As personnel from the visiting Paris Saint-Germain side are quick to point out, much has evolved since their last encounter with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium seven months ago. PSG coach Luis Enrique insisted this is ample time for change, stating his French champions have had to significantly improve since their demanding league phase campaign. Midfielder Vitinha simply deemed the current situation “obviously” different.
And they are certainly correct. The PSG team that visited the Emirates on October 1st, while displaying technical elegance in possession, lacked the capacity to effectively challenge Arsenal`s defense, notably William Saliba. Their front three managed only a single shot collectively, with their best opportunity arriving just seconds before the final whistle via Achraf Hakimi. At that stage, with Ousmane Dembele sidelined and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia not yet signed from Napoli, there was little evidence that Luis Enrique was assembling one of Europe`s most formidable attacking units.
Arsenal also presented a different setup back then. The physical presence of Gabriel (now sidelined with a hamstring injury) alongside William Saliba facilitated their off-the-ball play, further aided by the midfield pairing of Thomas Partey and Declan Rice (who were unavailable due to suspension in that specific match). That game was one instance where a 4-4-2 formation without Martin Odegaard proved highly effective. While Leandro Trossard might feature again from that lineup, Odegaard is now back in the squad, and Kai Havertz has since departed.
Player rosters have indeed changed. PSG`s potential seems to have increased, while Arsenal`s current benchmark is a subject of debate. However, one aspect that is almost certain to remain constant is Arsenal`s approach from the outset of the match.
When asked about the key takeaways from the previous win that he intends to implement for the upcoming match, Mikel Arteta emphasized Arsenal`s initial intensity and mindset. He stated:
“I loved the presence, straight away how we went out there. Our body language, the intensity, how aggressive we were. We played with real belief and determination and when you`re facing big opponents immediately you need to put the game in that context.”
Arteta`s assessment was accurate; that performance saw Arsenal at their most assertive. From the start, players like Rice, Saliba, and Jurrien Timber imposed themselves on their opponents, winning initial duels forcefully – Timber notably shutting down Bradley Barcola almost entirely. Arteta`s side functioned as a cohesive unit both in attack and defense. Bukayo Saka won more tackles than any other player, highlighting the team`s collective defensive effort.
This characteristic disciplined, unit-like approach has been a defining feature of Arsenal`s Champions League campaign. While some opponents, like Real Madrid, have at times appeared more reliant on individual brilliance, Arsenal has consistently performed as a highly drilled side. Although PSG is no longer merely a collection of superstars, a team that has come together relatively recently may still find it challenging to match the level of synergy Arsenal has developed over several years.
Arteta further added:
“I take a lot of things from the game that we played here. We understand how strong they are as a team, the individuals that they have. But we have the same. When you get to this stage, I think the margins and the difference between the two teams are not big. It`s really the mindset, it`s the attitude and how we`re going to play the game tomorrow.”
This contrasts notably with the mood within the PSG camp, where there appears to be some defensiveness when Arsenal`s midfield strength is mentioned.
This reaction is understandable, given PSG`s inability to significantly trouble Arsenal in their last meeting. The defeat in London set the French champions on a difficult path early in the competition, followed by losses to Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, at one point casting doubt on their progress to the league phase`s top 24. However, the subsequent arrival of Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele`s emergence as a legitimate contender for top honors have significantly bolstered their attack. It seems unlikely this improved side would again be limited to generating only 0.4 expected goals.
Luis Enrique confirmed the substantial changes:
“There are huge differences. I have reviewed the game from the beginning of October. We`re better now than we showed. In the league we had the most intense group phase and now we`re in the semis. We played games that could have been UCL finals.”
He continued, reflecting on their early struggles:
“It didn`t put us in a good position but was a positive experience. We had to pull our socks up. Now we are a team that is very complete.”
Despite PSG`s improved quality, they are likely to find themselves numerically outmatched on Tuesday, particularly if Mikel Arteta`s call to the Emirates crowd is answered. He urged Arsenal supporters to actively participate, saying, “Bring your boots, bring your shorts, bring your T-shirts, and let`s play every ball together,” highlighting the crucial role of the home support.
The previous meeting, occurring early in the Swiss system with many fixtures still to play, felt somewhat subdued for a high-profile match. With the immediate impact of three points less apparent in the new format`s first year, the atmosphere didn`t quite feel like the major European night the Emirates Stadium had long awaited.
In contrast, the thrilling victory over Real Madrid truly delivered, arguably creating the most jubilant atmosphere in the stadium`s nearly 20-year history – or at least, the most memorable thus far. Arteta desires more of that energy. He stated, “We want to do something special. That place has to be something special, something that we haven`t seen. And I really hope that everybody that comes tomorrow to the Emirates and is watching and following us, brings that energy with them.”
He concluded by emphasizing the collective opportunity:
“Tomorrow we have a massive opportunity as well, as a club, as supporters, to demonstrate who we are and how far we still want to get together.”
Over the seven months since their last meeting, the balance of power appears to have tilted in PSG`s favor. They boast an enhanced starting lineup and arrive at the semifinal free from injury or suspension concerns. While PSG has undeniably transformed, they cannot alter Arsenal`s fundamental identity: a team defined by the same **presence, aggression, and intensity** capable of disrupting any opponent. With the potential backing of 57,000 passionate fans, this unyielding Arsenal approach might just ensure that the outcome is another aspect that remains consistent.
Adrian Whitmore