Arsenal vs PSG: Six Semi-Final Subplots That Could Decide the Tie

Redaksi Selasa, April 29, 2025 Comment

Arsenal vs PSG: Six Semi-Final Subplots That Could Decide the Tie.

Kicking off the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday are Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, two clubs still yet to ever win the competition. The two teams will meet at the Emirates Stadium for the first leg, before doing it all again at Parc des Princes next Wednesday. Here are six key subplots that could decide the outcome of this thrilling tie.

1. Saka vs Mendes – Who’ll Have the Edge?

Bukayo Saka has been a standout performer for Arsenal, playing a pivotal role in their 2-1 win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. His versatility in attack, whether from set-pieces or open play, makes him a constant threat. He’ll face off against PSG’s Nuno Mendes, who has proven to be a solid defender. Their battle on the right flank could be decisive, especially given how much of Arsenal's attacking play comes from this area.

2. Lewis-Skelly vs PSG’s Right-Hand Side

Myles Lewis-Skelly, Arsenal’s young left-back, will face a significant challenge in this semi-final after impressing in his previous Champions League outings. PSG are heavily right-sided in their attack, led by the pace and power of Achraf Hakimi and other dribblers. Lewis-Skelly’s ability to defend one-on-one will be crucial as PSG’s attacking threats could overwhelm the young full-back.

3. Partey’s Absence and PSG’s Possession-Dominant Midfield

With Thomas Partey suspended, Arsenal will miss his defensive nous in midfield. PSG’s possession-heavy style, spearheaded by Vitinha and João Neves, could exploit this gap. PSG are among the top teams in Europe for passes per game, and their midfield maestros will be looking to control the game from the start. Without Partey, Arsenal will need to adjust their strategy to compete with PSG’s midfield dominance.

4. The Goalkeepers: Raya vs Donnarumma

David Raya and Gianluigi Donnarumma are two of the best goalkeepers in Europe, and both will play crucial roles in this tie. Raya has been consistently excellent for Arsenal, while Donnarumma has made critical saves for PSG in the knockout stages. Their shot-stopping ability, along with their distribution, will be key to the outcome of the match.

5. PSG’s Weakness: Set-Pieces

While PSG is strong in many areas, they have shown vulnerability when defending set-pieces. Arsenal’s proficiency from dead-ball situations could be a decisive factor. With PSG conceding several goals from set-pieces this season, Arsenal will be looking to exploit this weakness and make the most of every opportunity.

6. Momentum: PSG and Arsenal Seeking Stability

PSG enters this semi-final with mixed form after winning Ligue 1 early, which has affected their competitive edge. On the other hand, Arsenal has had a rough patch in domestic competitions, but their form in the Champions League suggests they can rise to the occasion. The momentum both teams bring into this tie could have a significant impact on the final result.

This semi-final clash between Arsenal and PSG promises to be an exciting contest with multiple factors that could influence the outcome. Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, and how they navigate these six subplots will likely decide who advances to the final.

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