Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain’s opponents in the semi-finals of the Champions League 2024-2025 (April 29 and May 7), played their last match before the first leg at Emirates Stadium yesterday. It was against Crystal Palace in the Premier League and ended in a 2-2 draw.
Martinelli – Trossard – Sterling
Rice – Partey – Odegaard
Lewis-Skelly – Kiwior – Saliba – Timber
Raya
There were no surprises in Arsenal’s style, with an almost “standard” team, since Bukayo Saka was a substitute. The Gunners looked to have possession (68%), but they also suffered from Crystal Palace’s rapid attacks (15 shots against “only” 12 for Arsenal).
The match, which almost officially crowned Liverpool as Premier League champions and allowed the chasing pack to catch up with Arsenal for 2nd place, will be remembered for a few small points. These, above all, confirm the “keys” to the semi-final for PSG.
- Arsenal opened the scoring from a free-kick with a fine header from Jakub Kiwior. The Gunners’ set-pieces will be a real danger for PSG.
- Leandro Trossard is a solution up front, even if Mikel Merino, primarily a midfielder, has done well in recent weeks. It was the Belgian who scored the second goal, and he pleases Arteta with his movements.
- Arsenal sometimes make big mistakes in the face of pressure, with Willian Saliba completely missing his pass to give the ball back for Crystal Palace’s 2-2 equaliser (even though there was also a fine shot from Jean-Philippe Mateta).
- Arsenal have defensive qualities, but they’re no fortress either: Crystal Palace had real chances, particularly in transition. Perhaps we can build on this?
Beware, however, as PSG did in Ligue 1 against Nantes on Tuesday evening: the semi-final will be a different context, with a different intensity and concentration.
