Arsenal vs PSG Preview

• Draw or Arsenal win
• Saka to score or assist

Arsenal Riding High After Dramatic Late Goals

Arsenal have developed a habit of scoring late this season, conceding a last-minute equaliser to Manchester City in a pulsating draw before netting two late goals themselves to overcome Leicester 4-2 over the weekend.

Mikel Arteta will be aiming to carry that positive momentum into the UEFA Champions League (UCL) and build on their 0-0 draw with Atalanta in matchday one—a game highlighted by goalkeeper David Raya’s sensational double save to keep the Gunners in the contest.

The signs are positive for Arsenal, who have gone unbeaten at the Emirates Stadium since January (W12, D2).

Furthermore, they have a strong record against Ligue 1 opposition at home, winning four of their last seven such encounters (W4, D2), and their previous fixture against a French team was a 6-0 rout of Lens, which stands as the largest margin of victory by an English side over a French club.

However, Arsenal have since struggled to find the net in the UCL, failing to score in their last two matches—a streak they’ve never extended to three in a row.

PSG’s Challenge and Struggles in England

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will be looking to test that defensive resolve, having managed just two clean sheets this season. Despite their defensive struggles, the French champions are unbeaten in all competitions so far (W6, D1).

Unlike Arsenal, PSG started their UCL campaign with a victory, scoring late to secure three points against Girona, a result that could be vital given their recent struggles in England, where they’ve lost their last three visits.

PSG’s record against Arsenal is another point of concern, as they have never beaten the Gunners in their four previous head-to-heads (D3, L1)—the most they’ve faced a single side in European competition without a victory.

Additionally, all four of PSG’s last away losses have come in the UCL, suggesting this match could be a challenging one for Luis Enrique’s side.

Key Battle: Bukayo Saka vs Nuno Mendes

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Saka has been a consistent performer for the Gunners in the UCL, with all four of his UCL goals coming on home soil. Impressively, three of those goals were scored within the opening 23 minutes, making him a player PSG will need to keep an eye on from the start.

Nuno Mendes (PSG)

Mendes will likely be tasked with marking Saka and will be looking to replicate his influential performance from matchday one, where his play contributed to the own goal that secured PSG’s win.

Mendes has an attacking threat of his own, having scored four of his five senior goals on the road, with three of those coming after the hour mark.

Arsenal’s Home Strength and PSG’s Away Struggles

Arsenal’s recent home form: Unbeaten at the Emirates since January (W12, D2), and strong against Ligue 1 sides (W4, D2 in their last seven).

PSG’s record against Arsenal: Winless in four previous European H2Hs (D3, L1).

PSG’s UCL away woes: Lost their last four away defeats in any competition in the UCL, including three consecutive losses in England.

Conclusion

Arsenal will be aiming to break their recent UCL scoring drought and maintain their unbeaten run at the Emirates.

PSG, despite their unbeaten start to the season, have shown defensive vulnerabilities and will face the challenge of overcoming their poor record in England and against Arsenal specifically.

With both teams keen to secure three points, this promises to be an entertaining and high-stakes encounter.

Prediction: Arsenal to edge out a narrow win, with Bukayo Saka expected to play a key role in breaking the deadlock.

For more info on this fixture, you may also visit:
Arsenal vs Paris | UEFA Champions League 2024/25