According to Crickex Login, Arsenal’s recent UEFA Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain, held at the Emirates, was expected to be a high-stakes showdown. Yet the match turned out far less dramatic than anticipated, with the Gunners securing a relatively easy win as PSG failed to mount serious pressure. Mikel Arteta, backed by a roaring home crowd, received widespread praise—particularly for his side’s creative set-piece routines, which proved both effective and entertaining.

Arteta and his coaching staff have clearly done their homework behind the scenes. Crickex Login noted that his reputation as a “disciple of Guardiola” is well earned. Although Arsenal’s first goal came from a swift counterattack, the combination of Trossard’s penetrating run and Havertz’s well-timed movement showed elements of structured planning, almost like a set-play in motion. The second goal, in fact, did come directly from a set piece, further confirming Arteta’s tactical precision.

Beyond the goals themselves, Arsenal impressed with a diverse array of corner and free-kick strategies—ranging from traditional high crosses to quick deliveries, decoy runs, and elaborate hand-signal routines. It was a showcase of Arteta’s attention to detail and his value as a tactician. More importantly, Arsenal maintained a cohesive structure throughout the game, setting them apart from a disjointed PSG side overly reliant on individual brilliance.

Arsenal’s success largely stemmed from their central midfield’s ability to distribute the ball efficiently and generate space on the flanks. While the trio of Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, and Mikel Merino may not match Martin Ødegaard’s creativity, their solid link-up play and forward distribution were enough to create consistent opportunities against PSG’s midfield of Ugarte, Neves, and Vitinha. Their passes helped Saka and Martinelli gain acceleration down the wings, providing the foundation for Arsenal’s dominance.

Additionally, the forward trio—Martinelli, Saka, and Trossard—contributed defensively, tracking back deep to prevent the kind of tactical disconnect Arsenal suffered in previous matches without Ødegaard. This improved fluidity helped them recapture their familiar rhythm. In contrast, PSG’s attacks were largely dependent on isolated efforts from players like Barcola and Zaïre-Emery, while Lee Kang-in failed to make an impact. Vitinha, so often a standout in Ligue 1, looked a shadow of himself. Coach Luis Enrique offered little in the way of solutions.

However, Arsenal are not without flaws. Crickex Login observed that without Ødegaard, the team still struggles to generate top-tier creativity. Even more pressing is their lack of reliable finishers. Martinelli’s poor shooting form exposed this issue further. With Gabriel Jesus lacking trust from the manager, Arsenal’s offensive hopes rest on flashes of brilliance from Havertz or dribbling bursts from Trossard—neither of whom are natural center-forwards.

Arteta may need to face the music in the next transfer window: Arsenal must recruit a proven striker if they hope to compete for Europe’s top honors. Their system is strong, their buildup is elite, but as the old saying goes, “You can’t win if you don’t score.”