Legend backs Arsenal to stage stunning comeback against PSG in Champions League semi-final
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has expressed confidence that Mikel Arteta’s side can overturn a first-leg deficit and shock Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League semi-final second leg on Wednesday night.
The Gunners trail 1-0 after a disappointing first-leg performance at the Emirates Stadium, where Ousmane Dembélé’s early goal silenced the home crowd and handed PSG a valuable advantage. Arsenal now travel to the Parc des Princes needing a near-perfect display to reach only the second Champions League final in the club’s history.
Their domestic form heading into the clash does little to inspire confidence. Arsenal have won just one of their last five Premier League matches—a narrow victory over relegated Ipswich Town—and suffered a damaging 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth at the Emirates last Saturday.
READ MORE: Patrick Vieira names the current Arsenal player he loves to watch
Despite the odds, former captain Vieira believes the north Londoners are more than capable of pulling off an upset. Speaking to The Telegraph, he said: “Honestly, I strongly believe that they can come back. And I’m 100 per cent sure that the group of players and the manager know that they can come back, there’s no doubt about it.
Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira (Image credit: Getty Images)
“They will have to play the perfect game away from home. They’ve done it before and they have the quality of players who can do it. They still have a good chance. They are still alive.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Central to any comeback will likely be the influence of midfielder Declan Rice, who has been in sensational form since the turn of the year. After a slow start to the season by his own admission, the England international has delivered dominant performances, earning man-of-the-match honours in both legs of Arsenal’s quarter-final triumph over Real Madrid.
Arteta’s decision to push Rice into a more advanced role initially raised eyebrows, but the 26-year-old has thrived in his new position. His powerful, box-to-box style has even drawn comparisons with Vieira himself, who anchored Arsenal’s midfield during the club’s most successful modern era.
With their European dream hanging by a thread, Arsenal will be hoping to channel that same spirit and resilience when they take on PSG in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter in Paris.
NEXT ARTICLE: Arsenal face Champions League blow as PSG receive huge boost ahead of second leg
