When Partey got naively and needlessly yellow carded v Madrid, there was an outburst of visible frustration from Declan Rice. Considering the state of play at the time, the response was surely justifiable. Arsenal were cruising to the semi-final where they would be all hands on deck in a pursuit of an Unprecedented feat in the club’s history.
After what unfolded in the first leg, Rice would’ve been more exempt at having a go at the Ghanaian. A midfield rejig in that game saw us get completely outclassed for a large chunk of the game. With Rice and Merino both present, we had enough to dominate their midfield physically but instead we allowed them to play on their terms. Also the pair’s inclusion deeper also meant that we couldn’t utilize their presence in the box (attacking wise). Thomas Partey’s inclusion will certainly help in the return leg but that should be coupled with a greater threat from set-pieces. The latter is actually what inspired this article given its potential.
In the early stages of the second half against PSG, Arsenal thought they had found the equalizer when Mikel Merino rose highest to head home a delightful ball from Declan Rice. Although it was later chalked off for offside, it provided a clear template for us to follow given their visible vulnerability in that area. We failed to capitalize however, which was certainly a bit of a disappointment.
Since Gabriel got injured, we haven’t been as threatening from set-piece situations. Jakub Kiwior – to his credit – has managed to fill in respectably for the Brazilian, even chipping in with a goal himself. But we are just a different animal on set-pieces with Gabriel in the side. With that said, that doesn’t mean we don’t have players who can provide threat and that is exactly what we’ll have to do in the second-leg.
A focus on technicality and control has resulted in the sacrifice of physicality and height in the PSG squad. This has served them well this campaign but it does come with it’s own drawbacks. They’ve conceded one third (38% precisely) of their goals from set-pieces this campaign, perfectly showing their limitations by having such a small(ish) squad. Taking advantage of this might prove to be a decisive factor in whether we reach the Champions League final for the first time in nearly twenty years and I sure hope we do so.
Can Arsenal Men emulate the Women’s success, with a place at the Champions League final?
Arteta wants Gunners to use “anger” at defeat to Bournemouths to fuel victory against PSG
These are my opinions, let me get yours gooners. How important do you think set-pieces will be in the tie?
BENJAMIN KENNETH
______________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
Arsenal have found them selves with their back against the wall again, but somthing tells me this time the gaffer’s is loving it.
He knows there will be a reaction, and though Arsenal only have one thing in mind and is to win by atleast two clear goals, the French champions now has to ponder, whether to defend a very slim one nil lead or play for a win, this indecisiveness is the perfect recipe for hell to break lose in the French capital.
Arsenal do not need to score early, just stay in the game and strike on the half hour mark or on the stroke of half time, effectively neutralize the arena before going on to win it
Unlike some on JA , i feel the loss to Bournemouth marked by a very poor second half performance, will have a detrimental effect on the confidence of our players and i think they face a huge challenge if they are to overcome a very good PSG side.I am not pessimistic by nature, and i hope i am proved wrong, but i cannot see us reaching the Final.
One could argue, they could be part distracted, saving themselves as no one wants to be injured at this stage
.
If I was say a Thomas Partey, I would ask the gaffer not to select me in the game against Boumeounth.
But PSG themselves have lost too, am banking on historical teams with strong personality always react.
“If I was say Thomas Partey, I would ask the gaffer’s not to select me in the game against Bournemouth.” That cracked me up, because there’s no way a player select or dictate to the manager a game he wants to be part of or not, especially in a top tier team who signed players up on contracts. Have you ever wondered what’s stated in the contracts these top footballers sign?
Tomorrow we have show why we deserve to be in the final, anything short of brilliant and we go out with a whimper. The key for me is Rice in the 8 role and Partey in at 6. Everyone else has just to play their best games ever.