Champions League disappointment: Arsenal's 1-0 defeat to PSG sparks debate over star player, whose influence in crucial matches has been questioned.
Craig Burley has reprimanded an Arsenal star for his underwhelming showing in Arsenal’s 1-0 Champions League semi-final first-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Gunners, having humiliated Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, were in high spirits heading into Tuesday’s clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal vs PSG
Ousmane Dembele's early goal proved the difference as the Ligue 1 champions secured a slender 1-0 victory over Mikel Arteta’s men in North London.
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The visitors started brightly, dominating the opening exchanges, and Dembele's fourth-minute strike, assisted by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, gave them a crucial away goal.
Arsenal struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, with PSG's compact defence and fluid midfield making it difficult for the Gunners to create clear-cut opportunities.
However, towards the end of the first half, the hosts began to assert themselves, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard testing Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The second half saw Arsenal emerge with renewed vigour. Mikel Merino thought he had equalised early on, but his header was ruled out for a tight offside following a VAR review.
The Gunners continued to press, with Trossard forcing another good save from Donnarumma.
Despite their efforts, Arsenal could not find a way past the resolute Italian goalkeeper, and PSG held on to secure a valuable first-leg advantage.
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Burley critical of Arsenal captain
Speaking on ESPN, the former Scotland and Chelsea midfielder felt Martin Odegaard did not influence proceedings enough against Luis Enrique’s men, a sentiment shared by co-analysts Alejandro Moreno and ex-Arsenal man Stewart Robson.
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“When we talk about big players performing, but when we talk a lot about Martin Odegaard and he’s a tidy, clever player who can pick a defence apart,” said Burley. “But generally I’m seeing him do that at times this season, not so much in the big games.
“When I watch him in games like this (vs PSG) against quality sides, for me at the moment, he’s not doing enough in these big games.
“It was Declan Rice who was driving them forward, it was Declan Rice who was getting on the ball, it was Mikel Merino who was getting in the box.
“He has to have a bigger game in Paris.”
Arsenal need to overturn the deficit in next week’s return leg in Paris to reach the final.
What’s next for Arsenal?
Arsenal host Bournemouth in Saturday evening’s Premier League fixture before travelling to Paris.
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