Micah Richards urges Arteta to make a Champions League decision as Arsenal seek a tactical edge against PSG.
Former Manchester City defender and football pundit Micah Richards has called on Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to make a bold Champions League decision by giving young midfielder Ethan Nwaneri more playing time in their crucial Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Richards believes that Nwaneri, an 18-year-old academy graduate, has the ability to make a significant impact on the game. In the first leg at the Emirates, Arsenal suffered a 1-0 defeat after Ousmane Dembélé scored the only goal of the match. Despite Arsenal creating chances through Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma denied them, leaving the Gunners trailing in the tie.
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Arteta made his first substitution in the 83rd minute, bringing on Ben White for the injured Jurrien Timber. Nwaneri was introduced in the 89th minute, replacing captain Martin Ødegaard, but had little time to influence the game, Micah Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, emphasized that Nwaneri’s unpredictability and quality could be key for Arsenal in Paris.
Richards also highlighted the return of Thomas Partey, who was suspended for the first leg, as a crucial factor for Arsenal’s approach. He believes Partey’s presence will allow Declan Rice to play further up the pitch, giving Arsenal more attacking options.
“If the game is still 0-0 after 60 minutes, then Arsenal have got a real chance, but we know the quality of PSG,” Richards stated. He stressed that Arsenal must remain disciplined in the early stages of the match and avoid going all-out in attack too soon.
Richards also pointed out that Arsenal have missed Gabriel Magalhães, whose leadership and confidence have been vital in big matches. While Jakub Kiwior has performed well, Richards believes Gabriel’s absence could be a disadvantage against PSG’s attacking firepower.
With PSG considered favorites, Arsenal will need to be at their best to overturn the deficit and secure a place in the final against Inter Milan, who recently defeated Barcelona in a thrilling encounter.
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