Former Arsenal F.C. star Paul Merson has warned Paris Saint-Germain F.C. that stopping Arsenal from scoring first will be crucial in Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final in Budapest.

The highly anticipated showdown will see Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal attempt to win Europe’s biggest club trophy for the first time in their history against the defending champions.

Writing in his column for Sportskeeda, Merson explained that Arsenal become extremely difficult to break down once they take the lead in matches, making the opening goal potentially decisive.

According to him, PSG possess a superior attacking frontline compared to Arsenal, but allowing the Gunners to gain an early advantage could completely change the tactical flow of the game.

Merson also pointed to PSG’s disciplined defensive display against FC Bayern Munich in the previous round as proof that the French champions are capable of balancing attacking quality with defensive organization.

The former England international believes Arsenal may struggle to match PSG’s firepower in open attacking situations, despite the Gunners’ impressive season under Mikel Arteta.

Opinion: Merson’s Warning Highlights the Biggest Tactical Battle of the Final

Paul Merson may have simplified the game into “who scores first,” but his point actually reflects something tactically important about this Arsenal side.

Under Arteta, Arsenal have become one of Europe’s best teams at controlling matches after taking the lead. Their structure, pressing, and defensive discipline make them extremely difficult to chase once they settle into rhythm.

That is why PSG’s approach in the opening stages could define the entire final.

If Paris Saint-Germain F.C. score first, the game likely becomes stretched and more open — exactly the type of match their explosive front three would prefer. But if Arsenal take the lead, PSG could find themselves facing a compact and emotionally charged team protecting a historic advantage.

Merson’s other point about PSG’s attacking superiority is also difficult to ignore. On paper, PSG arguably possess more individual match-winners in the final third. However, finals are rarely won purely through attacking talent alone.

Arsenal’s strength this season has been balance. They defend collectively, press intelligently, and manage momentum well. Those qualities often become more important than flair during high-pressure finals.

Ultimately, the final may come down to mentality as much as tactics. Arsenal are chasing history, while PSG are trying to prove their European dominance is sustainable. That emotional contrast could make this one of the most fascinating Champions League finals in recent years.