News Focus
- Arsenal plan to use midfielder Mikel Merino as a false nine to create numerical advantages against PSG’s man-to-man pressing system
- The Gunners will target set-pieces after PSG conceded six goals from corners and free-kicks in their domestic league this term
- Stopping Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia remains a top priority due to his dangerous off-the-ball movements
- Long balls over the press for Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres offer an alternative route past PSG’s high defensive line
- Arteta may instruct his players to attack through central areas to exploit spaces left by PSG’s aggressive marking
Mikel Arteta hopes to lead Arsenal to European glory when they meet Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday’s Champions League final. The Spanish manager knows his side faces a huge challenge against the French champions in Munich.
Arsenal have built their European campaign on strong defensive foundations. They have kept nine clean sheets in the tournament, more than any other club. This solid back-line will face its biggest test against PSG’s attack, which has found the net 44 times in the competition.
The two teams met in last season’s semi-final, and that clash offers clues for Arteta’s plans. One effective strategy involved playing Mikel Merino as a striker. When the Spanish midfielder dropped deep into midfield, PSG defenders chose not to follow him. This decision gave Arsenal extra players in the centre of the pitch.
The London club can also use long passes to beat PSG’s high press. Goalkeeper David Raya can send the ball over the midfield for Merino or Kai Havertz to control. Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres could run into wide channels to receive these balls and challenge defenders.
Set-pieces offer another clear path to victory. PSG have shown weakness defending corners and free-kicks, letting in six goals from such situations in their league this season. Arsenal can target the back post with crosses, then head the ball back across the goalmouth. This method has worked well for other teams against the French side.
Stopping Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is vital for Arsenal’s chances. The Georgian winger operates on the left flank and moves cleverly between the lines. He often drops short before sprinting in behind defenders. Arsenal must either stay very tight to him or drop deep to cut out space behind their defence.
Arteta might also ask his players to attack through the middle of the pitch. Some teams have drawn PSG’s markers into tight, crowded areas, then released the ball into open spaces. Players like Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi can work in small spaces to create central chances.
The Gunners lost narrowly to PSG in last year’s semi-final. Arteta changed his pressing tactics during that match, asking Martin Odegaard to work harder higher up the pitch. Centre-back William Saliba also marked Ousmane Dembele closely throughout the game. These defensive adjustments could appear again on Saturday evening.