Terrified PSG fans expect Arsenal to win by ‘kicking the ball off our players on purpose’ as ultimate weakness exposed
WORRIED Paris Saint-Germain fans have identified an area of weakness that Arsenal may look to exploit this evening.
The French champions have travelled to London ahead of their Champions League clash with the Gunners.
Luis Enrique‘s side head to Arsenal having made a productive start to the campaign.
PSG are top of Ligue 1, ahead of Monaco on goal difference, having earned five wins and a draw from their opening six games.
They also got off to a winning start in the Champions League, having beaten Girona 1-0 a fortnight ago courtesy of Paulo Gazzaniga’s late own goal.
Despite being unbeaten so far this campaign, plenty of PSG fans hold concerns ahead of this evening’s big test at Arsenal.
Having watched the Gunners in action, several PSG supporters are worried about set pieces.
One wrote on social media: “I fully expect Arsenal to kick the ball off our players on purpose for corners.
“This is not a game. Every player we have over 6 foot needs to be starting.”
While a second speculated that Enrique could opt to field Fabian Ruiz and Randal Kolo Muani due to their height.
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A further social media user commented: “5-1 for Arsenal including 4 goals from corners.”
And an Arsenal fan added: “PSG have one of the shortest teams in Europe while Arsenal have one of the tallest group of players in Europe.
“We are going to have a meal from corners tomorrow.”
PSG’s commanding 6ft 5in goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has missed their last three games with a thigh injury – but has travelled to London and was seen training at the Emirates last night.
Ousmane Dembele has not made the trip to London, however, after being dropped by Enrique for disciplinary reasons.
Goncalo Ramos, meanwhile, has been missing since undergoing ankle surgery in August.
In their 3-1 win over Rennes at the weekend, PSG started a speedy front three comprised of Dembele, Lee Kang-in and red-hot Bradley Barcola.
With Dembele out, 6ft 2in Kolo Muani could start – which would give the French side more presence at set plays.
Ironically, given fans’ concerns, PSG have not yet conceded a goal from a set-piece this season.
Lille came close in their 3-1 defeat to the champions, but Tiago Santos’ close range finish was disallowed for a narrow offside.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have been deadly from set pieces since coach Nicolas Jover was appointed to Mikel Arteta‘s backroom staff.
They scored their latest goal from a corner on Saturday, their crucial third against Leicester.
While they also claimed goals from a similar route in recent big matches against Manchester City and Tottenham.