Arteta Says Arsenal Must “Do Something Special” in Paris After 1–0 Loss to PSG

Arsenal’s dream of reaching the Champions League final is still alive — but now it’s harder than ever.
Mikel Arteta’s side fell to a narrow 1–0 defeat at home to PSG in the semi-final first leg on Tuesday night.

Dembele Strikes Early

The only goal of the night came in the first 25 minutes at the Emirates, when Ousmane Dembélé punished Arsenal’s slow start.
The Gunners improved in the second half and even found the back of the net — but Mikel Merino’s goal was ruled offside.

PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made key saves to keep Arsenal out.

🗣 Arteta: “We’re Only at Half-Time”

“We’re halfway through this battle,” said Arteta after the game.
Having once played for PSG himself, the Arsenal boss admitted:

“If we want to reach the final, we’ll need to do something special in Paris. We believe we can.”

The second leg will be played next week in the French capital. A draw will be enough for PSG to go through — Arsenal must win.

Arsenal’s Last Hope

• This is Arsenal’s first UCL semi-final since 2009.
• They haven’t reached a Champions League final since 2006, when they lost to Barcelona.
• With Liverpool already winning the Premier League, this is Arsenal’s only shot at silverware this season.

The Gunners knocked out defending champions Real Madrid in the quarter-finals with a dominant 5–1 aggregate.

👀 What’s Next?

PSG coach Luis Enrique, who won the UCL with Barcelona in 2015, was pleased but cautious:

“We showed mental strength beating Arsenal at their home, but the second leg won’t be easy.”

He hopes Dembele recovers from the knock that forced him off in the second half. The forward has scored 33 goals this season, with 28 coming since mid-December.

“If he’s fit, it’s great for us,” Enrique added.