Here’s our saga. The 5 good reasons to follow a match (with some adaptations). We’ll take a look at what’s attractive before each match, with a mix of seriousness and humor. Mind you, this is by no means an exhaustive tour of the subject. We continue here with the match between Paris Saint-Germain (15th) and Arsenal (11th) this Tuesday at Emirates Stadium, as part of Matchday 2 of the Champions League 2024-2025 (kick-off 9pm, broadcast Arsenal/PSG on Canal+Foot in France, on Paramount+ and ViX in the US).
5. An Arteta/Luis Enrique duel
As we all know, the Spaniards have strong ideas about soccer, and it will be interesting to see the duel in style between the two. While the basis is identical, based on possession and intensity, there are nuances that will be present on the Emirates Stadium pitch.
4. Watching Paris resist from corners/set-pieces
Arsenal have made set-pieces their specialty. They are so dangerous that it could quickly turn sour. Seeing PSG not concede a goal in these phases, despite Luis Enrique’s men being a poor team in this area, will be one of the attractions of a unique match.
3. The great Premier League versus the Farmer’s League
The two leagues are always pitted against each other. Ligue 1 is criticized and the Premier League is put on a pedestal. The confrontation will therefore be even more closely watched. Can PSG withstand the intensity of Mikel Arteta’s men? There are answers to be found, answers to be given.
PSG also have a squad that is said to be more limited, so it will be important for Luis Enrique’s men not to fall by the wayside.
2. Seeing PSG win without Dembélé
Dembélé won’t be here for disciplinary reasons and won’t be easy to replace. This will be a thorn in PSG’s side, as they will be playing without their player, who is capable of tirelessly creating play, even if he does generate his fair share of frustration with his finishing.
Luis Enrique has slammed his fist on the table and intends to show that PSG don’t have “names”, but a collective. He has confidence in his players and on this match, the team has to play a great game, individually and collectively.
1. See PSG win the tactical battle and let their individual players shine: Barcola, Neves, Lee, Vitinha
Vitinha may be back, Lee will surely get his chance (Dembélé’s absence), Neves needs to prove himself in Europe and Barcola is just waiting to grow in everyone’s eyes. If the collective is the basis, it’s to make each player shine.
This match will give everyone a chance to prove themselves, and prove wrong all the media nitpicking about PSG’s level. There will be 90 important minutes to put the nail in the coffin of many people and show that this “young PSG” is a force to be reckoned with.
