Arsenal Star Vows to Exploit Spaces in Paris After “Tough” First Leg at the Emirates
Bukayo Saka has pinpointed crucial lessons from Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain—and believes the Gunners can turn the tie around in France next week.
Despite a frustrating 1-0 loss at the Emirates, where Ousmane Dembélé’s strike proved decisive, Saka remained upbeat in an interview with Sky Sports, insisting Arsenal have “another level” to show in the second leg.
“It’s important to stay calm,” said the 22-year-old winger. “We know what we need to do, and I’m confident we can go there and get the result we want.”
Saka admitted he found it difficult to break through PSG’s defensive shackles in London, with the French giants often doubling up on him. “They put a lot of bodies around me and defended well,” he said. “But I’m already looking at where I can find more space in the next game.”
Arsenal have beaten PSG before—a 2-1 group-stage victory in October—but Saka acknowledged this is a different challenge. Back then, PSG were without Dembélé (due to suspension) and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (still at Napoli), the very duo who combined for the winning goal this week.
When asked if PSG were the best team Arsenal have faced this season, Saka didn’t hesitate: “I would say so, probably. They’ve got a top manager, world-class attackers, and midfielders who make you chase the ball—nobody likes that!”
He also singled out left-back Nuno Mendes as a formidable opponent: “He’s quick, strong, a top full-back—but I love these battles, and I’ll be ready for him next week.”
Despite the defeat, the mood in the Arsenal camp remains composed. “We were frustrated, of course,” Saka admitted. “But the message is clear—stay calm. This tie is far from over.”
With Dembélé potentially missing the second leg through injury, Arsenal’s task may have gotten slightly easier. But Saka knows it’s up to him and his teammates to seize their moment in Paris.
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