Ray Parlour challenges two Arsenal stars to lead fightback against PSG

Ray Parlour believes Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will be key if Arsenal are to turn their fortunes around in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final with PSG.

The Gunners trail 1-0 in the tie after Ousmane Dembele scored the only goal of the game in the sides’ first meeting at a subdued Emirates.

While the French champions were the deserved victors a week ago, Arsenal had chances to draw level, with Martinelli and Leandro Trossard denied by an inspired Gianluigi Donnarumma either side of half-time.

Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos both squandered opportunities of their own to increase the deficit in the closing stages, leaving the contest finely poised ahead of tonight’s clash in Paris.

PSG’s match-winner in the first leg, Dembele, had been a doubt after hobbling off the field with a hamstring problem midway through the second half in north London.

But the forward – PSG’s top goalscorer this season – appears to have shaken off the injury and Luis Enrique has confirmed he is available to feature at the Parc des Princes.

Arsenal, meanwhile, will be boosted by the return of Thomas Partey, who missed the first leg through suspension after picking up a late booking in the club’s quarter-final win at Real Madrid.

Previewing this evening’s showdown, ex-Arsenal and England midfielder Parlour told EPL Index: ‘Arsenal missed Thomas Partey’s presence in the centre of midfield.

‘They struggled to cope early on with the way PSG pressed and won back possession quickly.

‘The closing down throughout the game should have been better. I think they gave PSG too much respect and as mentioned, Partey was a big miss as it meant Declan Rice’s game changed and also [Mikel] Merino’s game too.

‘Merino has been doing a good job as the No.9 which worked well in both Madrid games.’

According to Parlour, Arsenal’s recent matches have exposed the club’s lack of strength in depth – something he feels must be addressed in the summer transfer window.

‘If you look at Arsenal’s team, you are missing the spine of the team in Gabriel [Magalhaes], Partey and [Kai] Havertz, but they will have Partey back, who can get Arsenal having more control of the game,’ he added.

‘Arsenal had a lack of real attacking options off the bench and this is where they will look to add to their squad over the summer with more quality in that area.’

Parlour remains optimistic that Arsenal possess the necessary ‘tools’ in their attack to mount a comeback in the French capital

‘Scoring first in Paris is vital for Arsenal and in Saka and Martinelli, they have the tools to do this,’ he continued.

‘Merino as No.9 will also help and he can cause PSG problems. It’s not over, but it’s key that Arsenal don’t concede early and can grow into the game in Paris.’

A meeting with Inter Milan awaits the winner of PSG’s semi-final with Arsenal after the Serie A champions saw off Barcelona in an all-time classic at the San Siro on Tuesday.

Barca appeared on course for this year’s final as they held a 3-2 lead on the night, with two minutes of added time remaining in Milan.

But Francesco Acerbi had other ideas, forcing extra-time with a thunderous strike in the 93rd minute, before Davide Frattesi netted to make it 7-6 on aggregate in the Italians’ favour.

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