Paris Saint-Germain players reportedly felt Arsenal thought they were "untouchable & overconfident" ahead of the Champions League semi-final.
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Arsenal outplayed Real Madrid in the last eightHowever, went down 1-0 to PSG in the semi-finalPSG players believed the Gunners āfelt untouchableāFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! š¢š±WHAT HAPPENED?
PSG secured a narrow yet crucial 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Tuesday evening. Ousmane Dembele was the match-winner on the night, capitalizing on a moment of opportunity to give the French giants the edge heading into the return fixture. It was a match of high stakes and tighter margins, where PSGās discipline and tactical awareness eventually overcame an Arsenal side that appeared to arrive brimming with confidenceāperhaps, according to some, a little too much of it.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
In the lead-up to the match, Arsenalās impressive elimination of Real Madrid had given them serious momentum and belief. Mikel Artetaās team arrived with high expectations, believing they had what it took to topple Luis Enriqueās PSG. However, according to reports from French outlet Dembele & Co. picked up on a certain attitude from the Gunners that didnāt sit well with them as they felt their English counterparts acted as if they were āuntouchableā following their victory over the Spanish giants. In their view, Arsenal entered the match with an air of invincibility, as though the semi-final was theirs to dominate.
DID YOU KNOW?
The perceived sense of superiority reportedly served as additional motivation in the PSG camp, who had not forgotten their 2-0 defeat to the Gunners earlier in the competitionās group phase. While PSG didnāt celebrate with wild abandon after the final whistle, there was an undeniable sense of satisfaction. There was a sense within the PSG team that they had brought Arsenal "back down to earth" with the result, reaffirming their own credentials and casting doubt on the Gunnersā perceived dominance.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
With the second leg set for May 7 at the Parc des Princes, both sides will need to summon their very best. Whether Arsenal can respond or PSG will capitalize on their psychological and tactical edge remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the second leg in Paris promises fireworks.