Ian Wright questions Arsenal’s approach after shock PSG loss at Emirates

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has voiced his frustration over the Gunners’ tactical approach in their 1-0 Champions League semi-final first-leg loss to Paris Saint-Germain, admitting he was “very surprised” by how Mikel Arteta’s side began the match.

Arsenal Legend Ian Wright: “We Should’ve Pressed PSG, Not Sat Back”

Ousmane Dembele’s early strike inside four minutes at the Emirates proved decisive, giving Luis Enrique’s PSG a narrow advantage heading into the second leg in Paris.

While the tie is far from over, Arsenal now face an uphill battle to secure a spot in the Champions League final for just the second time in their history.

Speaking on his popular Wrighty’s House podcast, Wright expressed disappointment at Arsenal’s cautious start.

“I don’t want to be negative about the team, but I’m very surprised by the start of the game,” Wright admitted.

“I wasn’t expecting that start. To be honest, I was expecting PSG to back off, but it was the opposite. We should have been pressing them, but it didn’t happen. That’s the disappointing thing.”

Wright believes Arsenal missed a huge opportunity to capitalise on the home atmosphere and put PSG under immediate pressure.

“We didn’t take advantage of the crowd, who were ready to scream and shout. I think we got away with it, really, because we didn’t start like I thought we would,” he continued.

“I would love to hear Mikel Arteta’s post-match interview because I want to hear what he says about the start.

I cannot fathom that you have a team like PSG come to your place and your tactics are to sit off them and let them play out from the back and ease across the halfway line.”

Despite the setback, Arsenal remain firmly in the contest. Arteta himself acknowledged after the game that something special will be required in the return leg.

“If you want to win the Champions League, you have to do something special,” the Arsenal boss said.

“We’re going to have to do something special in Paris to be there.”

With everything to play for, Arsenal fans will be hoping the Gunners heed Wright’s call and come out firing in the decisive second leg