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Arsenal Player Ratings vs PSG: Odegaard Goes Missing as Dembele’s Strike Stuns Gunners
Paris Saint-Germain grabbed a vital 1-0 away win over Arsenal in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium on April 29, 2025. Ousmane Dembele’s fourth-minute goal, assisted by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, was enough to give the French side the edge heading into the second leg.
Despite a strong second-half response from the Gunners, poor finishing and lack of creativity in midfield cost them dearly. Let’s take a look at how each Arsenal player performed on the night.
🧤 Goalkeeper & Defense
David Raya – 6/10
Made key saves to keep Arsenal in the game. Handled PSG’s pace well, but couldn’t do anything about Dembele’s early strike.
Jurrien Timber – 5/10
Struggled against Kvaratskhelia in the opening minutes. Settled later but lacked composure under pressure.
William Saliba – 6/10
Solid in the second half. Intervened smartly on a few dangerous PSG attacks but looked shaky in possession.
Jakub Kiwior – 5/10
Had a tough time dealing with Dembele’s speed and dribbling. Couldn’t impose himself defensively.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6/10
A promising performance from the youngster. Showed maturity in a high-pressure game.
⚙️ Midfield
Declan Rice – 5/10
Caught out early, backing off Dembele in the build-up to the goal. Recovered some form in the second half but the damage was done.
Mikel Merino – 5/10
Struggled to influence the game. Had a goal ruled out for offside and couldn’t impose himself in midfield.
Martin Odegaard – 4/10
A forgettable night for the Arsenal captain. Failed to create chances and was invisible for large periods.
🔥 Attack
Bukayo Saka – 6/10
Looked like the only Arsenal forward trying to make something happen. Lacked support from teammates.
Leandro Trossard – 5/10
Too slow in his decision-making. Had a good chance to equalize but was denied by Donnarumma.
Gabriel Martinelli – 5/10
Showed glimpses of pace but lacked end product. Missed an opportunity late in the first half.
🔄 Substitutes & Manager
Ben White – N/A
Came on too late to make any real impact.
Ethan Nwaneri – N/A
No time to influence proceedings.
Mikel Arteta – 5/10
Tactical setup failed early. Arsenal lacked urgency until after halftime. Needs a much stronger plan for the second leg.
⚽ What’s Next?
Arsenal face Bournemouth in the Premier League on May 3, 2025. But all eyes will be on the return leg in Paris on May 7, where the Gunners must overturn a 1-0 deficit to keep their Champions League dream alive.
