What can Arsenal learn from PSG's defeat to Strasbourg in Ligue 1? | OneFootball

Champions of Ligue 1 with plenty of time to spare, PSG took to the field at the weekend and saw their second consecutive league defeat, this time to Strasbourg, who beat the Parisians 2-1 on the eve of their crucial UEFA Champions League semi-final against Arsenal at the Parc des Princes.

Coach Luis Enrique had made it clear that he wanted to keep his team competitive, even if he kept the main players out of the squad, using an alternative line-up, but maintaining the ideas of pressing without the ball and a lot of intensity in pursuit of the attack. In this way, PSG controlled possession and tried to dominate, but their strategy ended up going wrong.

Using a lot of speed down the flanks and efficient finishing, Strasbourg relied on a defensive blunder in the 20th minute, when Lucas Hernández scored an own goal from a corner kick to open the scoring. Even so, it was a direct reflection of the attitude of a team fighting for a place in the next Champions League.

RC Strasbourg Alsace v Paris Saint-Germain FC - Ligue 1 McDonald's | Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages

This goal gave PSG a real scare, as they reduced their intensity and began to balance possession more, taking greater care before advancing up the pitch. In the meantime, Strasbourg kept their lines down and increased the lead thanks to the great efficiency of Félix Lemarcéchal, who took a shot from outside the area and hit the angle.

Luis Enrique came back for the second half noticeably irritated, and this time PSG showed considerable intensity, including bringing on some of the starters. Shortly after the break, Barcola made a good run with Gonçalo Ramos down the left and hit a cross to score, giving PSG back the confidence they needed to create a number of chances.

How can Arsenal stop PSG in France?

Fabián Ruiz, Doué and Gonçalo Ramos were mainly responsible for PSG's offensive creation, but their chances were not enough on a night that was greatly inspired by a coordinated and compact Strasbourg defense. Speed up front and impressive solidity at the back; maybe that's what Arsenal need this week.