Context:

Mikel Arteta aims to overturn Arsenal's 1-0 deficit against PSG in the Champions League semi-finals through tactical adjustments and player performance. Key to Arsenal's strategy is maintaining a 4-2-3-1 formation, which proved effective in countering PSG's initial dominance in the first leg. Arteta plans to deploy Martin Odegaard in a deeper role to enhance ball distribution and link-up play with Bukayo Saka, addressing previous issues with possession. Inspired by Aston Villa's aggressive play against PSG, Arsenal seeks to emulate their risk-taking approach to unsettle the opposition. Capitalizing on set-pieces, where Arsenal has excelled this season, is another critical component of Arteta's plan to secure victory in Paris.

Dive Deeper:

• Arteta's tactical shift to a 4-2-3-1 formation during the first leg allowed Arsenal to regain control by neutralizing PSG's midfield rotations, particularly targeting playmaker Vitinha.

• Martin Odegaard's positioning will be crucial; by playing deeper, he can better orchestrate Arsenal's attacking moves and link up with key players like Bukayo Saka, mitigating PSG's pressing strategy.

• Arsenal aims to replicate Aston Villa's successful aggressive tactics against PSG, leveraging players like Miles Lewis-Skelley and Declan Rice to disrupt PSG's defense and create scoring opportunities.

• Set-pieces are a significant focus for Arsenal, given their success rate in the Premier League and PSG's vulnerability to conceding goals from dead-ball situations, offering a potential path to scoring.

• The return of Thomas Partey is expected to strengthen Arsenal's midfield, providing the defensive acumen necessary to counteract PSG's attacking threats and support Arteta's strategic adjustments.

• PSG's history of collapses in high-stakes matches adds an element of psychological pressure, which Arsenal hopes to exploit by maintaining high intensity and taking calculated risks.

• Arteta's emphasis on correcting possession issues and ensuring Odegaard remains integral to Arsenal's build-up play aims to sustain the pressure on PSG and create a balanced territorial game.