Arsenal vs PSG Preview: Heavyweight clash in North London

Emirates Stadium forms the backdrop for Tuesday’s mouth-watering Champions League encounter between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

Mikel Arteta’s men slumped on their European start as David Raya’s heroics between the sticks helped them hold Atalanta to a scoreless draw in Bergamo.

However, things are going smoothly in the Premier League after two unanswered goals in second-half stoppages saw the Gunners squeeze past Leicester City 4-2 at the weekend.

Arsenal must quickly turn their attention to the continental front, with high-flying PSG rolling into town on Tuesday.

In one of the most breathtaking fixtures, Arsenal’s clash with PSG is sure to be a highlight of football on TV, drawing fans from across the globe to witness a thrilling Champions League showdown.

Home fortress

Arteta’s charges have only lost two competitive matches at the Emirates in 2024, posting six victories in their last seven outings in North London (D1) since Aston Villa triumphed here in April.

They spiced that run up with a flurry of goals, netting at least two on six occasions, including nine in the last two, albeit against sub-par Bolton Wanderers and Leicester.

But the Gunners boast a formidable home record against French opposition, as they’ve only lost once in their last seven clashes against Ligue 1 visitors (W4, D2).

Arteta, who recently reiterated his love for Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola in an interview with the Irish Mirror, cannot take anything for granted.

In-form Opponents

If there’s any French team capable of knocking Arsenal off their perch, it’s PSG.

Despite keeping only two clean sheets this season, Les Parisiens head into proceedings unbeaten in all seven games (W6, D1) after a 3-1 home win against Rennes on Friday.

Unlike Arsenal, Luis Enrique’s team won their opening Champions League fixture, beating Girona 1-0 at home, courtesy of Paulo Gazzaniga’s unfathomable late mistake.

Tradition on Arsenal’s side

History backs Arsenal to protect their home fortress, but only barely.

The Gunners have avoided defeat in all four previous matches against PSG, though it’s worth noting that three ended all square.

A 2-1 home win in the 2007 Emirates Cup was the only exception in a relatively sparse history of this match-up.