PLAYER RATINGS | Arsenal 0-1 PSG: Ousmane Dembélé strikes early to give Les Parisiens semi-final lead | OneFootball

Despite sensing a “negative climate” on the part of the media at his pre-match press conference, Luis Enrique remained optimistic ahead of his team’s trip to London. The Ligue 1 champions’ second Champions League semi-final in as many seasons nevertheless took place in the wake of their first defeat of the league campaign, all the while several of their leading lights experienced an untimely downturn in form.

Despite recent setbacks, the Parisians’ second trip to North London this season was under decidedly different circumstances. The best representative of the stark contrast between the two halves of their campaign will have been Ousmane Dembélé, whose spectacular form has seen him sail past the 30-goal mark in all competitions – stemming from a months-long purple patch which had only begun to fade in the last few weeks.

The former Barcelona man, who was dropped from the squad for disciplinary reasons when the teams last met, nevertheless put an end to a five-game goal drought within the first five minutes on Tuesday evening. The Frenchman, found by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the edge of the box, would beat David Raya with a sweeping shot to bring the North London crowd to an early (albeit temporary) silence.

It was another one of the Georgian’s forays down the left wing which nearly bought PSG a chance to double the lead. Although brought down after weaving past two defenders, though, the January signing’s claim for a penalty was waved away by the referee. In any case, the opening exchanges saw the visitors dominate both in possession and opportunities.

Mikel Arteta’s men, though, ended the half with the momentum in their favour, winning a string of midfield duels to push the Parisians onto the back foot. The hosts would also have a penalty shout of their own, with Mikel Merino having been ostensibly brought down by Neves as he was lining up a close-range shot – replays would later show that the Portuguese midfielder had expertly timed his tackle.

There would be an even closer call for PSG at the start of the second half, as Mikel Merino headed in a free-kick past as stranded Gianluigi Donnarumma – only for the goal to be eventually ruled out for offside after a VAR check. The Italian would nevertheless prove decisive minutes later, turning away Leandro Trossard’s low effort as the Belgian was bearing down on goal from the left wing.

The second-half set-up was clear for PSG, whose first attempt at goal after the break came only once the game had entered the final twenty minnutes. Not that they were necessarily under siege from Arsenal, though – the Gunners scarcely created much after Trossard was denied.

If anything, the best chances of the closing stages came the visitors’ way. Bradley Barcola, who had come on for Dembélé, would send a low shot trickling wide after being played through on goal, before (a seemingly offside) Gonçalo Ramos hit the crossbar.

PSG’s first-ever win on the continental stage against the Gunners has placed their second Champions League final within sight. Given the prospect of facing a reinforced Arsenal midfield in next week’s second leg, though, the tie is far from decided.

PSG player ratings

Gianluigi Donnarumma, 7 – A drastic improvement on his error-strewn performance in North London back in autumn. The Italian was commanding in the air, and his save from Trossard before the hour mark signalled the end of Arsenal’s most dangerous spell of possession.

Achraf Hakimi, 6

Marquinhos, 6

Willian Pacho, 5

Nuno Mendes, 5

Fabián Ruiz, 6

Vitinha, 6

João Neves, 7

Désiré Doué, 5 – A quiet game, by the lofty standards that the young Frenchman has been setting of late. The teenager nevertheless had some good moments, notably when combining with Kvaratskhelia and a shot on target on the half-hour mark.

Ousmane Dembélé, 6 – Broke what had become a slightly concerning goalscoring drought when his team needed it most. Led the line with some persistent pressing, and set up a few more chances before coming off twenty minutes from time – notably a cross for Hakimi, who was only prevented from getting a shot away by an assured tackle from William Saliba.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, 7

Selected Arsenal player ratings

David Raya, 6

Jurriën Timber, 4 – The Dutchman struggled to contain Kvaratskhelia, especially in the first half, and notably could have conceded a penalty after seemingly wrapping his arms around the winger in the penalty area.

Martin Ødegaard, 4

Leandro Trossard, 5

Bukayo Saka, 6 – By far the most incisive of the Arsenal forwards, constantly weaving his way past Nuno Mendes and the rest of the Parisian left flank.

GFFN | Raphaël J. – reporting from Arsenal Stadium