For the past two years, Mikel Arteta`s Arsenal has been defined by their dominance in critical duels. This trait, deeply ingrained since Arteta`s passionate address in early 2022, means losing a one-on-one battle deeply displeases the manager.
The arrival of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber, all formidable in duels, has reinforced this. In most matches, Arsenal`s off-the-ball strategy is executed perfectly; their midfield overwhelms opponents with size, strength, and agility, while fullbacks apply pressure on the flanks. This approach has proven effective at the highest level, notably against stars like Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe.
However, for roughly the first 20-25 minutes of this specific tie, one of Europe`s strongest defensive sides seemed to lose its way. Arsenal often speaks of the `Timber penitentiary` – referring to Jurrien Timber`s ability to shut down wingers. When he`s at his best, escaping his marking is depicted as harder than breaking out of Alcatraz.
Perhaps Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is simply in a class of his own. It`s a reasonable claim given his magnificent performance in those initial moments. Timber couldn`t contain him before Kvaratskhelia set up Ousmane Dembele for the opening goal. Timber was also fortunate not to concede a penalty when referee Slavko Vincic waved away appeals despite the defender`s challenge on PSG`s winger.
But it wasn`t just Kvaratskhelia causing problems; Arsenal was overwhelmed across the pitch. Dembele`s movement confused their backline. Vitinha had pushed back against suggestions PSG lacked physicality, and their midfield trio demonstrated precision and power in their tackles. Arsenal struggled to play out from the back, often resorting to desperate escapes after multiple backward passes. Their press was too slow, allowing Nuno Mendes to find Dembele, which led to the sequence for the game`s only goal.
In the opening 23 minutes, Arsenal won only 26 percent of their duels. Arteta, his players, and the previously vibrant crowd were visibly shellshocked. Arteta had famously asked fans to bring shirts, shorts, and boots – perhaps half-joking that an extra 57,000 options might have helped them navigate PSG`s press.
This dominant phase for PSG didn`t last. Luis Enrique`s side couldn`t maintain the same high intensity, and Arsenal adjusted. They opted to hit longer balls, compete for second balls, and build play higher up the pitch in PSG`s half. Arteta mentioned `one issue that we corrected after 15, 20 minutes,` stating this fix turned the game around, though he declined to specify the tactical tweak. He insisted it was a `very specific but very important` adjustment for their style of play.
Whatever the change was, it proved effective. For the subsequent hour, the game was much more balanced. Mikel Merino`s header from a Declan Rice free kick was ruled offside (as were two Gabriel Martinelli attempts), but Leandro Trossard came close to beating Gianluigi Donnarumma. Arsenal also needed a few lucky bounces they didn`t get. Conversely, PSG missed chances, with Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos notably reluctant to take prime shots on their weaker feet, costing them a potential second goal.
Looking ahead to the second leg, it`s reasonable to expect Timber won`t face the same early difficulties; after winning just one of his first eight duels, he won all five of his next. William Saliba also grew stronger, making a crucial tackle to deny PSG. The potential inclusion of Thomas Partey could strengthen Arsenal`s midfield and make bypassing PSG`s press less risky. Partey`s presence also allows for tactical variations, including long balls to a target man like Merino, enabling a more direct, albeit less aesthetically pleasing, buildup.
In the 67 minutes following their initial struggles, Arsenal won 55 percent of their duels overall, and a remarkable 72 percent of aerial duels. Like it or not, this physical dominance and effectiveness in duels is a hallmark of peak Arsenal under Arteta.
When Arsenal performs like this, they are a match for PSG. This tie promises to be consistently absorbing and finely balanced. The crucial factor in such high-stakes matches, however, is that a Champions League final spot can be lost in just a few poor moments. In that opening period where Arsenal`s defining strength – winning duels – was absent, it feels like they might have already had the lapse that could prove decisive.
