That’s where the dream ends.
Getting to a Champions League semi final was a symbol of how Mikel Arteta has revived Arsenal but not being able to get into the final is symbiotic of the work the Gunners still have to do.
PSG probably should’ve scored more in the first leg, the Parisians didn’t and it gave Arsenal a chance as they lacked a finishing touch themselves when presented with chances.
Though they came out of the blocks quick with early pressure, PSG simply have too many players who can hurt you as they were pegged back by strikes by Fabian Ruiz and then Achraf Hakimi.
Bukayo Saka dragged Arsenal back into the game before missing a crucial opportunity to score again and time eventually ran out.
On a disappointing night where Arsenal couldn’t make the leap, here are five things we learnt from the second leg:
1. Same Story in the Final Third
The lack of final third penetration has been a clear problem for the Gunners this season, they were explosive under Mikel Arteta for his first two seasons in attack.
The Spaniard then changed to an approach favouring sustained attacks last season and it worked, but there is an overwhelming feeling this season that once teams learnt to defend vs their set-pieces, the goals dried up.
Arsenal pressed PSG up the pitch and relied on long throws to unsettle PSG. But for two good saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first half and Bukayo Saka’s guilt-edged chance, there was a lack of a focal point as there has been the whole season.
It’s the one thing Arsenal have to address to make the next step, they know how to get into an opponent’s half but lack ideas when they get there.
2. PSG too good without the ball
Make no mistake about it, Luis Enrique has transformed this team into one with fabulous attacking verve, but the manner in which they work hard without the ball makes it difficult to score against them.
That isn’t something you normally say for a PSG side, but it’s a credit to the French team that without the ball they are just as vigorous.
The wingers drop back to press the strikers and double up and when your a team that already lacks ideas in attack, it’s harder to score.
3. Two man team up works on Saka
Bukayo Saka is one of the world’s most deadliest, dangerous wingers, make no mistake about it. But he can’t do it all.
The energy and trickery he brings to the table is clear to see, but it’s salient that almost no other Arsenal player has the same creativity that he does.
Martin Odegaard showed flashes of his own brilliance but it’s clear he’s lacking in confidence. Mikel Merino has provided to be an excellent solution as a makeshift striker, possibly one better than Kai Havertz.
But, Saka needs help, the priority should be to get him some in the summer.
4. Counter-Attacks too much for Arsenal
Last week PSG had more of the ball and created plenty of chances. This week it was Arsenal’s turn to have the lion share of possession.
The problem with this is that, you actually risk the counter-attacking threat PSG’s quick forwards possess.
Arsenal were in a situation where they had to go for broke so they had no choice, but if PSG can’t control the tempo of the game with possession they can hit you on the counter.
In saying all this, Arsenal conceded to two brilliant strikes from players who aren’t strikers.
In the Champions League there is no room or margin for error, especially at the semi-final stage and PSG punished Arsenal.
5. Season comes to an end but not all doom and gloom
Some parts of the Arsenal fanbase may be frustrated.
Mikel Arteta has turned this club around fabulously in six years, he may not have a trophy to show for it but he certainly deserves one.
In football the margins are fine, Arsenal have now been in a title race for two seasons, qualified for the Champions League again and are an elite team.
They need to take that next step but not every season can have an upward trajectory as it feels as though this Arsenal team never recovered from the injury issues that plagued it at the start.
A semi final in the Champions League and a glorious victory over Real Madrid are not to be sniffed at.
The next step is elusive and will obsess Arsenal and Arteta. The work in the summer should all be surrounded on taking that final leap of faith.
