'Predictions: Arsenal tipped to achieve historic comeback against PSG by football pundits'
Context:
Arsenal is facing a challenging task as they prepare to play Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of the Champions League semifinal, trailing 1-0 after an early goal by Ousmane Dembele. Despite a recent dip in domestic form, with a loss to Bournemouth, former captain Patrick Vieira and pundit Gary Neville are optimistic about Arsenal's chances, citing their ability to perform under pressure and PSG's historical struggles in high-stakes matches. Arsenal's Champions League campaign has seen strong away performances, including a notable victory over Real Madrid, which adds to their confidence. Declan Rice is highlighted as a crucial player for Arsenal, known for his impactful free-kicks and playmaking abilities that have played a significant role in their European success. With the return of Thomas Partey, Rice is expected to take on a more advanced role, potentially influencing the outcome of the match in Paris.
Dive Deeper:
Arsenal faces a significant challenge as they attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semifinal, a comeback they have never achieved at this stage before.
Despite recent poor form in the Premier League, including a loss to Bournemouth, there is optimism from figures like Patrick Vieira and Gary Neville about Arsenal's ability to succeed due to PSG's known vulnerabilities in crucial games.
Arsenal has demonstrated strong away form in Europe, winning four out of six away matches in the Champions League this season, including a dramatic victory over Real Madrid.
Declan Rice is identified as a key player for Arsenal, contributing significantly with line-breaking passes leading to goals and shots, making him central to their Champions League ambitions.
With the return of Thomas Partey from suspension, Arsenal's strategy is likely to involve Rice in a more advanced role, where he can maximize his influence in the attacking third.
The belief in Arsenal's potential comeback is fueled by their previous victories in high-pressure away games against formidable opponents, suggesting they can handle the intensity of playing at PSG's home ground.
The match against PSG is seen as a crucial test for Arsenal, combining both tactical acumen from Mikel Arteta and the individual brilliance of players like Declan Rice to overcome the odds.
Arsenal face a daunting task as they travel to Paris to take on Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League semifinal on May 7.
Trailing 1-0 after Ousmane Dembele’s early strike at the Emirates, Mikel Arteta’s men must overturn the deficit away from home - something the club has never managed before at this stage of Europe’s top competition.
Despite poor recent domestic form, including a recent 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth, former captain Patrick Vieira and pundit Gary Neville believe Arsenal can pull off an upset.
“Honestly, I strongly believe that they can come back," Vieira told The Telegraph. "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."
“They will have to play the perfect game away from home," Vieira added. "They did it before, and they have the quality of players who can do it.
Gary Neville shares the same point of view, stemming mainly from PSG’s historical fragility in high-pressure moments.
“Arsenal have got a chance on Wednesday,” Neville told Sky Sports. “I’ve been there a couple of times and seen Real Madrid win there, and I saw Manchester United win there. PSG get very nervous if the wrong things happen for them in that stadium.”
Despite recent Premier League struggles, where Arsenal have just won one of their last five matches, Mikel Arteta’s side can take hope from their strong away form in Europe.
The Gunners have won four of their six away matches in the Champions League this season, including a dramatic quarter-final win over Real Madrid.
Declan Rice to remain central to Arsenal's hopes
Arsenal’s Champions League hope could very well rest on Declan Rice.The England star, who lit up the Emirates with thunderous free-kicks against Real Madrid, remains key, leading the team in line-breaking passes that have resulted in shots (7) and goals (3) in this Champions League campaign.
- With Thomas Partey back from suspension, Rice is expected to return to a more advanced role where he can influence the game in the final third.
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