Arsenal Lose UCL Semi-Final First Leg in Classic Arsenal Fashion

Ladies and Gentlemen, Arsenal have done it again, and in the most Arsenal way possible.

This season has been defined by big misses, a clueless attack, and an unreliable midfield, and all of that was on full display in today’s loss to PSG. Martin Ødegaard has been more Ghostegaard than Ødegaard all year, and tonight was no different. He’s my favorite player on the team, and I know how brilliant he can be, but this just hasn’t been his year, and tonight was yet another dreadful showing.

Missing Thomas Partey in the midfield didn’t help either. His absence was painfully obvious and part of the reason we were completely outclassed. But it wasn’t just Ødegaard who struggled, the entire attack lacked creativity. It was another classic display of this season’s Arsenal: cross it in and pray someone gets a head or foot on it. And to no surprise it led to no goals.

There were, however, a few bright spots. The attack did spark a couple of dangerous moments, but unfortunately for Arsenal, Donnarumma was playing like he was on 60mg of Adderall, nothing was getting past him.

Then there was Mikel Merino, who looked like he had the game tying goal, only for the ridiculous AI replay system to decide he was a pubic hair offside. Truly so fucking stupid.

Still, it’s not all doom and gloom. Instead of heading to Paris down 3–0, we’re only trailing 1–0. Some might argue Arsenal could be going back with a lead—but what's the point in what-ifs?

The reality is simple: Arsenal are down just 1–0 at halftime in this tie, and Partey will be back in the lineup for the return leg. I’ve seen Arsenal rise to the occasion in big moments this season, but I’ve also seen them completely shit down their leg.

That said, this is far from over. As Mikel Arteta said, if you want to win the Champions League, you have to do something exceptional. And that’s exactly what Arsenal will need to do when they go to Paris on May 7th.