Arsenal legend pinpoints the changes Gunners should make for second leg with PSG | OneFootball

Arsenal invincible Ray Parlour says Thomas Partey should come back into the midfield for the Champions League semi-final second leg with PSG – and thinks playing Mikel Merino up front could help Mikel Arteta’s side get back into the tie.

The Gunners were beaten 1-0 in the first leg at the Emirates after Ousmane Dembele’s early strike handed the French champions victory.

But midfield ever-present Partey was forced to miss the game through suspension, with Arteta opting to drop Merino back into his more familiar midfield role as a result, as opposed to playing as a striker.

And Parlour, who won three Premier League titles with the club, has confidence that the return of Partey will allow Arsenal to improve in the second leg.

“Arsenal got into the game after around 20 mins in the first leg and with Partey back, It’s so important Arsenal win the midfield duels and get on the ball,” he said, speaking on behalf of NetBet Online Casino.

“Scoring first in Paris is vital for Arsenal and in Saka and Martinelli, they have the tool to do this. Merino as number nine 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. You look at Arsenal’s away record in Europe this season and it is pretty good. Winning in Madrid and heavily against PSV.

“They have nothing to fear and also from set pieces Arsenal can look to capitalise. It’s a very tough ask, but providing Arsenal can gain some control of the game in midfield, stop Vitinha dictating the game, then they can create chances to score.

“Being clinical is key as well. There won’t be loads of chances, so the one’s Arsenal can get, they have to look to score from.”

Reflecting on the first-leg defeat, Parlour also believes there was not much difference between the two sides.

“Arsenal missed Thomas Partey’s presence in the centre of midfield,” he said.

“They struggled to cope early on with the way PSG pressed and won back possession quickly. After conceding such an early goal, Arsenal had to adjust their football, which they did and credit to Mikel Arteta, they created a couple of good chances and on another day draw or win the game.”