Gael Clichy Delivers Blunt Verdict on Arsenal’s Chances of Comeback Against PSG | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal will be heading into the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal tie with losses.

The capital club fell 2-1 to RC Strasbourg on Saturday at Stade de la Meinau. PSG could not overcome giving up two goals in the first half but did cut the deficit to one goal after a strike from Bradley Barcola.

Despite the second-half goal from Barcola, the Parisians couldn’t find the equalizing goal, resulting in their second straight Ligue 1 loss. Meanwhile, in north London, Arsenal gave up two unanswered goals to Bournemouth, leading to a 2-1 loss.

The Gunners took a one-goal lead, but Bournemouth scored two second-half goals to secure all three points at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Gael Clichy weighs in on Arsenal-PSG

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After the loss to Bournemouth, Gael Clichy stated on Sky Sports his concern for Arsenal heading into the French capital on Wednesday to try to overturn the 1-0 deficit that they face.

“Massive game against Paris,” Clichy said. “I’m not sure many people will count them, you know, to go there and win. If there’s a team that can actually do it, it’s them.

“Because what we’ve seen, you know, over the years is when they are on the front foot and very aggressive in their opponent’s face. You know, I’ve seen them play against City, one-on-one at the back, you know, and very, you know, much aggressive. So if they can bring this to Paris, of course, they have a chance.

“But if they play like we’ve seen them [on Saturday] in the last few games, then I think there’s a concern because there’s a lack of energy, intensity. Of course, the desire to win is there, but, you know, at this level you need to do more than this.”

It will be interesting to see if both sides can forget their losses from this weekend and focus on Wednesday’s task: 90 minutes for a ticket to the Champions League final.