Saliba Admits Struggle to Contain Dembele as Arsenal Plots UCL Comeback Against PSG
As Arsenal prepares for a high-stakes second leg showdown in Paris, defender William Saliba has opened up about the challenge of marking Ousmane Dembele, who proved to be the game-changer in Paris Saint-Germain’s 1-0 win at the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking to Canal Plus, Saliba didn’t shy away from praising the French forward’s performance, admitting that Dembele's constant movement caused significant disruption:
“Dembele is everywhere, he is moving around a lot. It’s difficult to mark him,” Saliba confessed. “We got eaten a little at the start… we must not give up, a lot of things can happen.”
Dembele’s early goal sealed PSG’s slim advantage, but his influence extended beyond the scoreboard. His relentless runs, wide play, and dribbling flair exposed Arsenal’s defensive frailties in the first half. Unfortunately for PSG, Dembele is now a doubt for the return leg due to a minor hamstring injury, casting some uncertainty on their attacking options at the Parc des Princes.
⚽ Opinion: Arsenal Needs More Than Belief — They Need Boldness
While Saliba’s words show humility and respect for PSG’s quality, Arsenal must offer more than cautious optimism if they hope to turn this tie around. The Gunners were flat-footed early on, and against a team like PSG — especially one that thrives on transition and individual brilliance — any hesitation gets punished.
The second leg in Paris won’t just test Arsenal’s tactics or talent — it’ll test their character. Can they shake off the pressure of a narrow deficit and bring the attacking firepower to upset the Parisians on their home turf?
With Dembele potentially out, the time may be now — but only if Arsenal shows grit, courage, and the clinical edge that’s required on European nights.
📣 What’s your score prediction for the return leg?
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