Three reasons why Arsenal can beat PSG in Champions League blockbuster | OneFootball

Gunners face tough semi-final challenge but there is reason for optimism

Showdown: Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

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Arsenal have set up a Champions League semi-final showdown with Paris Saint-Germain.

Standing in their way next are PSG, who have impressed under Luis Enrique and already knocked out Liverpool and Aston Villa.

But Arsenal beat PSG 2-0 in the league phase and have shown they can compete with the best in Europe.

Here, Standard Sport looks at why they should be confident about their chances reaching the final…

PSG have shown defensive frailties

There is no denying that when it comes to attacking talent PSG are one of the best sides in Europe right now.

PSG showed defensive vulnerability in their quarter-final with Aston Villa

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Enrique has an embarrassment of riches to choose from and the January signing of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli has only made them stronger.

Ousmane Dembele, who missed the meeting between Arsenal and PSG in October, is in the form of his life and already has 32 goals this season.

Youngsters Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue offer express pace out wide, while Enrique can also call upon the likes of Goncalo Ramos, Lee Kang-In and Warren Zaire-Emery, too.

Enrique has installed an attacking philosophy at PSG but that means that they can be vulnerable at the back.

Aston Villa showed that during their quarter-final loss to the French champions and they were only narrowly beaten 5-4 on aggregate.

Arsenal struggle against teams that sit deep in a low block, but PSG will not do that and the Gunners could exploit the space afforded to them - just as they did against Real Madrid.

Arsenal have the psychological advantage

Arteta’s side physically dominated PSG when the two teams met in October, especially in midfield, and the French champions were made to look like a young team still developing.

Enrique’s side have grown and improved since then, while star striker Dembele is also back in the fold after missing the match in October.

Arsenal beat PSG 2-0 in the league phase in October

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Dembele had fallen out with Enrique back then but the pair have since patched things up and the forward is flying.

Arsenal, however, will take confidence from their win and it should give them a psychological edge.

The Gunners know they can beat their semi-final opponents and the fact they are at home first means they can attack the tie from the off.

Arsenal also have the added bonus of a weekend off before the first leg on April 29.

They had been set to face Crystal Palace that weekend but, due to the Eagles being in the FA Cup semi-finals the match is now being played on the Wednesday before then instead.

Gunners defence can match PSG’s firepower

A hotly-anticipated semi-final like this throws up plenty of huge match-up, none more so than Bukayo Saka facing off with PSG left-back Nuno Mendes.

Arsenal’s attack has been rejuvenated by the return of Saka but he faces a real test in Mendes, who has been one of the stars of the Champions League this season.

Jakub Kiwior stepped up and excelled against Real Madrid alongside William Saliba

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Mendes kept Mohamed Salah quiet across both legs of PSG’s last-16 win over Liverpool but is just as dangerous going forward, and scored in both legs against Aston Villa.

Enrique gives his full-backs licence to get forward, with Achraf Hakimi doing so from the right, and they like to suffocate teams with their high press.

PSG’s forward line has caused defences problems because it is incredibly fluid, with Barcola, Dembele and Kvaratskhelia comfortable at changing positions mid-match.

That freedom and flexibility has proved difficult for teams to combat, but Arsenal will back themselves to cope with PSG’s firepower.

Of teams still left in the Champions League, only Inter Milan have conceded fewer goals than the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta’s side have let in just seven goals in 12 Champions League games this season, keeping clean sheets in half of their matches.

A season-ending hamstring injury to Gabriel has not disrupted their organised and disciplined defence, with Jakub Kiwior stepping up and excelling at the Bernabeu.

After restricting Real Madrid to one goal and six shots on target across two legs, Arsenal will believe they can keep anyone out.