Arsenal Star PSG Must Stop to Keep Champions League Dream Alive

Paris Saint-Germain will travel to London to face Arsenal in the first leg of a crucial Champions League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium on April 29.

Luis Enrique and his side will look to take revenge over the Gunners after their 2-0 loss on Matchday 2 of the Champions League league phase as Mikel Arteta's side proved to be superior to the French champions on the day. Though this PSG side faced the Gunners without Dembélé and is completely different from the team that fell in England earlier this season, they have a tough opponent to beat to get through to the final.

Ahead of their second encounter in the competition, Les Parisiens will have to keep an eye on several Arsenal players if they want to qualify for the final once more. Though Arsenal counts many great players in their squad, such as Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard or William Saliba, the main threat from the Premier League side is certainly Declan Rice, and Luis Enrique's side will have to find a way to stop him to reach the final of the Champions League.

Why is Declan Rice Arsenal's main threat against Paris Saint-Germain?

The England international is undoubtedly the biggest threat on this Arsenal side ahead of their Champions League semi-final first-leg clash against PSG. Since joining the Gunners from West Ham in 2023, he became one of the best midfielder in the world under Mikel Arteta.

He evolved and is not just a defensive midfielder but also a number 8 able to bring the ball forward through passes or dribbles. Additionally, he became an elite set pieces taker as he showcased against Real Madrid with two splendid direct free-kicks. He also made of Arsenal a real threat on corners and indirect set pieces, an area that Luis Enrique's PSG struggles with.

Moreover, PSG's main force lies in there midfield, composed of Fabian Ruiz, Joao Neves and Vitinha. Therefore, the battle of midfield will be key to secure a victory over the two legs of this tie, which was the difference maker for Arsenal against Real Madrid as Declan Rice shone and played massive role for his side earning Man of the match honours in both legs.

The England international is also the one providing balance and stability to his side and it will be primordial for Luis Enrique's team to limit his influence on the game over both legs of this tie.

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