Arsenal face a daunting challenge in their quest for Champions League glory after falling 1-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium, with Ousmane Dembélé’s early goal making the difference.
The French international silenced the home supporters just four minutes into the match, finishing off a swift PSG counterattack with a precise shot past goalkeeper David Raya.
Although Arsenal controlled large portions of possession and carved out several chances, they were unable to find a breakthrough against an inspired Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal.
An early booking for Leandro Trossard highlighted the Gunners’ struggle to cope with PSG’s intensity in the opening stages. Dembélé remained a persistent threat down the wing and almost set up Achraf Hakimi for a second goal, but a timely intervention from William Saliba denied the opportunity.
PSG midfielder João Neves played a key role in dictating the pace in midfield and received a yellow card for a high aerial challenge early in the second half.
Despite opportunities from Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and Trossard, Arsenal’s final touch eluded them. Donnarumma held firm amid increasing pressure.
Controversy struck early in the second half when Mikel Merino appeared to have doubled the visitors’ lead, only for VAR to disallow the effort due to a clear offside.
In the end, PSG’s tactical discipline and resolute defending frustrated Mikel Arteta’s side, who will need to overturn the deficit in the second leg.
Arsenal now head to the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, May 7, needing at least one goal to keep their Champions League final hopes alive since 2006.