As representatives from Paris Saint-Germain readily point out, much has changed since their last visit to Arsenal`s Emirates Stadium seven months ago. Coach Luis Enrique emphasized the significant time that has passed, stating that the French champions have had to “pull their socks up” following a demanding league phase campaign. Midfielder Vitinha also noted the obvious differences in their current state.
Indeed, the PSG side that played on October 1 appeared graceful in possession but lacked bite against Arsenal`s defense, particularly William Saliba. Their forward line managed only one shot, with their best opportunity arising just seconds before the final whistle. Without Ousmane Dembele and before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia joined from Napoli, there were few indications that Luis Enrique was forging one of Europe`s top attacking units.
Arsenal too have evolved. The defensive pairing, previously featuring Gabriel (now sidelined) alongside Saliba, facilitated play without the ball, further aided by the presence of Thomas Partey and Declan Rice (both absent in the prior meeting due to suspension). The tactical setup also differed, with a 4-4-2 formation utilized. While Leandro Trossard is likely to feature again, Martin Odegaard is now back in the side, while Kai Havertz has moved on.
Squad compositions have shifted. PSG`s performance ceiling has undeniably risen, while discussions continue regarding Arsenal`s baseline level. However, what is widely expected to remain consistent is Arsenal`s approach from the kickoff.
When asked what lessons he`d carry from the previous victory into the upcoming match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta highlighted, “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 observation was accurate; that match showcased Arsenal at their most assertive. Players like Rice, Saliba, and Jurrien Timber immediately imposed themselves on their opponents, entering duels with force. The team, from front to back, attacked and defended cohesively. Bukayo Saka won numerous tackles, and Timber and Riccardo Calafiori were effective across the pitch.
This unified, relentlessly drilled style has been a hallmark of Arsenal`s Champions League campaign. In contrast to some opponents who might resemble collections of individuals, Arsenal functions as a unit. While PSG is no longer the defensively lax team of previous years, a side that has gelled recently will find it challenging to match the synchronicity Arsenal has cultivated over a longer period.
Arteta 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 perspective contrasts somewhat with the mood in the PSG camp, who react defensively when questions about Arsenal`s midfield strength arise.
Understandably so, given their previous struggles in London. That defeat marked a difficult start to their competition run, followed by losses to Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, raising doubts about their progression. However, the arrival of Kvaratskhelia and the emergence of Dembele as a key player have transformed their attack. It`s improbable this PSG side will be limited to 0.4 expected goals again.
“There are huge differences,” stated Luis Enrique. “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. 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.”
While PSG`s quality has increased, they will face a numerical disadvantage in terms of support. Arteta urged the Emirates faithful to be the extra players: “Bring your boots, bring your shorts, bring your T-shirts, and let`s play every ball together,” he told supporters.
The previous encounter felt unusually subdued for a major European tie, perhaps due to the new league phase format where the immediate value of points wasn`t as apparent. The Emirates had longed for big European nights, but that match didn`t quite feel like one.
In contrast, the stunning victory over Real Madrid provided a truly jubilant atmosphere, perhaps the most memorable night at the ground in its nearly 20-year history so far. Arteta wants more. “We want to do something special,” he said. “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.”
“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.”
In the seven months since they last met, the balance seems to have shifted in PSG`s favor, boasting an improved squad and arriving with fewer injury concerns than Arsenal. They have transformed their identity, but they cannot change Arsenal`s fundamental approach. Arsenal remains a team defined by “presence, aggression and intensity” capable of disrupting any opponent. With 57,000 fans adding to that effort, the outcome might, surprisingly, be another factor that remains the same.
Dominic Ashworth