Arsenal must score first to overcome PSG in UCL clash – Parlour

Former Arsenal winger Ray Parlour has weighed in on the Gunners’ chances ahead of their UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday (today).

Arsenal trail 1-0 from the first leg at the Emirates, and Parlour believes the team that scores first will gain the upper hand.

“Scoring first in Paris is vital for Arsenal and in Saka and Martinelli, they have the tool to do this,” Parlour told EPL Index.
“Merino as number 9 will also help and he can cause PSG problems. It’s not over, but it’s key that Arsenal don’t concede early and can grow into the game in Paris.”

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He highlighted Arsenal’s strong away form in Europe this season as a source of encouragement.
“You look at Arsenal’s away record in Europe this season and it is pretty good. Winning in Madrid and heavily against PSV. They have nothing to fear and also from set pieces Arsenal can look to capitalise.”

Parlour also emphasised the importance of Thomas Partey’s return to the squad after missing the first leg due to suspension.

“Arsenal missed Thomas Partey’s presence in the centre of midfield. They struggled to cope early on with the way PSG pressed and won back possession quickly,” he said.

“The closing down throughout the game should have been better, I think they gave PSG too much respect and as mentioned, Partey was a big miss as it meant Declan Rice’s game changed and also Merino’s game too. Merino has been doing a good job as the number 9 which worked well in both Madrid games.”