PSG passed into the final of the Champions League with a 2-1 victory over Arsenal in their second leg Champions League semi-final clash and 3-1 on the aggregate. The victory was sweetened by goals from Fabián Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi that brought PSG control, only for one to be replied by Bukayo Saka, with late hope for the Gunners. Even though, Vitinha missed a penalty and a keen later fightback, PSG stood its ground. Gianluigi Donnarumma was key in making several fine stops, especially in the first half, where Arsenal’s early pressure did little in the way of a breakthrough.
Arsenal’s Costly Misses And Defensive Fragility
Arsenal’s failure had been based on wasteful revisions and vulnerabilities of defense. Declan Rice and Saka missed gilt-edged opportunities, and the latter went for an open goal at 2-1. Shortcomings in the defense – giving up a recycled set piece and a handball penalty turned out to be costly. There were substitutions done rather unforgivingly and not strategically, Timber’s fatigue and Lewis-Skelly’s inexperience were laid bare. Although Arsenal started showing that they were not going to lose it at the end, they lost their control, several yellow cards, and boiling merchandise.
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What Arsenal Could Have Done Differently
To secure a victory, Arsenal needed to make use of early superiority in the field and master transitions better. Improper finishing from Rice and Saka could have won the tie when the clock finally fell. Defensively, concentration on set-pieces and avoiding foolish fouls such as Rice’s incisive challenge and Lewis-Skelly’s handball at the start of the game would have made the game difficult. The use of tactical substitutions in order to enhance control in the midfield, instead of reactive substitutions, could have leveled their game. Ultimately, more composure in the latter third and better management of the game could have swung the semi-final for Arsenal.
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