Mikel Arteta knows Arsenal need a big performance against PSG to overturn a first-leg deficit and reach the Champions League final.
Arsenal lost 1-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. Ousmane Dembele struck early, scoring in the 4th minute to hand PSG a crucial advantage heading into the return leg in Paris next Wednesday.
Despite the early blow, Arsenal had chances to equalise. PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma produced two outstanding saves – first denying Gabriel Martinelli in the first half, then stopping Leandro Trossard in the second.
PSG also threatened to extend their lead, with Gonçalo Ramos rattling the crossbar and Bradley Barcola missing a golden opportunity.
Arteta looked to Arsenal’s recent success for inspiration, referencing the Gunners’ quarterfinal victory over Real Madrid, where they won 3-0 at home before sealing progression with a 2-1 win at the Bernabeu.
“If you want to be in the Champions League final, you have to do something special,” he said. “We’re going to have to do something special in Paris to be there.
“We’re at half-time and my message is exactly the same as how it was against Real Madrid at home, 3-0. We have to go to Paris and win the game. We are more than capable of doing it.
“I saw two very good teams, but the margins are so small. They had efficiency in front of the goal. The keeper as well made a difference to see the result that we’ve seen tonight.”
