Arsenal‘s 4-2 victory over Leicester City has drawn attention from French sports daily L’Equipe, who analysed the Gunners’ display ahead of their crucial Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain.
The French outlet highlighted both the diversity of Arsenal’s attack and the defensive lapses that might concern Mikel Arteta as they prepare to face Luis Enrique’s PSG.
A dominant yet nervy performance
On paper, Arsenal’s statistics against Leicester were overwhelming. The Gunners controlled 75% of possession, took 36 shots compared to Leicester’s five, and registered an expected goals (xG) tally of 3.79, a record for any Premier League team this season.
In contrast, Leicester managed only 0.27 xG, emphasising the one-sided nature of the game.
However, L’Equipe noted that despite Arsenal’s apparent dominance, they displayed vulnerabilities, particularly in the second half.
Despite going into the break 2-0 up, courtesy of goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, Arsenal found themselves pegged back by two goals from Leicester’s right-back James Justin, who struck twice – once with a header from a set-piece and then a stunning volley.
Defensive lapses: a cause for concern
One key area of concern for L’Equipe was the Arsenal defence, which has otherwise been resolute under Arteta.
They highlighted William Saliba’s unnecessary challenge on Jamie Vardy that led to the free-kick from which Justin scored Leicester’s first goal.
The French newspaper pointed out that moments like this could be exploited by PSG, especially with the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé poised to take advantage.
The attacking diversity Arsenal will bring against PSG
Despite the defensive shortcomings, L’Equipe was impressed with the offensive options at Arteta’s disposal. They noted that the victory over Leicester demonstrated Arsenal’s variety in attack, making them a dangerous opponent for PSG.
Arsenal’s wide options, with Bukayo Saka and Martinelli, provide relentless pace and trickery on the flanks, while the adaptability of Trossard and Kai Havertz, who can operate as false strikers, offers a dynamic attacking approach.
Trossard, who scored Arsenal’s second goal against Leicester and enabled the third, showed his ability to be decisive, while Havertz capitalised late to add Arsenal’s fourth.
The French outlet also emphasised Arsenal’s set-piece efficiency, which PSG will need to be wary of.
The third goal against Leicester, an own goal by Wilfred Ndidi, originated from a well-taken corner by Saka, further cementing Arsenal’s reputation in dead-ball situations.
This tactical variety makes Arsenal a formidable opponent in all phases of play, they note.
Arsenal’s focus ahead of the PSG clash
With this win, Arsenal remain in the Premier League title race, sitting in third place, just one point behind leaders Liverpool. The resilience shown by the Gunners to secure a win despite Leicester’s fightback will no doubt boost their confidence as they prepare for their encounter with PSG at the Emirates.
L’Equipe concluded that while Arsenal’s attack is a significant asset, their defensive concentration will be crucial against a PSG side renowned for their offensive talent.
The French giants will need to be cautious of Arsenal’s multi-faceted attack but will also be eyeing any defensive frailties that they can exploit.
The Champions League tie will be a significant test for Arsenal, but as L’Equipe observed, if they can maintain the attacking intensity shown against Leicester while tightening up defensively, they could pose a serious threat to PSG and lay down a marker in European football.