Exclusive: Arsenal Legend Urges for ‘Respect’ Ahead of Champions League Clash with PSG | OneFootball

Exclusive: Arsenal Legend Previews Champions League Semi-Final Clash with PSG

Despite a disappointing domestic campaign, history can still be made in North London this season as Arsenal prepare to face PSG in the UEFA Champions League semi-final.

The Gunners come into the clash off the back of a historic victory over Real Madrid in the quarter-final, with a 5-1 win on aggregate. Declan Rice’s two sensational free-kicks stole the headlines, but Mikel Arteta’s side’s performances across the two legs deserves real credit too.

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Arsenal find themselves at home in the first leg once again and will be looking for another healthy cushion to take to Paris in the return leg. Should they make it past PSG, they will face either FC Barcelona or Inter Milan in the final.

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour spoke exclusively to EPL Index and shared his thoughts on the huge european night that awaits the Gunners…

“Arsenal Must Respect PSG”

“Arsenal will go into this semi-final clash with confidence on the back of the performances against Real Madrid,” began Parlour, “But they will know that PSG are hugely dangerous from their victories over Liverpool and Aston Villa.”

Luis Enrique’s side were stunned by Liverpool in the first-leg when Harvey Elliott scored with the Reds’ first shot on target to take a 1-0 lead back to Anfield. However, an early Ousmane Dembele goal and a penalty shootout victory stunned Arne Slot’s side.

That was followed up by a 5-4 aggregate victory over Unai Emery’s Aston Villa side, despite a late scare that saw Youri Tielemans, John McGinn and Ezri Konsa all grab goals to mount a potential comeback.

“PSG showed against Liverpool especially why they are such a good team with hugely quick wingers, who are dangerous,” said Parlour.

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Referring to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue providing quality in the wide areas, whilst Dembele has been mostly deployed as a central forward. With Gabriel injured for this one and Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori both doubts, Arteta’s back line will certainly be tested.

Advice for Arsenal

“Arsenal must show the same patience as they did against Real Madrid,” continued Parlour, “They must make the home advantage count at the Emirates Stadium and then go from there.”

However, Parlour did mention one major blow for the Gunners as Thomas Partey is suspended for this one, leaving a ‘big concern in the middle of the park’. In contrast, the ‘excellent’ form of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will provide the crucial quality needed for this one.