Ray Parlour names two Arsenal players who could cause PSG serious damage

Gidibam Web2 weeks ago

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Image credit: Getty Images

Ray Parlour believes Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will be crucial if Arsenal are to overturn their deficit in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

The Gunners trail 1-0 in the tie after Ousmane Dembélé scored the only goal in a tightly contested first leg at a subdued Emirates Stadium. While PSG were worthy winners last week, Arsenal created opportunities to level the score, with Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both denied by an inspired Gianluigi Donnarumma on either side of half-time.

Dembélé, PSG’s match-winner in the first leg and their top scorer this season, had been a fitness concern after hobbling off with a hamstring issue in London. However, he appears to have recovered, and Luis Enrique confirmed he is available to play at the Parc des Princes.

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Arsenal, meanwhile, will be boosted by the return of Thomas Partey, who missed the first leg due to suspension following a late booking in the club’s dramatic quarter-final win over Real Madrid.

Arsenal forwards Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka — ***Ray Parlour believes Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka could be key to Arsenal beating PSG tonight (Image credit: Getty Images)***

Previewing the decisive clash, former Arsenal and England midfielder Parlour told EPL Index: “Arsenal really missed Thomas Partey’s presence in midfield. They struggled to cope early on with PSG’s pressing and quick ball recovery. “The closing down throughout the game should have been sharper. I think they gave PSG too much respect, and Partey’s absence meant Declan Rice and Mikel Merino had to adjust their games. Merino has done a good job as the No.9, especially in the Madrid games.”

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Parlour also highlighted Arsenal’s lack of squad depth, something he believes the club must address in the summer transfer window. “Looking at Arsenal’s squad, they’ve been missing key players like Gabriel [Magalhães], Partey, and [Kai] Havertz, but getting Partey back will help them regain control in midfield,” he added. “Arsenal lacked real attacking options off the bench, and that’s an area they’ll need to strengthen with more quality this summer.”

Despite the challenges, Parlour remains optimistic about Arsenal’s chances of a comeback. “Scoring first in Paris is vital, and with Saka and Martinelli, Arsenal have the tools to make it happen,” he said. “Merino as the No.9 will also be important—he can cause PSG problems. It’s not over yet, but it’s crucial that Arsenal avoid conceding early so they can grow into the game.”

The winner of the Arsenal-PSG semi-final will face Inter Milan in the Champions League final after the Serie A champions defeated Barcelona in a thrilling encounter at the San Siro on Tuesday.