William Saliba Admits Arsenal Struggled to Contain PSG Star

Ousmane Dembélé PSG performance: Arsenal’s William Saliba acknowledges that the team struggled to cope with Ousmane Dembele in their 1-0 Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal defender William Saliba has admitted that his team found it difficult to stop Ousmane Dembélé during their Champions League semi-final clash against PSG, citing Ousmane Dembélé PSG performance. The French winger was a constant threat, playing a key role in his side’s 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Dembélé struck early, scoring in the fourth minute, giving PSG a crucial advantage ahead of the second leg at the Parc des Princes. His relentless movement and attacking presence caused constant problems for Arsenal’s defense, with Saliba admitting that the Gunners were caught off guard in the opening stages.

Dembélé struck early, scoring in the fourth minute, giving PSG a crucial advantage ahead of the second leg at the Parc des Princes. His relentless movement and attacking presence caused constant problems for Arsenal’s defense, with Saliba admitting that the Gunners were caught off guard in the opening stages.

“We’re a little disappointed to have lost and to have conceded a goal very early on,” Saliba told Canal+. “We made up for it a little after that, but we suffered a lot in the first 20 minutes. We played better in the second half.”

Despite Arsenal’s struggles, they had opportunities to equalize, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard testing PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who delivered a man-of-the-match performance to preserve his side’s lead.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 29: Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint Germain during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Emirates Stadium on April 29, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

Saliba pointed to Dembélé as a standout performer for PSG, though the winger’s availability for the second leg remains uncertain due to a hamstring injury.

“Dembélé is everywhere, he’s moving around a lot. It’s difficult to mark him,” Saliba told Canal+. “We can do better with the first goal. We’ll take the positives and go beat them there. We’ll have to show that we have character.” close to extending their lead, with Bradley Barcola and Gonçalo Ramos narrowly missing chances. However, the French champions will be content with their away win, especially after eliminating Liverpool and Aston Villa in earlier rounds.

Arsenal now face the daunting task of turning the tie around in Paris as they bid to reach their first Champions League final since 2006.

Will Arsenal manage to stage a comeback, or will PSG hold their ground? The second leg promises to be a thrilling encounter.

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