One goal difference: But why did Arsenal lose at home?

Arsenal’s Champions League dream remains alive, but the path to Munich now demands something exceptional.

A 1-0 home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their semi-final has left Mikel Arteta’s side with work to do. Ousmane Dembele’s fourth-minute strike was the difference on the night, and while Arsenal avoided collapse, they never truly imposed themselves.

Arteta was quick to remind everyone: “We’re at half-time. We have to go to Paris and win the game. We are more than capable of doing it.”

But this was no vintage Arsenal display. PSG dominated the early stages with startling ease, moving the ball with confidence and pressing with intent. For 20 minutes, Arsenal barely laid a glove on them.

“They had efficiency in front of goal. The keeper as well made a difference,” said Arteta. “The margins are so small.”

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both had clear-cut chances to level, while Mikel Merino had a goal ruled out. Yet the finishing touch was absent, and Gianluigi Donnarumma stood firm when called upon.

“The performance had phases,” Arteta said. “There was one issue we corrected after 15-20 minutes, and that turned the game around.”

He did not reveal what tactical tweak was made, but Arsenal gradually grew into the contest. Bukayo Saka began to threaten, and the crowd responded. Still, Arsenal needed more.

Controversy hovered, too. Achraf Hakimi avoided a second booking after a clear foul on Martinelli, and Saka was denied a one-on-one opportunity by a questionable whistle.

“The referee’s decisions were so clear,” said Arteta. “I don’t think I have to give my thoughts.”

Despite the frustration, Arteta insisted the tie is far from over. “To reach a Champions League final, you have to do something special. The time to do it is in Paris.”

He will likely be boosted by the return of Thomas Partey, whose absence was felt in midfield. Arsenal missed his composure under pressure.

PSG had late chances to kill the tie, with Goncalo Ramos and Bradley Barcola both wasting clear opportunities. That they did not may be Arsenal’s greatest relief.

A single goal separates the teams. One perfect night in Paris could change everything.

As Arteta said: “We have a lot of chances to be in that final. But now, we have to make it happen.”

Will they? The answer lies in Paris.

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