Arsenal trail Paris Saint-Germain by one goal heading into the second leg of their Champions League semi-final tie at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday night
Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes the Gunners have “just a small chance” of advancing to the final of the Champions League. They face Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night, trailing 1-0 from the first leg.
Ousmane Dembele scored the only goal at the Emirates last week to leave Mikel Arteta’s men up against it as they bid to reach the final for only the second time. against Luis Enrique’s men, Arsenal must deliver an exceptional performance in Paris to stand any hopes of advancing.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, Merson insists it is a tall order for Arteta’s men to turn things around. And he made clear his belief that they lack experience in elite knockout football.
“The players were nervous – it was the semi-final of the Champions League – and they have never been in the semi-finals of the Champions League before – they are not seasoned pros,” said Merson about their display last week. “It doesn’t matter how much money you earn, you are going to get nervous.
“PSG got that early goal and had Arsenal on the rack and I just think Arsenal were scared because they, perhaps, thought; ‘If we let another goal in, we are out of the tie already’. They have 1746627063 got another chance.
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“They should have been completely blown out of this competition. They had chances – PSG – and I think it’s now down to the first goal.
“If Arsenal score that first goal, it wipes out Tuesday’s performance and it’s game on. If Paris Saint-Germain score first, I can’t see any way back. And I know people will say that Aston Villa went 4-1 down, but they were at home, with nothing to lose and could have a right go at it.
“People will say they won at the Bernabeu, but that was in the last minute. If it is 1-1 in the final minutes, PSG will not be playing gung-ho.
“There are a lot of things to think about, Arsenal are right up against it but, with Thomas Partey back, you never know. They have got a chance, but I don’t give them too much of a chance.”
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