Alan Shearer Slams Arsenal Star After PSG Defeat

Shearer Arsenal Disappointment: Arsenal Struggles in Champions League Semi-Final First Leg

Alan Shearer shares his Disappointment in Arsenal star as they suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League semi-final first leg. The Gunners, who had been in fine form leading up to the clash, failed to create clear-cut opportunities and were left frustrated by a well-organized PSG defense.

While Arsenal showed moments of promise, they lacked cutting edge, particularly in midfield. Their captain, Martin Odegaard, was expected to be the driving force behind their attack but was unable to impose himself on the match—a fact that did not go unnoticed by former England striker Alan Shearer.

Following the match, Shearer was critical of Odegaard, stating that the Norwegian midfielder did not influence the game as expected. Speaking as part of his punditry duties, Shearer expressed frustration over Odegaard’s lack of decisive creativity in the final third.

“For a player of Odegaard’s quality, you expect him to take control in big games like this, but he was simply a disappointment tonight. He didn’t dictate the tempo or provide the moments of brilliance Arsenal needed,” Shearer remarked.

Despite Arsenal’s attacking intent, PSG’s defense remained firm, shutting down key attacking moves. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s lack of midfield control meant that their forwards, including Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, struggled to receive quality service.

PSG took an early advantage when Ousmane Dembélé found space inside the box and fired a clinical finish past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. Despite Arsenal’s best efforts to respond, PSG maintained their defensive discipline, frustrating Mikel Arteta’s side.

As the game progressed, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice tried to shift the momentum, but PSG’s midfield, led by Vitinha and Jao Neves, prevented Arsenal from settling into a rhythm.

Arsenal will now head into the second leg with the task of overturning the deficit at the Parc des Princes. The return of Thomas Partey from suspension could offer much-needed stability in midfield, helping Arsenal regain control of possession.

Additionally, Arteta may need to consider tactical adjustments to ensure Odegaard and other key players assert their dominance. Arsenal must be more clinical in the final third if they hope to advance to the Champions League final.