Can Arsenal Overcome Their Champions League Challenge Without Their Key Player?

As Arsenal prepares for the crucial second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, the spotlight falls on the implications of Thomas Partey's absence during their recent first leg defeat. The Gunners suffered a narrow 1-0 loss at home, and questions arise regarding their capacity to overturn this deficit while missing one of their pivotal midfielders.

In a match where PSG started strong with an early goal, Arsenal eventually gained momentum, dominating possession and creating several opportunities. Goalkeeper David Raya highlighted Arsenal's ability to rise to the challenge, stating, "We know we can win against any team." Despite a valiant effort and impressive saves from PSG's Gianluigi Donnarumma, Arsenal couldn't convert the chances that came their way, leaving the tie delicately poised at half-time.

Critically, the absence of Partey, who was serving a suspension due to accumulating yellow cards, significantly disrupted Arsenal’s midfield balance. Former Gunners defender Matt Upson noted that Partey's role is crucial for providing stability and control, suggesting that his absence inhibited the team's overall performance, particularly in how they fed star player Bukayo Saka.

In further analysis, French football expert Julien Laurens echoed Upson's sentiments, stating, "For [Declan] Rice to play in that position, he doesn't have the same pairings, doesn't have the same relationship with players around him." This lack of synergy amid the midfield has raised concerns over Arsenal’s ability to deliver an effective performance in the return leg.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, remains hopeful despite the setback, insisting that the tie is far from over. He affirmed, "We have a big chance to be in the final," emphasising the need for his squad to produce something special away in Paris. The Gunners will look to build on their moments of promise from the first leg and seek to capitalise on PSG's vulnerabilities.

While Arsenal's squad boasts depth with players like Declan Rice stepping up, the absence of experienced campaigners such as Jorginho and Kai Havertz—who also missed the match—highlights the challenges Arteta faces in maintaining squad performance during crunch fixtures.

With the second leg approaching, Arsenal is set to reassess their strategy and build a game plan that capitalises on their available resources. Will the Gunners find their rhythm against the formidable PSG at Parc des Princes? The answer to that question will determine if they can turn the tide in their favour and secure a spot in the Champions League final.

As the match date nears, fans are left pondering: can Arsenal rise to the occasion and defy the odds, or will they succumb to the pressures of knockout football without their key midfielder? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s discuss Arsenal’s hopes for the return leg!

• Mikel Arteta
• Paris Saint-Germain
• Thomas Partey

Related issues news

When is the PSG Arsenal second leg?

It's the second leg of this semi-final, where PSG will defeat their 1-0 lead in Paris. That takes place next Wednesday, May 7, at Parc des Princes. Before that, Arsenal will host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday as they bid to secure second spot behind champions, Liverpool.

When is the Champions League semi-final?

The knockout phase of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League is continuing at pace with only four teams still standing in the competition on the road to Munich. UEFA.com profiles all the remaining contenders. UEFA coefficient rankings are correct as of the end of 29 April. Semi-finals take place on 29/30 April and 6/7 May.

Who is suspended for Arsenal?

Thomas Partey will be the only Arsenal player serving a one-match ban during the Champions League semi-final first legs after several Paris Saint-Germain squad members avoided similar suspensions. Partey picked up an 85th-minute booking during the quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid.

Why isn't Thomas Partey playing?

Partey picked up his third yellow card of this season's Champions League in the previous match against Real Madrid and was suspended for the first leg of the semi-final. Also shorn of the injured Jorginho, Arsenal struggled for control in a 1-0 defeat by the Ligue 1 champions.

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