Arsenal player ratings vs PSG: Martin Odegaard quiet as Jakub Kiwior struggles in defeat | OneFootball

Bright displays from Bukayo Saka and Myles Lewis-Skelly not enough to avoid defeat in Champions League semi-final first leg

Night to forget: Martin Odegaard could not influence the game for Arsenal in his usual fashion against PSG

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Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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Arsenal suffered defeat in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain.

The French champions dominated much of the first half, but Arsenal fought back and Mikel Merino had a goal ruled out for offside after the break.

The Gunners must now go to Paris next week and overturn a one-goal deficit if they are to reach a first Champions League final in 19 years.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 7

Made a great save in the first half to deny Desire Doue when PSG were in the ascendancy. Felt like a big moment in the tie.

Jurrien Timber 6

Hard to remember a time he was troubled more this season than by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the opening 30 minutes. Recovered, though, and improved as the game went on.

William Saliba 7

Helped Arsenal weather the early PSG storm and made a brilliant tackle in the second half when Achraf Hakimi looked certain to score.

Jakub Kiwior 6

The weaker of Arsenal’s two centre-backs. Struggled at times when Dembele pulled him out of position with his pace and movement.

Myles Lewis-Skelly 7

Easy to forget he only made his Champions League debut against PSG back in October. Looked at home on the big stage and settled Arsenal down by tucking into midfield.

Martin Odegaard 5

Could not get into the game as much as he would have wanted to, especially when Arsenal needed a goal. A frustrating night for the Gunners captain.

Declan Rice 7

Arguably out of position for Dembele’s early goal, however his influence grew as the game wore on. Made some great driving runs with the ball.

Mikel Merino 6

Shifted into midfield in the absence of the suspended Thomas Partey. Headed home from Rice’s free-kick, but it was ruled out for offside.

Bukayo Saka 7

Quiet in the opening stages, but played a big role in helping Arsenal shift momentum their way before the break. Arsenal’s best attacker.

Leandro Trossard 6

Picked to start up front after Merino was moved to midfield. Denied a goal by a stunning save from Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Gabriel Martinelli 6

Went close to scoring twice in the first half as he was inches away from turning home a Saka cross and then Donnarumma denied him with a smart save.

Substitutions

Ben White (Timber 83’) N/A

Ethan Nwaneri (Odegaard 90’) N/A