Arsenal can be proud of performance despite PSG defeat

Arsenal were knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday night following a 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, condemning them to yet another season with silverware.

PSG ended up with a 2-0 lead on the night and a David Raya penalty save and a late goal for Bukayo Saka were not enough to drag the Gunners back into the tie. Their showing in the first-leg hindered them as despite the defeat, their performance in Paris was far better and they did look like they could have nicked it early on.

Mikel Arteta's side caused their hosts plenty of problems from the off and it was evident they had the desire to come away from the French capital with a victory. It wasn't to be for Arsenal, but their performance at the Parc des Princes showed resilience and fight so they can be proud of their efforts in the semi-final.

Arsenal can be proud of performance despite PSG defeat

After losing the first-leg 1-0, Arsenal went into the game knowing they needed a win and they put on a good show from kick off. They went close to bringing the tie level multiple times inside the opening 10 minutes and their frantic pressing caused problems for PSG as the half dragged on.

After the hosts went one up on the night, the Gunners halted their approach slightly but continued to make life a tad difficult for the Parisians. Thomas Partey's constant long throws into the box were a source of creativity for Arteta's side, but they also faded as the game progressed.

Arsenal looked impressive in their build-up play at times and when out of possession they put plenty of pressure on the hosts, often forcing them to make mistakes and hand the ball back to those in red and white.

While their play was impressive, their failure to finish chances pointed once again to their biggest problem in attack. As has been the case for much of the season, the Gunners looked incapable of scoring and while Gianluigi Donnarumma stepped up with some huge saves, you can't help but feel with a genuine striker up top, there could have been a trip to Munich on the cards for Arsenal.

An xG of 3.42 and just a Bukayo Saka tap-in to show for it to does not bode well for Arteta's side, but it makes it so clear what the team is missing.

Regardless, Arteta could only make use of the players available to him and with that, I think he and his team did a good job of causing problems in Paris. Of course, you can't dwell on the fact the Gunners nearly did it but there were positives to take. Rarely does a team travel to PSG and make them look as nervy as they did at times last night.

This Arsenal team showed with their determination and fight at the Parc des Princes that they are always willing to go until the very end. Arteta is very close to completing his 'dream team' and with him calling for his players to bounce back stronger, there will still be a sense of pride in the dressing room and a feeling that they can return with a vengeance.

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