French media notice two Arsenal players who struggled vs PSG - 'Neither was having a good night'

Arsenal will have to come from behind if they are to make it into the final of the this season.

fell to a 1-0 loss against Paris Saint-Germain in the home leg of the semi-final clash against the French giants. Ousmane Dembele’s only goal of the game came in the fourth minute with Arsenal unable to respond.

They did think that they had equalised when headed the ball into the net from a free-kick. But celebrations were cut short when VAR ruled the goal out for offside.

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Arsenal now know to get to the final of the tournament they have to go to Paris and win by two clear goals. A victory by one goal would take the tie to extra time and possibly penalties.

The second leg takes place at Les Parc des Princes on Wednesday, May 7 (kick off 8pm). It’s a game that will be watched closely by both English and French media, just as the first leg was.

The leg at the Emirates Stadium prompted a reaction from French outlets. Here’s a look at what just some had to say.

Joshua Broken of wrote: “Paris Saint-Germain have won a battle, not yet the war. Halfway to a place in the grand finale in Munich, the club from the French capital can nevertheless celebrate a successful first collective performance at the Emirates Stadium.”

Three PSG players in particular were named as the ‘golden trio' as they added: “From an omnipresent Fabian Ruiz during the first act to a João Neves, author of a saving defensive return and generally dominant in the impact passing by a rediscovered Vitinha, technically just and precious against the London attacks, the champions of France were constantly able to rely on their golden trio.”

wrote: “PSG’s win was won thanks to their efficiency in both boxes. Dembélé was efficient at one end and Gianluigi Donnarumma was unstoppable at the other.”

They added: “The Italian, however, didn’t have many saves to make. He was well protected by those in front of him. The experience at Villa Park, where Aston Villa came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 on the night, has left its traces. On that night, the midfield disappeared with many key players completely transparent and played through time and time again. The game management from Luis Enrique’s side came in for considerable criticism.

"Their efforts to manage the game better, without having the majority of the ball, as they are accustomed to having (only 45% possession in the second half) is testament to those lessons learnt. Trossard’s effort was Arsenal’s only shot on target in the second half and, despite the talent on display, Arsenal’s attackers were kept quiet by a defence that remained compact and did not lose focus.”

mentioned two Arsenal players who the side were ‘too reliant on’, writing: ”Long behind in the duels and suffocated by Parisian pressure, the Gunners finally recovered between the 40th and the hour mark.

“Joao Neves' miraculous comeback on Merino then seemed like a first warning (39th). A star player in the knockout phase, Gianluigi Donnarumma knew he was expected and donned his superhero cape by proving decisive against Gabriel Martinelli (45th + 1) and Leandro Trossard (55th), both of whom were terribly clumsy and uninspired in their choices.

“The game was hardly exciting after the hour mark. Well organised, the Parisians didn't concede any clear-cut opportunities against the Gunners, who were too reliant on the brilliant plays of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, neither of whom was having a good night.”