From our full tactical analysis, now available on our website
Arsenal did begin to grow into the game, and two tactical elements we identified before kick-off showed potential to cause PSG problems. One was the anticipated Saka vs Mendes battle on Arsenal’s right flank.
PSG managed this threat well. Kvaratskhelia regularly doubled up with Mendes, effectively neutralising 1v1 situations and denying Saka the space to isolate his marker.
Additionally, PSG deliberately shaped their defensive positioning to send Saka down the line, where Mendes, already set with a positional advantage, could guide him away from goal and into less dangerous areas.
Arsenal may need to think about using overlaps in the second leg to free up Saka to come inside.
Arsenal may need to think about using overlaps in the second leg to free up Saka to come inside.
The main source of Arsenal’s chances came from the second tactical element we had questioned before the match: how PSG would handle the central overload created by Arsenal’s system.
As Myles Lewis-Skelly moved inside from his wide position, Arsenal made an extra man in midfield. This positional shift posed a clear challenge for PSG.
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PSG’s solution was for Achraf Hakimi to push into midfield from his natural right-back position, effectively shifting PSG into a temporary back three.
This adjustment caused defensive problems throughout the night and will be a key tactical area to watch in the second leg.
This adjustment caused defensive problems throughout the night and will be a key tactical area to watch in the second leg.
If Hakimi failed to step out of the defensive line, Arsenal were able to exploit the central overload with an extra player in midfield, gaining control and momentum in possession. Declan Rice was missed in this left half-space as he to fill in for the suspended Partey.
When Hakimi stepped out of the back four, the three remaining players in PSG’s defensive line were left stretched, and these scenarios led to Arsenal’s best opportunities of the night.
In one key moment, Hakimi covered a considerable distance to press into midfield but was bypassed by Lewis-Skelly, effectively taking him out of the game. With Hakimi out of position, Arsenal were able to exploit the spaces between the players on the defensive line.
Another big chance,
Hakimi pressed high and stayed with Lewis-Skelly, who had remained in a deeper position. Rice spotted the space, drove through it, and threaded a perfectly timed pass to Trossard, who broke through on goal.
Hakimi pressed high and stayed with Lewis-Skelly, who had remained in a deeper position. Rice spotted the space, drove through it, and threaded a perfectly timed pass to Trossard, who broke through on goal.
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