Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his team to rise to the occasion in Paris next week after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final clash at the Emirates Stadium.
A first-half strike from Ousmane Dembélé proved decisive, leaving the Gunners with it all to do in the return leg at the Parc des Princes if they are to book a place in their first Champions League final since 2006.
Speaking after the game, Arteta admitted it was a frustrating night for his side, who failed to find the net despite registering five shots on target.
“If you want to win the Champions League, you have to do something special. We’re going to have to do that in Paris,” Arteta said. “We created opportunities but couldn’t convert them. Now, it’s about belief and execution when it matters most.”
PSG started brightly and controlled the early stages, while Arsenal grew into the game but couldn’t break down the resilient French defence. The defeat also marked Arsenal’s first goalless home outing in the competition since 2016.
With a place in the final on the line and a historic night looming, Arteta believes his side can still turn things around.
