This Tuesday, April 29, Paris Saint-Germain take on Arsenal at Emirates Stadium (kick-off 9pm, CET) in the first leg of the Champions League 2024-2025 semi-final (return on May 7). And as before every match, here’s a look at the Parisians’ opponents.
Arsenal’s situation –
Arsenal is obviously an iconic soccer club, and we’re not going to go into a full history here. The last major turning point was Arsène Wenger’s departure in 2018, after almost 22 years at the club.
A difficult page to turn. Former Paris coach Unai Emery tried. But he lost his place in November 2019 despite some fine performances along the way. Mikel Arteta, a Spanish midfielder who played for PSG (2001-2002), took over to relaunch the project.
It hasn’t all been plain sailing, but the Gunners have made clear progress, notably in their ability to compete for the Premier League title. Even if the outcome has been cruel in recent years, especially in 2022-2023, since the trophy has yet to be won despite many days in the lead.
But there’s still 2nd place in the Premier League this season, and above all that famous return to the Champions League with a fine run.
The 2024 summer mercato –
Source: Transfermarkt.
Departures:
Arrivals:
Winter market 2024/2025 –
Source: Transfermarkt.
Departures:
Arrivals:
Key statistics –
This season, Arsenal have the 3rd-best attack in the league with 63 goals scored (the leader, Liverpool, is on 75, and the last, Southampton, is on 24), and have the 2nd-best defence with 29 goals conceded (Liverpool are 2nd with 31 goals conceded, the last, Southampton, is on 78).
The Gunners’ top scorer is Kai Havertz (25-year-old striker), and with 9 goals, they rank 18th in the league (the Premier League leader is Mohamed Salah with 27 goals). Bukayo Saka (23-year-old winger) is the English club’s best passer, with 10 assists, and ranks 2nd in the Premier League.
Last 5 Arsenal matches –
Only Gunners possession is shown and Arsenal shots are put first (when data is available).
08/04/2025 (Champions League) – Arsenal/Real Madrid (at 10 in the 94th minute, 3-0): 3-0. In 4-3-3. 54% possession. 12 shots, 11 on target vs. 9 shots (3 on target).
12/04/2025 (Premier League) – Arsenal/Brentford: 1-1. In 4-3-3. 64% possession. 14 shots, including 3 on target, against 3 shots (2 on target).
16/04/2025 (Champions League) – Real Madrid/Arsenal: 1-2. In 4-3-3. 33% possession. 12 shots including 6 on target vs. 18 shots (3 on target).
20/04/2025 (Premier League) – Ipswich Town (down to 10 at the 32nd minute, 0-1)/Arsenal: 0-4. 4-3-3 formation. 75% possession. 24 shots, including 7 on target, against 4 shots (0 on target).
23/04/2025 (Premier League) – Arsenal/Crystal Palace: 2-2. In 4-3-3. 68% possession. 12 shots including 6 on target vs. 15 shots (4 on target).
The squad and the probable team.
The team according to the press in 4-3-3 (L’Equipe) :
Martinelli – Trossard – Saka
Merino – Rice – Odegaard
Lewis-Skelly – Kiwior – Saliba – Timber
Raya
Arsenal’s style of play.
Arteta’s style of play is clearly attacking, both with and without the ball. The idea is always to apply pressure, with intensity. Even if a match like this may call for a few adaptations, we expect to find this idea again against PSG.
PSG will have to pay particular attention to one of the Gunners’ strong points: set-pieces. At the very least, there are a few defensive flaws to exploit, including failed restarts.
