

It’s been a tough season for Odegaard as a whole, and unfortunately, the Norwegian’s luck didn’t change against Luis Enrique’s side, but he wasn’t the only one to be tested.

Another player who had a night to forget against PSG was Gabriel Martinelli, who, after starring at the Santiago Bernabeu, was unable to replicate his heroics when the Parisiens came to visit.

Remarkably, in his 90-minute performance, Martinelli completed only six passes, as his lack of firepower was the story of his night. 

In front of goal, the Brazilian fired three shots at Gianluigi Donnarumma, missing two big chances to score on an occasion that did not belong to Arsenal. 

Decisive summer for Arsenal and Martinelli

Though Martinelli has shown signs of turning his poor start to the season around, the winger is still suffering in areas that are simply too costly to Arsenal in the Champions League.

Back in December, Thierry Henry questioned Martinelli’s decision-making, calling the 23-year-old out for failing to make the most out of his time on the ball.

Against PSG, the same feedback applied, as the Brazil international failed to deliver when he had the chance to alter the trajectory of the tie.

Not having reliable quality in key areas was costly to Arsenal on the night, and could be costly to Martinelli with the summer approaching, particularly with Andrea Berta paying close attention to the squad.

Berta could be tempted to identify an upgrade on Martinelli, whose lack of conviction against PSG ultimately cost the Gunners a result to take to Paris.