Martin Odegaard miserable as David Raya heroic – Arsenal ratings in loss vs PSG
David Raya’s heroics gave Arsenal a chance but PSG cruised past Arsenal in a 3-1 aggregate win in the Champions League semi-final.
When the lights shone at their brightest, the Gunners wilted and will be forced to watch from their TV’s at home as PSG take on Inter Milan in the Champions League final on 31 May.
Arsenal had their moments but the dancing and dazzling trio of Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia proved too tricky to handle.
Goals from Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi gave PSG the lead, and whilst Bukayo Saka gave the Gunners hope, and David Raya’s penalty save kept them in the tie, the Parisians never looked in danger of losing the tie.
With the loss comes questions of Mikel Arteta‘s ability to get over the finish line, with the Arsenal boss building the unwanted reputation of being a nearly-man.
Arsenal fall short against dominant PSG
David Raya – 8 – Player of the Match
Saved a penalty and was impressive for the Gunners, but the French side tore his defence apart.
Jurrien Timber (off for White 83′) – 6
Given the nightmare task of defending against the one-time Liverpool target Kvaratskhelia, but the Dutchman performed well.
William Saliba – 3
Torn to pieces. Usually the coolest and calmest player on any pitch he graces, but against the Parisians, Saliba was a mess.
Jakub Kiwior – 3
The Polish defender’s performance highlighted just how impactful Gabriel Magalhaes’ injury has been to Arsenal. The Gunners looked shaky and unsure without the Brazilian.
Myles Lewis-Skelly struggles against PSG
Myles Lewis-Skelly (off for Calafiori 68′) – 4
Not his night. Lewis-Skelly has been a revelation for Arsenal this season, but Barcola gave the 18-year-old a torrid time, even if the penalty concession was harsh.
Martin Odegaard – 2
Missing. Again. The Gunners’ captain has consistently underwhelmed during this Champions League campaign and it was the same old story against PSG.
Thomas Partey – 6
Battling. Against the world’s most formidable midfield trio, Partey put himself about well, but his progressive passing was a letdown.
Declan Rice – 5
Rice was the hero in Madrid, but against PSG, the England international was unable to reproduce the magic that got Arsenal to the semi-finals.
Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal fighting chance
Bukayo Saka – 7
The Starboy gave Arsenal a fighting chance, but his miss late on when it seemed easier to score will haunt him.
Mikel Merino – 3
Arsenal should be moving mountains to sign a striker this summer. Against the world’s best, Merino is not the answer.
Gabriel Martinelli (off for Trossard 69′) – 5
Ran himself silly trying to make something happen, but Hakimi had the Brazilian winger in his pocket and found Martinelli easy to deal with.
Substitutes
Riccardo Calafiori (on for Lewis-Skelly 68′) – 4
Lacked the attacking ability to really help his side in their quest to overturn the deficit.
Leandro Trossard (on for Martinelli 69′) – 4
Picked up where Martinelli left off, by working hard, but offering little.
Ben White (on for Timber 83′) – 5
The Englishman offered more of an aerial threat going forward, but made little happen in his brief cameo on the pitch.