Arsenal’s Champions League dream is over.
Just to say it right away. Paris Saint-Germain are now the clear favourites to take the Champions League trophy for the first time. – So solid are the French capital club that when Arsenal failed to gain an advantage at home at the Emirates, the race was actually run tonight when the second leg was to be played at the Parc des Princes.
Arsenal fans have given their clear opinion on social media after “The Gunners” were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain.
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Decisive moment of the match
On Wednesday night, Mikel Arteta’s team arrived at the Parc des Princes with the goal of turning around a 1-0 deficit from the first leg.
Despite dominating the first half, Arsenal fell behind after 27 minutes when Fabián Ruiz scored a beautiful goal.
In the second half, Achraf Hakimi made it 2-0 in the 72nd minute – a goal that seemed to decide the match.
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Former Arsenal star Martin Keown stated on TNT Sports:
“Hakimi is a right-back who is in a striker position. This is as nice a finish as you will see – he sweeps it into the corner, a powerful finish. If you hesitate against this team, you will be punished.”
Bukayo Saka still gave Arsenal hope when he reduced the score to 1-2 in the 76th minute. In the end, PSG managed to hold on to the lead and won 2-1 on the evening (3-1 on aggregate).
Fans’ anger is directed at Partey
On social media, Arsenal fans were particularly critical of midfielder Thomas Partey’s performance:
- “This is precisely why Thomas Partey has to go. He is simply an unreliable footballer in every way.”
- “Thomas Partey had a disastrous game.”
- “Thomas Partey with one of the worst performances of all time.”
- “Looks like Thomas Partey played with Timberland boots today.”
- “Thomas Partey cost Arsenal both games. Time for him to go.”
- “I thought Thomas Partey was the solution today. But two mistakes that both led to goals… terrible.”
The Way Forward
With the win, PSG secured a place in the final against Italian side Inter Milan. The final will be played in Munich on May 31.
Arsenal return to the Premier League this weekend with an away game against league champions Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
After another big game under performance pressure, it is now clear that a number of Arsenal fans believe it is time for a renewal in midfield – with Thomas Partey as the main candidate for replacement.
