Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have had their Champions League ambitions dealt a major blow after a clinical Paris Saint-German outwitted the Gunners in a pulsating European clash.
PSG will head back to the French capital with a 1-0 aggregate lead, leaving Arteta’s men with a daunting challenge in the second leg.
Tonight's clash was Arsenal’s first appearance in a Champions League semi-final since 2009, with the Emirates rocking at kick off.
Luis Enrique’s PSG responded immediately to the Arsenal atmosphere, silencing the home fans with Ousmane Dembele’s stunning first-time strike within the opening four minutes.
Arsenal's European hopes dealt major blow after Dembele stuns Emirates to give PSG semi-final leadThe goal, which started deep in the PSG half, was the Frenchman’s 11th goal involvement in the Champions League this season.
Only Robert Lewandowski (40), Harry Kane (36) and Mbappe (34) have scored more goals in Europe's big five leagues in all competitions than Dembele (33).
Despite the early blow, Arsenal grew into the game, leaving little between the two sides going into half time.
The North London club stormed out of the blocks in the second half, finding their groove in attack with multiple high quality chances.
Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma added to his collection of world class saves, fending off Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli’s efforts.
PA
Arteta thought his side had secured a decisive equaliser just two minutes into the restart.
However, Mikel Merino’s header from a Declan Rice free-kick was ruled out for offside as a knife-edge VAR call frustrated the Gunners' night.
PSG held on in an effective manner, taking the sting out of the game and reducing the noise of the home crowd.
Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma added to his collection of world class saves, fending off Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli’s efforts.
Arsenal's Mikel Merino celebrates a goal that is disallowed following a VAR check during the UEFA Champions League semi final
PA
The French side had a number of chances to put the game out of Arsenal’s reach, with Joao Neves skied effort, Goncalo Ramos hitting the bar and Bradley Barcola firing his shot just inches wide.
Arsenal survived the onslaught, with those missed opportunities keeping the tie alive.
Victory for PSG ensured the Ligue 1 champions have defeated all four Premier League clubs featuring in the Champions League this season.
After Liverpool took the Premier League out of Arteta's reach over the weekend, the Gunners' boss now faces his biggest test yet if he is to keep Arsenal’s Champions League dream alive.
